A REASONABLE PERIOD OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS

Abstract

Based on the analysis of constitutional provisions, international acts, and their national implementation (including decrees and orders as acts of a specific nature), the article examines the genesis, content, and challenges of implementing the principle of a reasonable period of criminal proceedings. The work reveals the legal nature of this principle as a high-quality guarantee of timely justice, analyzes the evaluation criteria for its compliance established in Article 6.1 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, and examines the controversial judicial practice of applying the compensation mechanism. It is concluded that the lack of a legal definition and fixed time limits creates a high degree of dependence on judicial discretion, and the systemic causes of delay in the activities of investigative and judicial bodies remain partially addressed.