Classification of forensic expertise as a means of employing specialized knowledge

Abstract

The respective scientific article is devoted to an analysis of forensic expertise viewed as an evidentiary procedure within criminal proceedings, as well as to its classification as a method of applying specialized knowledge. Since the criminal investigation body does not always possess the necessary knowledge to establish certain facts or circumstances, and even in situations where it might have such knowledge, its objective assessments regarding the circumstances of a criminal case cannot constitute evidence in criminal proceedings, the legislator has regulated forensic expertise as an evidentiary procedure. Forensic expertise, as an evidentiary procedure in criminal proceedings, consists of a scientific and practical activity that involves conducting systematic investigations through the use of specialized knowledge and technical-scientific methods, with the aim of formulating reasoned conclusions regarding various facts, circumstances, or objects relevant to the case. The direct purpose of the present scientific study is the actual examination of forensic expertise from the perspective of legal and doctrinal interpretations, its nature, the delimitation of forensic expertise from other evidentiary procedures, the classification of forensic expertise depending on the field, type, and specialty of forensic expertise, or on various criteria provided by the Nomenclature of Forensic Expertises, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Law on Forensic Expertise. The study also aims to describe each classification, to establish distinctions among forensic expertises, and to highlight the defining features of forensic expertise conducted by a commission or complex forensic expertise, repeated forensic expertise, as well as mandatory or optional forensic expertise. The indirect purpose of the study consists in highlighting the importance of the classification of forensic expertises viewed as a method of applying specialized knowledge. The objectives of the present scientific paper include defining the concept of forensic expertise; enumerating and describing the criteria for classifying forensic expertises; establishing distinctions among forensic expertises; identifying the essential differences between the types of forensic expertises; as well as emphasizing the role and importance of forensic expertise in achieving the purpose of criminal proceedings, etc. As a result of the conducted study, research was carried out on the scientific works of both domestic and foreign authors in the relevant field, as well as on the applicable legislation and practice. This, in turn, will allow for a deeper understanding of the essence of the issue addressed and will ensure a clearer comprehension of the importance of forensic expertise and its classification within criminal proceedings as a whole.