Forensic Experts Research Articles

Innovative approaaches in criminalistics and forensic

The world changes every day. New means of committing criminal offenses require innovative and modern methods of their disclosure. It is important to introduce the newest, innovative means and methods of activity to forensic science and forensic examination. In the conditions of war in Ukraine, new fields of both criminalistics and forensic examination are developing due to the commission of a large number of military criminal offenses. Help in the investigation is provided by colleagues from other countries who use innovative methods and techniques, implemented in various countries of the world. The problems of introducing innovations in criminalistics and forensic examination were studied by such scientists as M.V. Danshin, V.A. Zhuravel, I.I. Kogutych, V.O. Konovalova, V.Yu. Shepitko, V.V. Yusupov and others.
 Modern trends in the formation of innovative directions in the system of forensic knowledge indicate the need to expand the boundaries of forensic knowledge and use innovative scientific knowledge from various applied and fundamental sciences developed in different countries of the world.
 It is worth noting the existence of related scientific research, where forensic knowledge and knowledge of chemistry are applied in European countries. Data on new digital technologies should also be used in forensics and forensics to detect and investigate criminal offences. During the war, joint investigative groups were created, which include criminalistics and forensic experts from such European countries as Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia and Romania. Therefore, innovative approaches to the formation of many sciences are used all over the world today.
 The science of criminalistics and forensic examination did not bypass this process. The system of criminalistics and forensic examination is constantly developing in connection with changes in scientific knowledge from fundamental and applied sciences in the world. There are proposals to create new subdivisions of the science of forensics, namely, aerocriminalistics, criminalistic advocacy, forensic graphology, etc., to change the meaning of existing terms, introducing innovative approaches. Today, the content of the science of criminalistics and forensic examination is understood differently in different countries. International cooperation is also important for Ukrainian scientists and forensic experts, which has become especially necessary in the conditions of the war in Ukraine.

Forensic potential of pollen grains: A case study from continental Croatia (town of Donja Stubica)

Background and Purpose: Pollen grains can come as “ invisible” traces during forensic palynological expertise. As forensic palynology is not carried out in Croatia at all, the main aims of our work were to establish an initial palynological collection for a limited area in Croatia and determine its forensic potential. Materials and Methods: For our case study, we chose a typical town from continental Croatia, Donja Stubica, in which there had been no previous floristic studies. The field survey was conducted during 2005, 2007, and 2021. Floristic and palynological analysis was carried out with an emphasis on the forensic potential of pollen grains. Results: A total of 141 representative plant taxa with pollen samples were collected. The taxonomic analysis showed that the area for the case study was chosen well. Palynological analysis showed that the highest number of taxa had pollen grains that were spheroidal in shape (60%), medium sized (70%), and colporate (41%). The pollen of the majority of taxa had excellent or very important forensic potential, due to their dispersal by insects (60%), a combination of two dispersal methods (23%), and autogamy (1%). In addition, due to the limited distribution of certain rare plants (e.g., Iris sibirica subsp. sibirica in Croatia), their pollen has an even greater forensic potential than the similar pollen of related, more widespread taxa. Conclusion: The generated palynological collection, due to the great forensic potential, could be used in the future as a comparative, and at least partly as a reference forensic collection, applicable in specific cases of legal pollen expertise in Croatia.

Forensic-Psychiatric Consultations in General Psychiatry

A subgroup of psychiatric patients are at increased risk of committing interpersonal violence, which may lead to placements in forensic-psychiatric institutions. The majority of patients treated in forensic hospitals have had contact with the general psychiatric care system years before being forensically committed due to an offence. Nevertheless, attempts to establish models related to violence prevention in general psychiatry have remained sparse. In the Canton of Zurich, the forensic psychiatric consultation liaison service provides the general psychiatric clinics with access to forensic psychiatric expertise. In this paper, we describe the consultation service's diagnostic and advisory offers and aim to characterize the patient population seen by the service. We compared the three most common diagnostic groups (schizophrenic, affective and personality disorders) regarding reason for consultation, history of violence and substance abuse. In addition, we analyzed content and kind of the recommendations made. From 2013 to 2021, 188 patients in general psychiatric clinics in Zurich have been examined after informed consent. Most patients had a positive history of violence (72.7%) and substance use (66.1%). Almost half of the patients (48.4%) had been diagnosed with schizophrenia or a related disorder.

