The essence of the reasonable period of time of criminal proceedings

This article discusses the essence, the meaning and the significance of the reasonable period of time of criminal proceedings. The paper investigates in detail the scientists’ opinions on the issue of determination of the reasonable period of time of criminal proceedings. The author concludes that the reasonable period of time in criminal proceedings is an exception of excessive, unreasonable delay in criminal proceedings. This requirement is provided in the first instance by the legislator by establishing the optimal (appropriate) period of time of procedural activities, as well as by any authority (investigative authority, prosecutor, court) through timely and rapid proceedings for each specific criminal case.