The Concept and Types of Preliminary Analysis of Material Traces, their Legal and Forensic Aspects

Abstract

The paper deals with the theoretical problems of understanding preliminary forensic analysis of material traces, their distinguished types, technological essence, goals, objectives, as well as the subjects of these studies. Based on an analysis of modern forensic and legal literature, the author concludes that preliminary forensic analysis is undoubtedly non-procedural in nature and is carried out on the basis of special knowledge, relevant technical and forensic tools and methods, and information support. These are applied both in an inspection of the scene and other investigative actions in non-laboratory (field) conditions, and in laboratory conditions on the basis of a written task of the body of inquiry, empowered to carry out operational-search activities. It is also carried out when checking objects for forensic records in order to obtain guiding information about the relevance of the objects under study, their characteristics used to identify the persons involved in the criminal event, the mechanism of trace formation, crime instruments, other items and substances that are important for the detection and investigation of crimes. The paper emphasizes that at present only an expert (forensic specialist — for objects of traditional forensic research, other specialists — for objects of non-traditional research) can be a subject in the field of technology for the direct conduct of all types of preliminary forensic research. At the same time, the methodological support of these studies has a simplified (lighter) design in comparison with the methods of expert conclusions.