Forensic Activities Research Articles

The Relationship between the Concepts of “Artificial Intelligence” and “Artificial Neural Networks” in Forensic Expertology

The article addresses the relationship between the concepts of “artificial intelligence” (AI) and “artificial neural networks” (ANNs) in forensic context. Over the past few years there has been some growing scientific interest in applying these technologies in forensic examination, which makes the issue of how these developments are currently impacting forensic practice and how they might influence it in the long term quite relevant. The identification of their specific characteristics is expected to facilitate a more efficient integration of AI and ANNs into forensic activities at the methodological, legal, and organizational levels. To illustrate the general relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and neural networks, and to demonstrate how they differ, the author provides a brief historical overview of the development of AI concepts and a description of the operating principles of certain AI systems, specifically artificial neural networks. The author also proposes the ways to integrate AI and neural networks into forensic activities at both theoretical and practical levels.

The Role of Digital Transformation in the Development of Forensic Science

Digital transformation plays a significant role in the implementation of forensic activities due to significant current expansion of the body of evidence based on study of combined computer information received in the course of legal proceedings. The key areas of forensic activity digital transformation are considered. It is shown that the sizes of special knowledge must obligatory cover a competent understanding of modern information technologies, their functionality and development dynamics as well as their effective use feasibility in forensic activities. The combination of systematic and integrated approaches representing various aspects of expert examination makes it possible to fully implement the principles of its objectivity, comprehensiveness and completeness as key principles of forensic activities. The need in setting up and implementation of strategic projects on improving forensic activities in the context of digital transformation determines the evolvement of digital transformation doctrine of forensic science as one of the theories of forensic expertology.

The System of Forensic Activity Digitalization Theory

The article examines the system of private theory of forensic activity digitalization from the standpoint of forensic expertology. The subject, objects, tasks of the theory and its place in forensic expertology are described. The paper presents the theory of forensic activity digitalization that can be attributed to several private theories, the provisions of which equally apply both to the process of expert examination in general and to expert studies of individual types of examinations as well. Two sections in the theory system are designated: forensic examination of digital footprints and information and computer support for forensic activity. The first section includes and considers the following: the nature of digital footprints, their properties and features and the mechanism of formation; forms of presentation and classification of digital footprints and their carriers as objects of forensic examinations; general tasks of digital footprints expert examination. The second section pays attention to the technologies of algorithmizing and digitalization of methods and techniques of forensic examination. The prospects for the introduction of neural networks to forensic examination and the related relevant problems are considered. In addition, the author notes changes in the methodology and technologies for developing expert methods in connection with the introduction of artificial intelligence algorithms. This section outlines the areas of application of neural networks for solving forensic problems. The reasons for erroneous conclusions related to application of neural networks in forensic examinations are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the sources of model risk. To develop methods for solving typical expert problems based on neural networks it is proposed to create forensic datasets and repositories for consequent analysis and machine learning for various types of forensic examinations. The article also substantiates the need for new expert competencies: expert data analyst, expert data engineer and machine learning engineer.

On the Issue of Unification of Legislation on Forensic Examination in the Civil and Administrative Proceedings

The article deals with the comparative analysis of the procedure of forensic examination commissioning and carrying out in arbitration, civil and administrative legal proceedings. The author examines procedural codes regulating the expertise and identifies the differences in courts’ approaches to its commissioning and to judiciary powers, rights, and responsibilities of experts. Special attention is paid to court limitations regarding examination commissioning on its own initiative in the arbitral procedure as well as to its broader powers in civil and administrative proceedings.The article also analyzes the need to unify the legal regulation of forensic activities, which in the author’s opinion will lead to increased predictability and transparency of legal proceedings, improve the quality of expert opinions and reduce the risk of legal errors. The author emphasizes that, despite the differences in legislation, basic principles of carrying out forensic activities remain consistent, which makes the measures on procedural norms unification not only possible, but also the necessary ones to enhance effectiveness of legal proceedings.The paper proposes specific unification measures that will help eliminate existing legal uncertainties, improve the quality of justice, and create a more uniform judicial practice.

Oględziny miejsca wypadku przy pracy - cz. 3

This publication is the third and last part of the article systematizing the practical aspects of conducting inspections of workplace accidents. It presents in detail the issues of conducting inspections of places of this type of events. Particular atten-tion was paid to the role of the prosecutor in ensuring the proper course of this evidentiary and forensic activity. It also outlines the tasks that lie with the employer and the post-accident team appointed by him in the event of such events. Actions taken by inspectors of the National Labor Inspectorate in the event of such events are also discussed, emphasizing the need for cooperation of investigators with representatives of this service during the inspection of accident events.