Review of the textbook “Forensic medical assessment of traumatic brain injury” V.A. Klevno, V.V. Frolov, I.A. Frolova

The author gives a review of the textbook prepared by the team of authors V.A. Klevno, V.V. Frolov, and I.A. Frolova titled Forensic medical assessment of traumatic brain injury.
 This textbook serves as a good addition to the textbooks on forensic medicine and contains basic information about various types of traumatic brain injury required by a forensic medical expert in the production of the most common forensic medical examination of corpses and living persons with head injuries.
 The publication is intended for residents studying in the specialty Forensic medical examination and can also be recommended to teachers of the departments of forensic medicine, practicing forensic medical experts, graduate students, medical specialty students, and a wide range of readers.

Use of strontium isotope ratios in potential geolocation of Ajnala skeletal remains: a forensic archeological study.

Stable isotope methods for provenance of unidentified human remains are relatively a newer field of enquiry in forensic archeology. It is of great interest for forensic experts these days. The application of strontium isotope analyses for estimating geolocation of archeological remains is of great interest in bioarcheology and modern forensics. The strontium (Sr) isotope composition of human bones and teeth has been widely used to reconstruct an individual's geo-affiliation, residential mobility, and migration history. Thousands of unknown human remains, reportedly belonging to 282 Indian soldiers of 26th Native Bengal regiment and killed in 1857, were exhumed non-scientifically from an abandoned well situated underneath a religious structure at Ajnala (Amritsar, India). Whether these remains belonged to the individuals, local or non-local to the site, was the important forensic archeological question to be answered by doing their thorough forensic anthropological examinations. In the present study, 27 mandibular teeth (18s molars, 6 first molars, and 3 premolars) collected from the Ajnala skeletal assemblage were processed for strontium isotope analysis, and the measured ratios were compared with published isotope baseline data to estimate the locality status of these remains. The Sr isotopic values were concentrated in the range of 0.7175 to 0.7270. The comparative analysis of isotopic ratios revealed that most individuals buried in the Ajnala well have 87Sr/86Sr values close to the river as well as groundwater of the Gangetic plain (less radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ~ 0.716); most likely originated near Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh, India) region, whereas the individuals with higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios (~ 0.7200) probably resided in the West Bengal and Bihar areas where the river as well as groundwater of the Gangetic plain is relatively more radiogenic. Thus, the strontium isotope results reveal that the Ajnala individuals did not grow up or live in the Amritsar region during their childhood, and this observation complemented the previous forensic anthropological and molecular findings. There is very little Indian data on the bioavailable strontium, so the inferences from the present study estimating Sr isotope abundances are expected to provide baseline data for future forensic provenance studies that will contribute to the global efforts of mapping Sr isotope variations by the isotope community.

The Theory of Substantial Cognitive Capacity of Criminal Defendants with Mental Disorders in China: Theoretical Content and Judicial Application

When dealing with criminal cases involving defendants with mental disorders in China, the theory of substantial cognitive capacity holds significant importance. Although derived from the insanity defense rule of the U.S. Model Penal Code, this concept exhibits certain distinctions. Forensic experts in China frequently deem defendants with mental disorders as lacking substantial cognitive capacity, thus rendering them not criminally responsible. The Chinese theory of substantial cognitive capacity possesses its unique characteristics, setting China apart from other countries in addressing the insanity defense issue. Consequently, introducing this Chinese theory to scholars in other jurisdictions holds considerable academic value. However, the interpretation of substantial cognitive capacity and its relation to cognitive capacity remain subjects of controversy in China, with inconsistent application of this theory. Specifically, some scholars have advocated the theory of common sense cognitive capacity, effectively challenging the mainstream theory of substantial cognitive capacity. The author contends that substantial cognitive capacity should be comprehended from the perspective of the dialectical unity of “phenomenon” and “essence”. The term “substantial cognitive capacity” should be employed from a negative standpoint to underscore the progressive link between the possession of “formal” cognitive capacity and the loss of “substantial” cognitive capacity, while the theory of common sense cognitive capacity should be dismissed. The proper judicial application of the theory of substantial cognitive capacity aids in adhering to the normative requirements of criminal law, emphasizes the logic of stratified criminal theory, and furnishes the judiciary with a theoretical instrument for appropriately handling criminal cases.

