Introduction. The article discusses the flaw of the traditional four-level corpus delicti structure, the concept of which is widespread in the scientific and educational literature on criminal law. The flaw is identified as a result of analysing the violation of the division logic of the structure and its multiple meanings. The use of the term “sign” to characterise the corpus delicti structure is put into question. The author proposes to implement its standardisation and normalisation on the basis of the image of information structure in databases for its effective application and modelling within the framework of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Methods. The main method of research of the corpus delicti structure is information modelling, formed through posing and examining problematic issues and applying the provisions of the theory of systems. The following private-scientific methods were used: analysis, synthesis, content analysis, comparative-legal method when studying scientists’ opinions, ideas in criminal law science and educational literature on the corpus delicti. Results. The corpus delicti is a structured set of objective and subjective elements of a formalised description of a person’s socially dangerous behaviour. Its structure is based on interrelated elements (object, subject, act, consequence, causality, method, instrument, means, time, place, setting, subject, guilt, purpose, motive, affect). A sign refers to elements and reflects its essential characteristic and can be used to distinguish types. The author provides a two-level grouping of elements in the corpus delicti – objective and subjective. Such a grouping corresponds to a standardised model of the corpus delicti, appropriate for use in law-making, scientific and law enforcement activities.