Soviet and Post-Soviet Criminal Proceedings in Ukraine: Balancing between the Past and the Present

Abstract

Introduction. The article is devoted to the interdisciplinary study of the Soviet and post-Soviet criminal proceedings in Ukraine. It is important, balancing between the past and the present, to focus on the retrospective view of historical experience, as well as the strategic plan for the future. What progress we have made in this direction? Let’s try to find some answers. Purpose. The main research goal is the explication of the trajectory of the movement from the Soviet criminal process to its post-Soviet model, the creation of a new quality of pre-trial investigation and trial. Methods. The study is based on a systematic approach, historical and documentary methods, as well as logical tools (description, analysis, generalization, etc.). Results. The present study consists of three parts. The first part exposes the Soviet legal "behind the mirror" space − the narratives of scientists and the rules of procedural law, which have had quite progressive values and ideas. The second part explicates what was on the other side of the "mirror" − mass repressive criminal proceedings. Accordingly, the third part deals with the description of de-Sovietization process of the criminal proceedings in Ukraine, the overview of the trajectory of movement from ideologically biased, politically motivated criminal proceedings to criminal proceedings, based on the rule of law, respect for human dignity, rights and freedoms, equality and other principles of democracy. Conclusion. The criminal proceedings reform cannot be considered outside the general context of post-Soviet state-building. This process was controversial, not always correct and successful. Currently, many legal institutions have been abolished and new ones have appeared. But it is premature to believe that the goal of building our own quality model of criminal proceedings has been achieved