The Impact of the Leading Digital Technologies on Criminal Proceedings: A Case of Video Conferencing

Abstract

Currently, the use of modern technologies in criminal proceedings is becoming developed. Their application can contribute to raising the quality of preliminary investigations and trials in criminal cases to a higher level. One of these modern technologies is videoconferencing, which will be replaced subsequently by web-conferences. Videoconferencing provides not only access to justice, but also contributes to the possibility of carrying out investigative and other procedural actions, making them safer and more comfortable. The use of videoconferencing can take place regardless of the distance at which the participants are located. At the same time, under conditions of internationalisation of criminal proceedings and the development of technologies, an appeal to universal procedural models at the international level is of particular interest. In this regard, the article discusses the use of videoconferencing in the system of international criminal justice. The authors propose a new way to assess the possibility of proof using videoconferencing. Proposals are made regarding the classification of evidence by relative strength, taking into account the use of videoconferencing systems, as well as proposals related to the improvement of existing institutes for regularising and promulgating the proper uses of criminal procedures and the emergence of new ones.