THE Urgensi Ahli Linguistik Forensik Dan Psikologi Forensik Dalam Sistem Peradilan Pidana Terpadu

The existence of information from forensic linguistics experts and forensic psychology experts is very much needed by law enforcement officers in the criminal justice system. to make light of a crime. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of forensic linguistics and forensic psychology experts in helping law enforcement officers to seek and find the truth in order to make light of a crime. The research method used in this research is normative legal research which is complemented by social legal research. The approach used is a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. Data collection technique is literature study and analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that information from forensic linguistics experts and forensic psychologists could be requested from the start of the investigation phase even if required by the judge, forensic linguistics and forensic psychology experts could be presented in the trial process either by the public prosecutor or by the defendant's legal counsel, whose main purpose is assist law enforcement officers to make light of a crime. Thus, the existence of information from forensic linguistics and forensic psychology experts is very much needed in an integrated criminal justice system. However, there are some limitations such as lack of human resources, lack of legal knowledge possessed by experts, conflicts of interest and differences in paradigms from experts even though they have the same specifications are some of the obstacles that are often faced by law enforcement officers when faced with situations that require the role of an expert.

Forensic analysis of fabricated long bone fractures for gain.

Self-inflicting injury is a recognised psychiatric disorder. Such cases are regularly seen in the emergency department, with a false history of assault. Most of these are easily detected by a forensic medicine expert as they present as described in literature but are difficult to explain if altered by professionals for nefarious reasons. This was a prospective study carried out at a tertiary centre. The data was collected and analysed from the office records of medico-legal reports prepared at our institute between 25 February 2022 and 25 February 2023. 21 cases were recorded, that met with our criteria. Most involved males (90.5%). Minimum age was 27 years and maximum age 66 years with a mean of 48.6 years and a standard deviation of ±11 years. Most offenders were unemployed (38.1%). Most fractured bone was tibia (47.6%). Left-sided fractures were more common (61.9%). Injuries corresponded with the findings on clothes in three cases (14.3%). Fabricated wounds will reflect the intentions of the fabricator and may range from superficial wounds to grievous injury. Only a critical analysis of all medico-legal cases will identify them, and they will have similarities of presentation. Such findings have rarely been reported in other parts of India. A diligently prepared medico-legal report and profiling of all cases can help establish patterns of such injuries.

Limits of competence of a forensic commodity expert in determining the characteristics of goods in cases of customs rules violation

Today, all goods, regardless of the country of origin, are subject to classification, that is, codes are determined for goods in accordance with the classification groupings specified in the UCC of the Economic and Monetary Union. Expertise on determining the conformity of the characteristics of goods according to the UCC FEA, regardless of the purpose of establishing the code, is only a means of establishing the circumstances of implementation, that is, the characteristics on which the definition of the goods code is based, but by its task it cannot support the adoption of a decision on the determination interpretation of the product code according to the UCC FEA. Understanding the correctness of drawing up an expert's opinion allows to avoid difficulties when conducting a forensic commodity examination.
 The classification of goods is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the UCC FEA and is a technique that allows to present the classified goods in the form of a group of signs (product code) established by this classifier. When conducting a forensic commodity expert examination, a commodity expert may not exceed his or her powers and go beyond his or her competence when answering questions about determining the characteristics of the object of research according to the code of the UCC FEA. In the course of a commodity examination, a commodity expert determines only the characteristics of the goods, and the UCC FEA code is not determined.
 The article clarifies the peculiarities of determining the UCC FEA code, explains from a practical point of view what is the work of a forensic expert in conducting this type of forensic commodity examination. The article provides recommendations for forensic institutions on how to resolve the issues raised by forensic commodity expertise and the correctness of drawing up an expert's opinion, since this allows avoiding difficulties in conducting forensic commodity expertise.

