Performing forensic expert activities in criminal proceedings: international experience

Abstract

The article is devoted to the international experience of organizing the professional activity of a forensic expert in criminal proceedings. It is noted that in Germany, each administrative-territorial unit «land» (Hundesland) has its own independent forensic laboratory, and the federal formations of the Federal Department of Criminal Affairs have their own divisions for conducting special examinations and research, as well as their databases of forensically significant information.
 Attention is paid to the Institute of Forensic Research, which acts as a leading research institution in the structure of the German criminal police and provides services in: conducting forensic and criminological research; development of police methods; training and improving the qualifications of employees of the Federal Department of Criminal Affairs. The institute provides comprehensive scientific and practical research and implementation of modern technologies of police activity. Its functions include identifying the most vulnerable areas in the fight against crime and developing and implementing, together with experienced practitioners, measures and innovative programs aimed at improving the activities of law enforcement agencies.
 In addition, it was emphasized that the entire organization and activity of forensic expert institutions of France is built according to international standards, on the basis of which there is international expertise in the French forensic expert system.
 It was concluded that the Lithuanian model of the organization of the activities of judicial expert bodies is characterized by a high level of centralization, since its coordination is carried out by independent bodies common to all expert institutions. The specified format is characterized by a number of positive aspects, for example, the promotion of harmonization of forensic expertise, standardization of methods, accreditation and the emergence of minimum standards regarding the qualification and competence of a forensic expert; introduction of European Union standards into forensic expert practice, etc.
 It is noted that the implementation of international norms and standards for the organization and activity of forensic expert institutions brings expert institutions to a new level of functioning. This provides an opportunity to create an effective mechanism for the management and functioning of forensic expert institutions and experts, which will determine high requirements for conducting forensic examination, increase the professional level and effectiveness of employees of expert institutions, which will meet the needs of modern judiciary.