Viktor Bérces: Evidence in Criminal Proceedings
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Chaper VI. Continental-type evidence systems today
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6.4. The German model
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6.4.1. Specificities of the investigative phase under the German Code of Criminal Procedure (Strafprozessordnung, hereafter: StPO)

6.4.1. Specificities of the investigative phase under the German Code of Criminal Procedure (Strafprozessordnung, hereafter: StPO)

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The police have considerable powers of coercion, which are reflected in the types of coercive acts that can be used and in the broad definition of the persons who may use them. All police officers are entitled to do so:

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

  • to establish identity or to carry out identification-related official tasks;
  • to take photographs and make graphic drawings;
  • to question suspects, witnesses and experts who have already appeared and given evidence, or
  • to take the person into custody.
 

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

The officials investigating the specific case are entitled to:

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

  • the physical examination of the accused or witnesses (including the taking of blood) if there is a risk of delay or damage to the evidence;
  • to order a so-called “small” interception or search, or
  • for the installation of checkpoints.1

Jegyzet elhelyezéséhez, kérjük, lépj be.!

  1. The time interval in which the investigative stage takes place:
    • starting date: when the prosecutor issues a decision to open the investigation;2 this may be on the basis of a complaint, a charge or the opening of an investigation ex officio;
    • final date: the indictment or the termination of the proceedings.
  2. The opening of proceedings is conditional on the existence of what is known as “initial suspicion”, which is when “there are factual grounds for believing, after forensic examination, that the persons concerned are likely to be involved in the commission of a criminal offence.”3 The law is therefore not satisfied with the level of “suspicion”, but requires a minimum level of factual elements to order an investigation.4 In addition, German criminal procedural law recognises several levels of suspicion:
    • the “urgent suspicion of an offence”, which is a condition for the imposition of coercive measures and which makes it likely that the suspect has participated in the commission of the offence;
    • a “satisfactory suspicion of wrongdoing”, which is a prerequisite for prosecution;
    • a “reasonable suspicion” that the suspect has committed a criminal offence and will therefore be found guilty.5
  3. The investigation is conducted by the prosecutor’s office, which is obliged by law to find not only incriminating but also exculpatory or mitigating circumstances. The prosecution also has the power to obtain evidence which it is feared may be lost in the exercise of its powers of supervision.6
    If the prosecutor terminates the investigation,7 the victim has the right to initiate a so-called “prosecution” procedure, which usually leads to a trial in the same way as if the prosecutor had initially brought the case.8 In practice, this process is of little practical importance, but it can nevertheless be seen as a “telling legislative gesture” for the victim.9
  4. Among coercive measures, pre-trial detention is the most serious restriction on fundamental rights, and therefore can only be ordered by a court.10 The legal remedies available to the accused are a “complaint for arrest” or a “motion for review of arrest”, which can be used to request its termination or postponement. Other important coercive measures under the fundamental right concerned:
    • body search, frisking;
    • establishing identity, taking photographs or using other technical means for the purpose of surveillance;
    • blood sampling, DNA analysis, serial genetic testing, examination of photographs and fingerprints;
    • long-term observation or the placement of the debtor for observation;
    • seizure and confiscation;
    • mobile phone identification, interception of conversations on telecommunications devices;
    • issuing an arrest warrant and taking into custody;
    • the establishment of checkpoints and “network circling”;
    • a raster investigation or undercover investigator.11
1 Herke (2011) ibid. 30.
2 This is also called a preliminary procedure or investigation (StPO § 152).
3 Herke (2011) ibid. 64.
4 § 152, point II
5 Herke (2011) ibid. 33.
6 § 160, point II
7 172. §
8 See also a solution similar to the Hungarian substitute private prosecutor.
9 Herke (2011) ibid. 64–65.
10 This is provided for in the Constitution itself (Article 104 II.1.). In: Herke (2011) ibid. 64–65.
11 Herke (2011) ibid. 48–50.
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