The institute of the use of electronic documents in criminal proceedings: prerequisites of formation and development

The article examines the prerequisites for the formation and features of the legal regulation of the use of electronic documents in criminal proceedings. The author points to the emergence of a holistic legal institution, provided by the rules governing electronic document management. The use of such documents at the pre-trial and judicial stages increases the efficiency of criminal proceedings and strengthens guarantees of the rights of participants. The importance of comprehensive conditions is noted, including legal (amendments to criminal procedure legislation, development of standards and regulations), technical (use of electronic document management technologies) and organizational (competence of law enforcement officers and access to materials in electronic format). Analyzing the legislation and taking into account the lack of proper technical capabilities and legal regulation for working with electronic documents in pre-trial proceedings, the author puts forward a proposal to develop an interdepartmental subordinate legislation.