Submission of items and documents as a way of gathering evidence in preliminary investigation of a criminal case

Abstract

This article is devoted to the consideration of the representation as a simpler, in comparison with investigative actions, a purely «technical» method of collecting objects and documents to be attached to a criminal case as material evidence, other documents, expert opinions, the results of operational investigative and administrative activities of law enforcement agencies for the purpose of subsequent use to substantiate enforcement decisions. Methodologically, starting from his previous scientific publications devoted to the issues of criminal procedural proof in general and the collection of evidence in particular, the author investigates the phenomenon of the presentation of objects and documents, defines the circle of subjects initiating this procedure, considers the procedure for its implementation, notes the shortcomings of its legislative regulation. Particular attention is paid to the practical issues of the presentation of objects and documents in pretrial proceedings in a criminal case. The most acceptable methods and applied technologies of acceptance and transfer of potential evidence presented to the bodies of inquiry and preliminary investigation by suspects, accused, victims are analyzed and other interested participants, materials of operational-search activities, as well as items and documents submitted by «third» parties, that is, various government bodies, local local governments, their officials, enterprises, institutions and individuals.