Criminalistics’ Language: Concept-Terminological Apparatus Formation

Abstract

Any theory assumes the presence of its terminological apparatus – a language that is created to solve specific scientific problems and is designed to describe the relevant subject area; in criminalistics, it also serves as an effective means of thinking, should be highly specialised to reproduce the uniqueness of the subject of study, which actualises the study in this direction. Scientific approaches to the formation of the criminalistics’ language, its conceptual and terminological apparatus, through which this science describes its subject of study, were considered. It is emphasised that the development of science is determined primarily by the formation of its language as a system of general and individual concepts, which are reflected in certain terms, signs. It was stated that the criminalistics’ language is a complex, multilevel, holistic system, the elements of which are categories, concepts, terms, signs, symbols. Attention is drawn to the fact that during the development of criminalistics there is a continuous improvement of its language, clarification of definitions, enrichment of the terminological dictionary (thesaurus). It was noted that the current state of development of criminalistics, the formation of promising doctrines (theories) necessitated the introduction into its scientific apparatus of a large number of new concepts, terms, signs, through the use of various linguistic approaches, terminological elements, lexical units. The innovations concern not only the general theory of criminalistics, but also its main sections – techniques, tactics and methods. In this case, the criminalistics’ language, its conceptual and terminological apparatus must develop under certain criteria and conditions defined in both special and forensic literature. The rejection of traditional approaches to the definition of certain forensic concepts, the desire for innovation and unification always require special care and comprehensive justification.