The concept of preliminary investigation and its role in the criminal process in Russia

The research describes the concept of preliminary investigation and defines its role in the Russian criminal process. Based on the case law of the prosecution authorities, the author reveals the problem of uncertainty of the preliminary investigation being one of the key concepts of pre-trial proceedings in the context of the criminal procedure law. The paper analyzes and summarizes the various points of view on the subject matter expressed by appropriate proceduralists. It is concluded that preliminary investigation can be considered both as a stage of the criminal process and as a procedural activity of the authorized officials. The author presents the novel concept of preliminary investigation that should be included in the list of terms enshrined in Article 5 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation.