Scientific-practical conference at YSU: Current issues and development paths of criminal procedure in focus

In his opening remarks, Harutyun Khachikyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Law, emphasized the significance of the event, noting its role in fostering academic and professional dialogue and strengthening professional networks. He noted that the conference has become a tradition for the Faculty of Law, serving as an important platform for exchanging ideas, discussing professional issues, and sharing experiences among practitioners, academics, and students. 

Participants highlighted the importance of continuing such collaborations between YSU and the professional community, underlining the value of this platform in combining academic thought with practical experience.

Gagik Ghazinyan, Doctor of Legal Sciences, Professor at YSU Chair of Criminal Procedure and Criminology, emphasized the value of the participation of representatives from the law enforcement system in the conference, noting that their presence further underscores the relevance of the topics under discussion.

"I am particularly pleased that our colleagues from the law enforcement system are also present today, as it attests to the relevance of the topics under discussion for both academic and practical circles. Ultimately, our research should result in proposals aimed at legislative reform and addressing challenges in legal practice," stated Gagik Ghazinyan, adding that the topics presented at the conference reflect the current issues in the field.   

Gagik Ghazinyan and Lusine Hovhannisyan— a lecturer at YSU Chair of Criminal Procedure and Criminology, practicing attorney, and member of the Chamber of Advocates of Armenia—delivered a joint presentation on the objectives and challenges of supplementary court hearings in Armenia’s criminal procedure. In her remarks, Lusine Hovhannisyan particularly emphasized the role and importance of such hearings.  

The conference featured presentations from professors of the Law Faculties of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Saint Petersburg State University, and the Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They shared their research and expert insights within the global and local contexts of criminal procedure processes. 

The presentations covered numerous relevant topics related to criminal procedure, balancing theoretical approaches with practical applications. Discussions included challenges in criminal procedural legislation and possible solutions in the RA Supreme Court’s precedent-based practice, evidentiary challenges during preliminary investigation stages when appeals are reviewed by courts, and the criminal-procedural origin and implications of covert investigative actions from both theoretical-legal and practical perspectives. Other relevant topics were also discussed, all essential for the future development of the judicial system.   

In conclusion, it was stressed that such discussions should be held regularly to ensure the continuous advancement of criminal procedure, promote deeper collaboration between academic and practical platforms, and foster the generation of new ideas.

Participants had the opportunity to pose questions, present their visions, and offer analytical perspectives on the modernization of criminal procedure.