The Use of Videoconference in Criminal Proceedings of Some Countries

Abstract

The positive experience of the use of videoconference in some countries and in the practice of the European Court of Human Rights considering special interest to hearing at a distance as a modern form of criminal proceedings have been analyzed.The provisions of these documents are allowed to hold hearing at a distance for ensuring the safety of criminal proceedings participants and for the international legal assistance. However, they do not fully regulate all aspects of the use of videoconference. This fact necessitates its сriminal procedural adjustment in the national legislation. The use of videoconference in national criminal proceedings and international legal assistance is an effective means. The benefits of the so-called «virtual court» are obvious, especially for criminal proceedings participants and state. This is evidenced by the positive experience of using videoconferencе in the USA, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and other countries.