Logical bases of pre-trial investigation planning

Abstract

The article reflects on the nature of pre-trial investigation planning, taking into account established views on the forensic version as the only logical basis for this process. The author notes that within the framework of modern criminalistics theory, the forensic version is almost unanimously regarded as the logical basis for investigation planning. A forensic version is an assumption, a hypothesis about certain facts or a group of facts that are relevant to criminal proceedings. However, during the preliminary investigation there is often a lack of information or no information at all. In order to obtain further information, investigative measures have to be planned. Therefore, it does not fully correspond to modern achievements in criminalistics to consider the version as the only logical basis for planning the preliminary investigation. In the traditional sense, the concept of a forensic version often complicates and/or makes it impossible to carry out effective planning due to the absence or contradiction of initial data. Finally, an attempt is made to substantiate other logical foundations of investigation planning, in particular tactical tasks and criminalistics search models. The article contains a schematic presentation of the peculiarities of the pre-trial investigation planning process when using different logical bases. It is also argued that the version is a universal means of cognition and is present in the planning of an investigation using both tactical tasks and the search model. This approach provides the investigator with more opportunities to form a system of measures in a particular criminal case, which increases the efficiency of pre-trial investigation planning and helps to save investigative efforts and resources. The proposals presented in this article do not claim to be safe and are an invitation to experts to discuss them.