Viktor Bérces: Evidence in Criminal Proceedings
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Chapter X. The possibilities of excluding evidence and the conditions for indictment at the prosecution (intermediate) stage
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10.1. Introduction

10.1. Introduction

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The current CPC does not directly refer to the prosecution stage, despite the fact that at this stage of the proceedings specific prosecutor decisions are made which have a significant influence on the further course of the proceedings. It is important to note that the prosecution is not bound by the evidence that comes to its knowledge during the investigation phase and can therefore completely disregard it or even order the investigation to be supplemented in the light of this evidence. The “filtering” role of the prosecution authorities should therefore be highlighted at this stage.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

While during the investigation phase the prosecution only considers the possibility of charging, suspending or terminating the proceedings – and may conduct further evidence to decide on this – the prosecution phase is already concerned with the preparation of the charge, the suspension or termination of proceedings. Thus, at the prosecution stage, the acquisition of further evidence and the performance of evidentiary acts (pragmatic or practical evidence) are only incidental and complementary activities; instead, it is the evaluation and analysis of the prosecution’s case (theoretical evidence) that are dominant.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Prosecutorial decisions specific to this stage and related to the subject of evidence may include:

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

  1. the prospect of a prosecution measure or decision;
  2. suspension of proceedings for the purposes of a settlement, mediation or the application of a conditional suspension;
  3. the preparation of the indictment as a decision in its own right;
  4. terminating the proceedings if the available data or evidence do not establish the commission of a criminal offence.1
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The criteria for these decisions may include: (1) the degree of evidence; (2) the personal circumstances of the accused (e.g. age, background, education); (3) the behaviour of the accused during the proceedings (e.g. possible cooperation, confession); (4) the danger of the accused to society; and (5) the material gravity of the offence.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

Given the complexity of the procedural options, it is clear that the legislator gives the prosecutor a free hand to decide whether to use a simplified procedure, to initiate court proceedings (indictment) or to terminate the proceedings. The prosecuting authority therefore has a decisive role in determining the further course of criminal proceedings under the current CPC.

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

From the point of view of evidence, the preparation of the indictment – as a special prosecution decision – is obviously of substantive importance, since the evidentiary activity is only completed in the court proceedings that begin with the filing of the indictment. However, I also consider it necessary to analyse those procedural constructions which are only indirectly related to the evidentiary issues.

10.1.1. Simplification procedures in general. The simplification procedures that can be used by the prosecutor

1 CPC § 398 (1) c)
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