The Institutional Design of Working Groups for Criminal Investigations: District Courts in Small Towns and Rural Areas

Abstract

This article extends research on the organization of the Russian criminal justice system by examining the institutional and informal interactions among members of courtrooms working groups (judges, prosecutors, investigators, and defense lawyers) in small towns and rural settings. It introduces an analytical framework distinguishing between “working groups” in criminal justice based on cohesion and leadership—key elements that determine a group’s effectiveness in managing criminal investigations. Weak groups, characterized by a lack of integration and focus on individual tasks and struggle without consistent cooperation. Conversely, strong groups, commonly found in smaller communities, exhibit high levels of cohesion. Leadership within these groups varies: it is predominantly held by judges, who ensure cases proceed in alignment with their vision, or shared between judges and prosecutors, with the latter acting as mediators of  collective interests. Defense lawyers and investigators typically assume subordinate roles in these hierarchies. Field data suggest that factors reinforcing group strength include shared experiences (e.g., a background in the prosecutor’s office), the cohesive policies of supervisory bodies, and a stable group composition with minimal staff changes.