Author

Zamylin Ye.I.

Title of article

Perjury in criminal proceedings of Russia: the problems remain

Section

Section 6. Law enforcement policy

Issue, year

2 (32) 2015

Abstract

The continuing decline in the social prestige of testifying, the increase in cases of evasion of citizens from participation in criminal process are noted. Standing on somebody’s side when giving evidence, the person always affects other people’s fate, and often spoils relationships with them, making enemies; creates problems for himself (herself), his (her) family; spends personal time, participating in various actions and activities of law enforcement agencies. The meaning of fighting against perjury in criminal proceedings is difficult to overestimate. Deliberately false information contained in the testimony of those involved in the process of detection and investigation of crimes disorganizes the work of investigative bodies and the court, prevents the administration of justice, leads to violations of law. Countering the detection and investigation of crimes by false testimony is often the result of threats and violence against representatives of prosecution. Increasingly liberal attitude of the legislator to the possibility of losing important evidentiary information during clarifying the circumstances of the criminal case disturbs. To some extent, the legislator “encourages” witnesses and victims to counter investigation: contrary to common sense, the right to change the testimony is actually made very significant. Indifferent attitude of the court to the commission of such socially dangerous act when trying the criminal cases plays a negative role in this process. It creates preconditions for the emasculation of socially significant punitive function of criminal liability. As a rule, the ability to punish those who deliberately provide false information and refuse to testify has no real prospects.

Keywords

witness, victim, detection and investigation of crimes, post-criminal impact, mental and physical abuse, false testimony (perjury), refusal to testify, criminal liability.

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