The Essence of Technical Means and Regulation of Their Use in Criminal Proceedings of the Russian Federation

The article analyzes the essence of the term “technical means” in order to form the definition of the notion in the field of criminal proceedings. Attention is drawn to the absence of the official definition, on the basis of which it is concluded that there is some gap in regulatory matters connected with the subject. At the same time, it is summarized that the universal definition of the notion “technical means” for regulatory purposes is not required because it will create obstacles to its correct perception and implementation. The current legislation reveals this terminology in relation to various spheres of human activity. It is observed that criminal proceedings are currently at the stage of digitalization, which is designed to increase the effectiveness of those power entities’ activities. The article identifies a variety of possibilities for the use of technical means in criminal proceedings based on the analysis of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, which regulates the rules of their use in various situations arising during the preliminary investigation of the trial. The author examines the list of subjects entitled to use technical means, indicating that the legislator has approached the regulation of this issue quite selectively. The criteria of the admissibility of the use of technical means in criminal proceedings are investigated. Taking into account the problems solved with the use of technical means in criminal proceedings, the author's definition of their essence is proposed.

1. Белкин Р. С. Курс криминалистики : учебное пособие для вузов : в 3 т. – 3-е изд. – Т. 1. – М. : Юнити, 2001.

2. Иванов В. В., Цой В. А. Понятие, виды и правила применения технических средств в уголовном процессе // Технологии в инфосфере. – 2021. – Т. 2. – № 4 (5). – С. 109–124.

3. Ищенко Е. П., Топорков А. А. Криминалистика. – М. : Контракт-Инфра-М, 2006.

4. Литвин И. И. Технические и электронные средства в уголовном судопроизводстве: понятие, место и роль // Юридические исследования. – 2017. – № 1. – С. 98–104.

5. Селиванов H. A. Советская криминалистика: система понятий. – М. : Юридическая литература, 1982.

6. Федюнин А. Е. Правовое регулирование применения технических средств в сфере уголовного судопроизводства : дис. ... д-ра юрид. наук. – М., 2008.