Сhanging the legal qualification of the facts of a person’s disappearance: a practical aspect

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of legal qualification of criminal offences entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations on the facts of disappearance of a person under the conditions of temporary occupation and force majeure circumstances in the period from 20.02.2014 to the present. The actions of an investigator at various stages of pre-trial investigation of such criminal offences have been analysed, taking into account investigative situations directly related to premeditated murder as a result of violation of the laws and customs of war. The grounds for changing the legal qualification in criminal proceedings on the facts of missing persons have been proposed.
 The variability of legal qualifications in criminal proceedings based on the facts of the missing person under special circumstances that occurred in the temporarily occupied territory, due to the influence of force majeure, forced migration of the population, the lack of a unified approach of investigative units, the prosecutor's office and the court to this issue at various stages of the pre-trial investigation is a problem that affects the assignment of a fair punishment to persons whose guilt has been proven by the court in the commission of criminal offenses of a violent nature, the consequence of which is first the disappearance of a person, and then the establishment of the fact of his/her death or violent death, extrajudicial execution.
 The objectivity of the pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings on the facts of intentional murders resulting from violations of the laws and customs of war that preceded the disappearance of a person is ensured by establishing reliable and confirmed data on the circumstances of the crime, absolutely all the facts that have preceded it, all information characterising the missing person, his or her lifestyle, connections, political preferences.
 Under special conditions and the force majeure factor, investigative situations of missing persons at the initial stage of the pre-trial investigation are almost typical. However, high-quality documentation of such criminal offences and bringing the perpetrators to justice is ensured through the proper organisation of interaction between the investigative and operational units of the National Police and other law enforcement agencies with the military, forensic experts and volunteer search organisations. Currently, the military aggression continues.

Fundamentals of Forensic Tactics in the Commission of Expertise for Extremism Cases in Proceedings on Administrative Offenses

In the article the authors integrate the provisions of forensic tactics into the proceedings on cases of administrative offenses. Despite the classical understanding of the subject of criminology, which is intended only for the needs of criminal proceedings, the authors believe that the provisions of criminology are applicable to other types of proceedings. As an example, the authors integrated the provisions of forensic tactics in relation to the commission of expertise for extremism cases in the proceedings on administrative offenses. Based on the analysis of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation, legislation on forensic expertise, current judicial practice and the provisions of the science of forensic expertise, a specific algorithm of actions is proposed for the court, state authorities and officials in need of special knowledge in the administration of justice. The algorithm of actions proposed by the authors is a consistent manual that allows to organize the work of the law enforcement officer and avoid procedural errors in the commission and performance of expertise.

SKEPTISME PROFESIONAL SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING HUBUNGAN KOMPETENSI AUDITOR, TEKANAN WAKTU DAN KEAHLIAN FORENSIK TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN AUDITOR MENDETEKSI KECURANGAN

This study aims to examine the effect of auditor’s competence, time pressure, and forensic expertise on the auditor's ability to detect fraud with professional skepticism as an intervening variable. This research was conducted at the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) Jambi Provincial Representative. The sampling technique in this study uses a saturated sampling technique. The data in this study is quantitative primary data, which was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to auditors at the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) Jambi Provincial Representative. The analysis technique used is Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. The results of this study found that (1) auditor’s competence and time pressure have a significant effect on the auditor's ability to detect fraud and professional skepticism, (2) forensic expertise does not have a significant effect on the auditor's ability to detect fraud but has a significant effect on professional skepticism, (3) professional skepticism does not have a significant effect on the auditor's ability to detect fraud. As for the effect of professional skepticism as mediating variable, it was found that (4) competence, time pressure and forensic expertise did not have a significant effect on the auditor's ability to detect fraud through professional skepticism.

