Investigative journalism – anachronism or utilitarianism?

The article is devoted to the issue of evaluation of investigative journalism within the legal and social system. The paper presents the subject matter from diff erent points of view. The evaluation of investigative journalism must be ambivalent, because this phenomenon has many negative traits, however, it must be admitted that it has positive elements too. It is a anachronistic phenomenon, because journalist realizes the function reserved for state bodies established to criminal prosecution. On the other hand it is characterized by utilitarianism, as may contribute to the detection of off ence previously unknown to investigative authorities and the public disclosure of this off ence. The opinion is presented that investigative journalism should concern exceptional situations. The most rigorous standpoint must be connected with illegal methods of provocation, because in such situations admissibility of their application must just related to extreme cases