Institute of Identifying Witnesses in Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation

In the course of criminal proceedings, numerous violations are committed in connection with the procedure for obtaining and consolidating evidence. Many of these violations are connected with the participation of identifying witnesses in criminal proceedings. The aim of the work is to determine the legal status of the identifying witness, his role in the process of proofing and consideration of the possibilities for the continued existence of the said legal institution. In the course of the research, the current status of the institution of identifying witnesses and the development of ways for the further development of the legal institution under consideration is assessed. The study found that the process of citizens' participation as identifying witnesses in investigative actions in the conduct of preliminary investigation in a criminal case is accompanied by the appearance of certain problems related to the practical implementation of the participation of witnesses in investigative actions in the criminal process of the Russian Federation. The progressive institute that appeared during the existence of the Inquisition process, in our opinion, has now lost its relevance. At the present time, various technical means have become increasingly widespread. With the help of these means the course and results of the investigative action can be fixed. In the process of investigation, we came to the conclusion that further use of the institution of witnesses in the criminal proceedings of the Russian Federation is seen as inexpedient.