Essence, purpose and objectives of pre-trial investigation: theoretical and legal characteristics

Keywords: pre-trial investigation, criminal procedure, purpose, objectives of criminal proceedings.

Abstract

It has been proved that a pre-trial investigation can be defined in two ways: firstly, as a process defined in the provisions of the current criminal procedure legislation and implemented by specially authorized entities; secondly, as an activity aimed at collecting, verifying and evaluating evidence, in particular, establishing all the necessary objective circumstances of a criminal offence and the range of entities involved in it, which will allow the court to resolve the case fairly on the merits. It has been argued that pre-trial investigation is an important stage of criminal proceedings, which makes it possible not only to ensure and protect the rights, freedoms and interests of a person and a citizen, but also to simplify the work of the judicial system, make it more transparent and efficient. In addition, if the pre-trial investigation is conducted properly, it can increase public confidence in justice, as there will be a belief that the case is being handled objectively and fairly.

The following key tasks of the pre-trial investigation have been identified: to find out the circumstances of the criminal offence (time, place, method of its commission, information about the person who committed the crime); to collect evidence that undoubtedly proves that a particular person committed the crime (testimony, photo and video materials that can help establish the facts of the crime and identify the person who committed it); to establish the circle of suspects, etc. This involves identifying a range of potential suspects and conducting interrogations with them to establish their involvement in the crime; evaluating evidence, establishing its reliability and relevance to the case; making decisions on serving a notice of suspicion and referring the proceedings to court; making decisions on continuing the pre-trial investigation or terminating it; restoring the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of the victim, compensating for the damage caused, etc.

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Author Biographies

V. V. Matus, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs

Sumy Branch.
Department of Legal Disciplines (lecturer).

V. V. Ablamska, Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs

Scientific and Research Laboratory for the Support of Law Enforcement and the Quality of Personnel Training (Researcher).

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Published
2023-07-10
How to Cite
Matus, V. V. and Ablamska, V. V. (2023) “Essence, purpose and objectives of pre-trial investigation: theoretical and legal characteristics”, Bulletin of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, 101(2 (Part 2), pp. 231-238. doi: 10.32631/v.2023.2.52.
Section
Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics; Forensic Examination; OSA