The concept, features and functions of an electronic document in Russian legislation, science and criminal procedure

Introduction: the author analyzes legislative and scientific definitions of an electronic document, the content of this phenomenon and its specific features so as to develop her own definition that will meet the needs of criminal proceedings. Materials and methods: the criminal procedure legislation of Russia as well as legal acts containing the concept of an electronic document constitute the normative basis for the research. Besides, the work is based on theoretical views of scientists who offer their own definitions of the object under analysis. There have been used the following methods of scientific cognition in the research: dialectical, logical, description, comparison, analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction. The results of the study: the author has formulated the definition and revealed the features of an electronic document in regard to its criminal procedural functions (as a means to record the course and results of criminal procedure and as evidence in a criminal case). Findings and conclusions: the authors’ definitions of an electronic document will later make it possible to improve criminal procedure legislation through its more effective application.