Analysis of mediation in criminal proceedings in European countries

This article examines the institution of mediation, formed as an alternative to the classic criminal prosecution, which at the current stage of social development does not allow to fully effectively resolve the criminal law conflict and properly protect the rights of the victim. The article analyzes the conditions and procedures of mediation on the example of such European countries as: Austria, England, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, France, Czech Republic. The author came to the conclusion that the introduction of mediation in criminal court proceedings is a means to reduce the burden of courts, humanize criminal proceedings, as well as reduce criminal penalties and relieve the penal system. As the experience of European States shows, the introduction of mediation in national criminal judicial proceedings is a fairly long process, which is characterized by the gradual adoption of relevant legislation and the elimination of contradictions arising from traditional institutions of criminal judicial proceedings.