On the use of videoconferencing in pre-trial criminal proceedings

An urgent issue at the current stage of the development of criminal procedure is the use of videoconferencing in pre-trial criminal proceedings. The interest in this topic is caused both by the lack of legal regulation and ongoing discussions in the scientific community, as well as by the emerging and challenging situation with regard to the threat of coronavirus infection. In the context of the pandemic, the Court has acquired the right to conduct all criminal proceedings using videoconferencing systems, and investigators and interrogators are prevented from using remote technologies even during such an investigative action as an interrogation. This problem requires research and resolution by both scientists and legislators. Purpose: to analyze and develop scientific and legal foundations for the use of videoconferencing in pre-trial criminal proceedings. Methods: the author uses empirical methods of comparison, description, interpretation as well as theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic. Results: the study makes it possible to trace the gradual increase in the use of videoconferencing in criminal proceedings, to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the introduction of remote technologies at the preliminary investigation stage, to identify gaps in the legal regulation of this issue in criminal proceedings, to propose a solution to the problem taking into account the emerging judicial practice, and the legislation of a number of foreign countries.