Which statement best describes the principle of subsidiarity in German search law?

• A. The measure must be the least intrusive
• B. The measure must be the most intrusive
• C. The measure must be proportional
• D. The measure must be legally authorized

Answer: (A)

Subsidiarity in German search law means choosing the least intrusive means that can still achieve the legitimate objective. If a milder step—such as a targeted data request or a narrowly scoped search—would obtain the needed evidence, that option should be used rather than a broader, more invasive raid. This principle protects privacy by preventing unnecessary intrusion and ensures enforcement actions stay proportionate to what is actually needed. While proportionality and legal authorization are part of the broader framework, subsidiarity specifically emphasizes minimizing intrusion when multiple viable approaches exist.