DOI: 10.7256/2409-7136.2017.5.22630

Abstract: The paper analyzes the standards of proof applied at the pre-trial phase of proceedings in international criminal courts and tribunals. The author raises the problem of differences in the procedures of various international institutions of criminal justice at the pre-trial phase of the proceedings; reviews the set of standards of “prima facie proof” and “reasonable grounds to believe”; considers the requirements for issuing the arrest warrant and preliminary confirmation of a letter of accusation. The proof standards analysis is based on the practice of international criminal courts and tribunals. The research methodology is based on general scientific methods of cognition: structural-logical, formal-logical, dialectical, deductive, inductive, system analysis, and specific methods: historical-legal, logical-legal, comparative-legal, formal-legal, and the system-structural approach. The key research methods are analysis and comparative analysis: the author analyzes judicial practice of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Court. The author approves the thesis that further development of regulation of proof standards, applied at the pre-trial phase, will help develop an effective mechanism of protection of rights of the accused and raise requirements to prosecutor’s investigation. The author formulates the essence of proof standards, applied at the present time in different institutions of international criminal justice, and suggests regulating the time limit for detention prior to confirmation of accusation at the pre-trial phase of the procedure. The formulated essence of proof standards can be used in discussions about the possible adaptation of proof standards to the realities of Russian procedural law and for preparation and submission of procedural documents in international institutions of criminal justice. 

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0633.2017.1.21543

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the analysis of standards of proof applicable to the pre-trial process in the proceedings in the International Criminal Court as an example the case «The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo». The author reviews the stages of preparation of the case for the trial stage: the beginning of the investigation, issuance of the arrest warrant, confirmation of charges. He raises questions about the ambiguity of the criteria per which the fact is contested in accordance with the required on a certain stage of the process standard of proof. The analysis and comparative analysis are the main methods of research. The article thoroughly analyzes the acts of the Pre-Trial Chamber in the case "The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo." The author concludes that used in the international criminal process standards of proof are ambiguous. Such standards require a precise definition, including formalization in the rules of procedure and evidence of the international courts and tribunals, content, minimal list of components that must be established by the court, so the fact can be considered proven in compliance of a specific standard of the proof. The regulation of the types of evidence necessary at one or another stage of the process is required