CURRENT TRENDS IN FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Background: Forensic odontology is a subfield of dental science that includes the relationship between dentistry and law. Forensic odontology has played a key role in famous criminal cases. Forensic odontology plays a critical role in the identification of human remains of victims (mutilated, burned and decomposed), when fingerprinting and visual recognition, cannot be fulfilled. This review article was conducted to show the implications of forensic dentistry in criminal investigations. Aim: The purpose of this article provides an overview of the evolving trends in traditional methods and the latest concepts used in forensic dentistry. Methodology: The systematic review included articles from Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, Web Of Sciences, PubMed was conducted. For Search the following keywords: Forensic odontology, dental records, identification of human remains Estimate Age, Sex assessment, Identification following mass fatalities, assessing bite mark injuries, civil cases involving malpractice, analyze bite marks. Results: Conducted a preliminary search and reviewed 82 titles and abstracts in this review and 27 full-text articles were selected of high methodological quality. Teeth are often resistant to decay even in major accidents, crimes, burials, or other severe exposures to the elements. Therefore, a person's dentition is useful for individual identification and comparison if records exist for this purpose. Various methods have been developed forensic dentistry to determine the age, gender, and ethnicity of an individual using dental tissue. The need for documented procedures and protocols is important for the dentist to In the case of victim identification disaster identification indicators (DVI), allowing for process auditing, they also serve to ensure identification reliability. Dental professionals play a major role in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognize malpractices, negligence, fraud child abuse and also, identify an individual. In order to serve the forensic operation and the legal authorities, dentists should be familiar with the basics of forensic dentistry, which will create awareness for the preservation of dental data. Conclusion: Forensic dentistry (odontology) plays an important role in resolving dental malpractice or negligence issues, including evaluation, report writing, and/or testifying in court. Every dentist has a responsibility to understand the forensic activities related to their dental practice and should be aware of the available technologies and their use in forensic dentistry. The data collection methods and additional technologies used in forensic dental identification have undergone significant transformation. Artificial intelligence is a technology that is still evolving in forensic dentistry, and its usefulness depends on the specific use case and implementation. New research in forensic dentistry should be encouraged.

The XI International Congress “Topical issues of forensic medicine and expert practice — 2024” dedicated to the memory of Professor Vladimir A. Klevno

In Moscow, on the basis of the Moscow Regional Research Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky, the annual XI International Congress “Current Issues of Forensic Medicine and Expert Practice - 2024” was held on April 17–18, 2024. It was dedicated to the memory of Professor Vladimir Aleksandrovich Klevno, a talented scientist, a prominent domestic forensic physician, the first head of the Department of Forensic Medicine of MONIKI, one of the members of the Council of the National Medical Chamber, President of the Association of Forensic Experts, editor-in-chief of Forensic Medicine, Doctor of Medical Sciences, who was the ideological inspirer and organizer of this congress. For several decades V.A. Klevno was one of the country’s leading specialists in the field of forensic medicine, a major scientist and organizer of forensic science and expert practice, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of domestic forensic activity. The congress continued the proud tradition of bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals to further develop collaboration and exchange of cutting-edge research and the latest developments in the fields of forensic medicine, pathological anatomy, and legal practice. This international congress aimed to expand the knowledge of specialists in the fields of forensic medicine, pathological anatomy, and healthcare organization. The conference was distinguished by a rich program, a variety of new formats, and effective working tools that were used by the organizers this year. In particular, special projects were launched – thematic video master classes and the work of the sections “Non-state forensic activity” and “Histological studies in pathoanatomical and forensic medical expert practice.” Within the framework of the congress, a joint session of the Association of Forensic Experts and the Interregional Thanatoradiological Society “Radiation diagnostics in pathoanatomical and forensic medical expert practice” was also held. The article is devoted to an overview of the most striking and memorable events of the event.

