Law Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs

Definition of electronic imagery as independent evidence source in criminal proceeding is offered. Distinctions between electronic imagery and documents are presented. Classification of electronic imagery forms is offered. Currently human civilization has become a witness of rapid social life informatization processes. Technologies and media-streaming have become an essential part of state and community development. One of the most ambitious technical projects so far is the global Internet expansion characterized with its ability to reflect the broad spectrum of social phenomena and processes along with socially important actions taken by individuals and legal entities. It is obvious that these actions can be the cause or result of any criminal offence enabling the scholars to identify new social phenomenon – cybercrime which is characterized with unconventional crime committal methodology. Cybercrime today is estimated to be the most dynamic illegal activity comparing to other (even overtaking drug and weapon trafficking). Moreover any data extracted from the virtual space can be used to detect the committed crime (other categories of illegal activity) and contain information on its damage and evidence. Informatization of social life affects the criminal process as well – especially when it comes to such essential component as evidence source. In authors’ opinion, statutory provision of electronic imagery as independent and unique evidence source in criminal proceeding will allow to use in a more productive manner in terms of criminal offence establishment, guilty verdict and identification of additional crime circumstances.