Application of Mediation Procedures in the CIS Countries: Comparative Legal Analysis

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the consideration of mediation procedures regulation by the norms of the legislation of the CIS countries, the application of which depends on the will of the parties and entails a change in the general procedure for criminal proceedings. Their undoubted practical advantages are noted. Based on the comparative legal analysis, the norms of the legislation of all the CIS countries are examined, which regulate mediation procedures in criminal proceedings. Some features, advantages and disadvantages of such regulation are revealed. The author makes a conclusion on the importance given to mediation procedures, which have become an integral part of the legal system of the CIS countries, as well as on the similarity of many basic provisions regarding their regulation. It is noted that the legislation of all CIS countries contains mediation procedures based on the reconciliation of the parties and the active repentance of the person who committed the crime (with the exception of the Kyrgyzstan legislation). At the same time, similar conditions are provided for a decision on the release of a person from criminal liability, namely: the category of crime clearly defined by law, the consent of the suspect (accused) and compensation for the harm caused by the crime. It is noted that Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan have gained experience in successfully using mediation as a way to resolve conflicts in pre-trial order. According to the authors, such experience is appropriate and necessary to study and use in the process of improving domestic legislation.