Regulatory and legal regulation of financing the activities of forensic institutions in the Russian Federation

The authors of the article, based on a comparative legal analysis of the system of sources of legal regulation of financing of forensic institutions, as well as domestic scientific literature, propose to “transfer: the signs of the system to the concept of a mechanism. Within the framework of the system analysis carried out, the authors of the article proceed from the definition of the system of financial and legal mechanisms for ensuring forensic expert activity as an object of public administration, which is a legal relationship regulated by the norms of law to achieve the set goals and objectives, the use of methods, tools and rules having monetary, organizational, accounting and control content. The article substantiates the need for an integrative approach to the definition of a system of financial and legal mechanisms for ensuring judicial expert activity as a single system subject to legal regulation. The authors propose to define the mechanism of financial support for the activities of a forensic expert institution/organization as a system of education from the norms and institutions of national law contained not only in regulatory legal acts relating to various branches of legislation, but also local acts of state and non-state institutions and organizations; legal and technical documents, among which should be mentioned instructional letters, regulations, methodological recommendations, technical standards, GOST standards, etc., as well as contracts of normative content that ensure international cooperation on forensic activities.

Платить или не платить? — вот в чем вопрос. О выплате вознаграждения эксперту за проведение судебной экспертизы в арбитражном процессе

Based on the analysis of legislation, doctrinal sources and judicial practice in the consideration of arbitration disputes, the article examines the issues of payment for the cost of production of an expert examination appointed in a case. At the same time, attention is drawn to the numerous problems that arise in law enforcement, — the conflict and uncertainty of situations of refusal to pay remuneration to experts due to ‘defects’ in the expert’s opinion. The issues of unification of the relevant judicial practice and improvement of the quality of forensic activities are raised.

Areas of modernization of the system of training and certification of forensic experts in Ukraine based on the adaptation of foreign experience

Abstract The article is devoted to the study of the existing system of training and certification of forensic experts in Ukraine and to the provision of proposals for its modernization, taking into account the positive experience in the field of forensic science of the USA, Great Britain and some countries of the European Union. In Ukraine, the procedure for the training and certification of forensic experts is determined by ministries and other central executive authorities, which manage state specialized institutions that carry out forensic activities. A study of foreign experience in the training and certification of forensic experts made it possible to identify general and specific elements, sustain the benefits of the implemented measures, and formulate priorities and guidelines. The research resulted in the justification of the need to develop a single regulatory act that would determine the procedure for training, internships and certification of forensic experts, as well as the creation of a single qualification body that would help ensure uniform approaches to determining the qualification of forensic experts working in state specialized forensic institutions, their territorial branches, expert institutions of municipal ownership, and forensic experts who are not employees of these institutions. It is proved that the development and implementation of uniform standards for training forensic experts on the basis of a centralized approach, regardless of where these specialists will work in the future, will help address the problem of training personnel. The author concludes that improving the quality of training, internship and certification of forensic experts requires new approaches to organizational, economic, teaching, methodological and technical provision. The author substantiates the need for fundamentally new forms of activity which will ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the assessment of knowledge by means of modern information technologies in the current reform environment. It is stated that Ukraine should raise the criteria for admission to the profession of a forensic expert. The author specifies the issues that need to be enshrined in law.

СУДЕБНО-БУХГАЛТЕРСКИЕ ЭКСПЕРТНЫЕ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ В КЫРГЫЗСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ

This article analyzes forensic accounting expert organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic divided into state and non-state entities. It examines the tasks and functions of the State Forensic Expert Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the specifics of non-state expert organizations. The subjects of discussion are the rights, obligations, and justifications for terminating forensic specialists. This study considers the tasks and types of forensic accounting examinations, such as primary, additional, repeated, commission, and complex. It highlights the problems in developing forensic accounting expertise in Kyrgyzstan, including state monopoly and obstacles to non-state expert activities. Recommendations have been put forth to establish an initiative group that would aid in the advancement of state and non-state forensic activities, and contribute to the formulation of legal provisions and strategic documents relating to this domain.

Advanced Volatile Memory Forensics through Autopsy Integration

The main goal of this study is to design a novel plugin for the Autopsy forensic framework to enable forensic analysts to identify and extract volatile memory from small-scale digital devices. This includes network peripherals and Internet of Things devices, smartphones, and industrial-control systems. Given the importance of volatile memory to digital crime and cybersecurity investigations, an accurate and reliable tool is needed to non-destructively acquire forensic copies of the evidence. In the context of small-scale devices, this study is of acute importance to bridge the gap that exists in current forensic research and forensic practice, using separate tools can be challenging due to compatibility issues and the complexity of managing multiple system. In conclusion, the developed Autopsy plugin, which has been termed the MemoryIntegrator, seamlessly harmonizes with Autopsy forensic framework and is designed to work together with Volatility tool, specializing in detailed memory analysis. Consequently, the following main outcomes result from the experimentation and application of the plugin: Promotes the default forensic activity of Autopsy by providing the analysts with a way to swiftly and directly harvest and evaluate volatile data from diverse small scale digital devices. The implementation of the plugin ensures that the integrity of the memory data is maintained throughout the extraction and analysis process. This is facilitated by cryptographic hash validations that confirm that there are no changes in the data from the extraction to the point of analysis. The plugin maintains the integrity of the memory data from the time of extraction to the time of analysis using cryptographic hash validations which verifies that these data has not been manipulated at this point. MemoryIntegrator outmatched all the forensic tools herewith because conducting forensic test back at home verified its superiority in terms of the extraction of data from memory speed and the authenticity and formula which it uses in analysis. In the modern world, this is critical to investigate digital crimes and incidences that affect cybersecurity.

