The concept of evidence obtained from electronic correspondence

Abstract

Abstract This article addresses cross-border cooperation between Polish law enforcement authorities and those of other European Union Member States in obtaining electronic evidence in criminal matters. It discusses provisions such as Article 589g § 1, Article 589l § 1, Article 589w § 4, and Article 589ze § 10 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP), focusing on defining electronic evidence. Currently, there are no legal definitions for these terms. The article posits that the existing definitions of electronic evidence are imprecise and lead to interpretational doubts. Therefore, it is crucial to organise the conceptual framework in the CCP by creating new definitions or clarifying existing ones. The analysis incorporates the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2023/1543 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 on European Prod uction Orders and European Preservation Orders for electronic evidence in criminal proceedings and the execution of custodial sentences following criminal proceedings.