IMPROVEMENT OF THE PROCEDURE FOR THE TRIAL OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS WITHOUT THE PARTICIPATION OF THE ACCUSED IN CONNECTION WITH HIS REMOVAL FROM THE COURTROOM

Abstract

In the article, the author examines the theoretical and practical problems of the current state of legal regulation of the criminal procedural institution of the trial of criminal proceedings without the participation of the accused in connection with his removal from the courtroom temporarily or for the entire duration of the trial. On the basis of the analysis of the provisions of the current Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, the characteristic features of the corresponding legal concept were determined and it was distinguished from the in absentia criminal procedural form, although the presence of some common features was noted. The author stated the fact of a fairly superficial legal regulation of the procedure for removing the accused from the courtroom temporarily or for the entire duration of the trial and emphasized the significant discretionary powers of the presiding judge (college of judges) when deciding the relevant issue, which may lead to a violation of the rights and legitimate interests of the accused. In addition, the presence of only one reason for the removal of the accused from the courtroom temporarily or for the entire duration of the trial is substantiated – violation of order in the courtroom, since disobedience to the order of the presiding judge is fully covered by the category of "maintaining order in the courtroom." In order to improve the legal regulation of the relevant criminal procedural institution, it is proposed to supplement the provisions of the current Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, in particular, regarding the possibility to remove the accused from the courtroom for the first time only temporarily (until the stage of court debates). The need to establish "boundaries" of temporary removal (calendar period, number of court hearings, etc.) is emphasized. Repeated removal of the accused is possible both temporarily and for the entire duration of the trial at the discretion of the court. It is proposed to provide an opportunity for the accused, who has been removed from the courtroom, to view the video recording of court sessions online or in the recording in order to fully inform him about the consideration of the relevant criminal proceedings, which will ensure the availability of additional guarantees of protection of his rights and interests in criminal proceedings.