Forensic Forecasting of Forming and Development New Genera and Species of Forensic Examinations: on the Issue of Theoretical Justification

In the article, in line with the school of forensic expertise and considering the process of digitalization, a theoretical justification of forensic forecasting of the formation and development of new genera and species of examinations is carried out. The practical significance of this direction is revealed. Attention is drawn to the low level of development of a private theory of forensic forecasting. A connection was made between the subject of the general theory of forensic expertology and the subject of forensic forecasting. It is noted that for the purposes of forecasting, it is necessary to focus not on abstract perspective knowledge, but on objects, processes and phenomena directly related to the implementation of forensic activities and reflecting its specifics. The inclusion of phenomena included in the subject of research of other sciences in the number of objects of expert forecasting is critically assessed on a specific example. A forensic prediction definition is proposed.

On the Question of the Concept of Artificial Intelligence Technologies

Despite the existing legal definition, the concept of artificial intelligence, which has penetrated various spheres of human life, requires a more precise definition. However, in most cases, artificial intelligence is opposed to human intelligence, the so-called natural intelligence, which looks natural, but it is difficult to recognize as true. The article substantiates that the ways of understanding human intelligence and artificial intelligence (or machine intelligence) they are completely different because their nature is different. Based on the analysis of various approaches of scientists, both lawyers and engineers, as well as legislators to the definition of artificial intelligence, the author concludes that the most appropriate really understanding of artificial intelligence as a field of scientific knowledge of a complex nature. The author makes a conclusion about the ways of further application of artificial intelligence technologies in forensic activities, considering the spread of artificial intelligence technologies. The result of the study is the formulation of the definition of artificial intelligence technology.

Neural Networks in Forensic Expertology and Expert Practice: Problems and Prospects

The article, from the perspective of the theory the forensic activity digitalization as a particular theory of forensic expertise, examines the prospects for the introduction of neural networks in forensic examination and the current problems arising in this case. The author notes changes in the methodology and technologies for developing expert techniques in connection with the introduction of artificial intelligence algorithms — neural networks. The areas neural networks’ application for solving various problems of science and practical activity are outlined. Specific examples demonstrate the possibilities of using supervised learning algorithms for neural networks in forensic practice. A detailed analysis of the reasons why the use of neural networks in forensic science can lead to erroneous conclusions is given. Particular attention is paid to hallucinations of deep learning neural networks on large language models. There is a danger that an expert, relying entirely on a neural network, may give the wrong conclusion, since self-learning generative neural networks do not provide an explanation for why they made a particular decision. To develop expert methods for solving typical expert problems based on neural networks, it is proposed to create databases (Dataset) for various forensic objects for analysis and machine learning. To store the Dataset, it is necessary to organize repositories that can contain data sets on types (kinds) of forensic examinations. Dataset and repositories will provide data quality control and model verification. The article substantiates the need for new competencies of a Data Scientist — a specialist who develops tools for solving forensic problems when introducing neural networks and other artificial intelligence algorithms into forensic science, as well as a machine learning engineer working in contact with him.

The Formation of the Image of Forensic Science by the Example of the International Project “East — West: Partnership in Forensic Science”

The formation of the modern appearance of the field of forensic examination is the definition of its external outlines and boundaries, technological potential, a set of features that characterize the main vector of special knowledge, the priorities of internal methodological structures and the content of professional competencies. This has always been due to the desire to find an optimal balance between the needs of the law enforcement officer and the capabilities of the subjects of applying special knowledge. Scientific and practical conferences and forums have always been of great importance in these processes. The international project “East-West: Partnership in Forensic Science” is one of the clearest examples of this. As a result of the study of the final materials of this project over twenty years the author examines the genesis of a new class of humanitarian forensic examinations, which was a response to modern challenges in the Russian Federation. The tasks of forensic expert support for the protection of spiritual and moral values, national culture and historical memory are formulated. Along with the already established comprehensive psychological and linguistic examination, a whole interdisciplinary complex of additional forensic studies of information materials is identified as priority forensic areas. These are political science, ethics and religious studies forensic examinations. The professional sovereignty of the Russian Federation and friendly foreign states in the field of forensic activities is essential for the implementation of strategic national priorities, namely state, public and information security.

Genesis and Current State of the Forensic Prediction Theory

Predictive activities in the field of forensic science are one of the most relevant practice-oriented areas of research within the framework of forensic science. Predicting development trends of any subject, process, and system based on existing information about them and the achieved level of science allows us to obtain advanced knowledge that is relevant given the high speed of emergence, processing and use of information in modern society. The digitalization process causes the emergence of new objects and new tasks of expert research, changes in their methods and methodology, which significantly affects the formation and development of new types of forensic examinations. The theory of forensic forecasting should become the foundation for scientifically based forecasts in this area. The work scrutinizes the genesis of this theory, its close connection with scientific forecasting in other sciences of the criminal legal cycle. Particular attention is given to its connection with forensic forecasting. The paper states the relatively low level of development of the theory of forensic forecasting, and identifies factors that complicate forecasting in the field of forensic activity. The relevance of further developments in this area is noted. It is indicated that the timely organization of methodological developments, updating of professional and educational requirements for experts and other practically significant activities require theoretical predictive information for their planning.

Модели интеграции современных технологий в правоохранительную деятельность

To counteract the development of criminal activity, law enforcement agencies need to employ new technologies. However, the current models of such implementation provide neither competitive advantage nor forensic efficiency. This article describes the existing models of integrating advanced technologies into law enforcement practice, as well as ways of their optimization. The paper considers the best practices and related risks. The authors relied on standard cognition methods and modeling to develop four key models of integrating modern technologies into crime investigation activities, i.e., 1) legislative consolidation, 2) implementation after the effectiveness has been experimentally verified, 3) departmental regulation, 4) independent initiative implementation. Each model demonstrated a number of advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, they proved legal, effective, rational, and based on actual threats and risks. On the other hand, the legislative consolidation process is long: as a result, participants in criminal proceedings risk their rights. Moreover, no objective effectiveness assessment can be provided while scientific recommendations do not correlate with actual practice. The authors proposed a comprehensive model that can adapt to a particular technology. The model presupposes coordinated actions of scientists, practitioners, investigative authorities, and legislators. The article also introduces an algorithm that increases the effectiveness of forensic activities.

Development of Xiaomi Product Mobile Forensic Acquisition Framework on Second Space Features Based on SNI/ISO 27037:2014

Abstract — In conducting digital forensic activities, it must follow the rules of SOP procedures or frameworks as a reference. One of the acquisition frameworks used in digital forensics practice is ISO 27037:2014, which contains specific guidelines related to digital forensic investigation activities. On the other hand, mobile cellular is one of the branches of digital forensics that is always developing, but with the large variety of mobile devices today, ISO 27037: 2014 has not provided specific standards in the digital forensics process on mobile devices that have special features that are different from ordinary mobile devices. One of the special features provided by Xiaomi vendor developers that gives users access to cloning and creating new space in one mobile phone is called second space or second space. With this, it will be a problem for investigators when conducting forensic processes because the data acquisition process will produce 2 extraction results from one mobile device, but the SNI ISO 27037: 2014 standard has not regulated the validity of digital evidence obtained from these special features. This research will develop a framework in conducting the investigation process on Xiaomi mobile devices, because currently only Xiaomi mobile devices have a second room feature. By paying attention to the existing problems, this research will develop a framework in carrying out the acquisition process on xiaomi mobile devices on the special features of the second room based on SNI ISO 27037: 2014. It is hoped that this research can help investigators, especially DEFR (Digital Evidence First Responder) and can be a reference that can be used in the process of searching for electronic evidence that is in accordance with SNI ISO 27037: 2014 and can be accounted for in court.

Организационно-правовые и методические аспекты осуществления судебно-экспертной деятельности в Республике Молдова

The article reviews some organizational, legal and methodological aspects of performance of forensic activities in the Republic of Moldova. The described matters give an opportunity to obtain an idea about regulatory and technical requirements for carrying out forensic examination as the most in-demand form of using special knowledge in solution and investigation of crimes. The authors note some material diff erences from Russian analogues.