Study on Script Independent Handwritten Document Analysis for Forensics

Abstract: Forensic investigations including document authenticity, forgery detection, and signature verification all heavily rely on handwritten papers. These papers are typically subject to subjective and time-consuming manual assessment by forensic experts as part of the analysis and examination process. The development of automated methods for script-independent handwritten document analysis has completely changed the area and made objective analysis possible. The development of script-independent handwritten document analysis for forensic purposes is explored in this research article. We go over the difficulties encountered in this field and provide several methods and approaches used to solve them. We also look at the advantages, drawbacks, and potential applications of script independent handwritten document analysis in forensic investigations

CORRELATION OF STATURE WITH MAXIMUM HEAD LENGTH OF MALE ADULTS OF UPPER PUNJAB

Background: In the field of forensic medicine, stature estimation in unknown skeletonized bodies is one of the most significant biological parameters. It is done many times when highly mutilated or decomposed bodies or fragmentary remains of skull are brought for forensic examination. The objective of this study was to correlate stature with maximum head length in male adults of 21–30 years in Upper Punjab. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of correlation as a tool to predict relationship of stature from maximum length of head. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study. Data was collected from the 382 males of Kharian City in Upper Punjab selected with non-probability, purposive sampling. Head measurements were taken using blunt ended spreading callipers and the stature of individual was measured standing erect in anatomical position using a stadiometer. SPSS-25 software was used for data analysis. Results: The mean stature was 170.4±6.85 Cm. Mean head length was 16.95±0.6 Cm. Prediction accuracy tests were performed which indicated that regression models of this study can estimate the height with accuracy. Conclusion: This study established a correlation between stature and maximum head length. It will help the forensic experts to estimate stature from measuring head length, especially when only head is available as a result of some natural or human caused calamity. Pak J Physiol 2023;19(3):27–30

Internal expert conviction: forensic veterinary aspect

Using general scientific and special scientific methods, problematic aspects of internal conviction phenomenon of forensic expert (in particular, forensic veterinarian) are outlined and ways of their solution are proposed. It has been proven that this category is an element of independence and immediacy of research on object specifics and properties in order to find out factual data and case (proceedings) circumstances. The author’s definition of concept of “internal conviction of forensic expert” is formulated, its specifics and factors affecting its formation are singled out. Mechanism for minimizing influence of subjectivism on forensic expert activity and on drawing up forensic expert conclusion is proposed. Structure of expert’s inner conviction is revealed and attention is focused on the fact that it is expedient to distinguish epistemological, psychological, ethical, moral and legal components. Directions of implementation of this phenomenon in forensic expert activity are considered. It is argued that internal conviction of forensic expert should be understood as the state of his consciousness and feelings which is the result of mental subjective activity while conducting expert research and evaluating the signs and properties of tangible and materialized objects in order to find out the factual data and circumstances of case (proceedings) according to a specific examination, when he considers the condition of objects provided for research to be suitable, and their number sufficient to provide a well-founded and objective conclusion; is sure of its correctness, does not doubt infallibility of his decision and is ready to act in accordance with.

Theoretical and methodological foundations for forensic commodity examination of garment products

The examination of garment products is a popular type of forensic commodity expertise in proceedings related to the protection of the interests of Ukrainian producers, business entities in the sale and rental of garment products, as well as the investigation of offences related to export and import operations.
 Based on the study of the legislative framework for conducting forensic commodity research of garment products, as well as regulatory documents on the methodology for assessing the quality of garments for various purposes, the author states that there is still no unified list of control objects to be studied in the course of garment examination.
 The article is devoted to the problems of methodology for forensic commodity examination of garments. It has been established that the lack of unified terminology causes differences in the interpretation of methodological guidelines for conducting examinations and differences in the interpretation of research results. The fundamental differences between the purpose, composition of materials and market conditions of a particular type of garment can significantly affect the choice of research methods. In this regard, the article considers the nomenclature of objects of forensic commodity examination of garments, which makes it possible to streamline the expert’s actions in accordance with the specifics of the object of study. The nomenclature identifies the following groups of indicators for the examination of garments: compliance of the product and control label details with the requirements of regulatory documentation, correspondence of appearance, adequacy of the type of materials used for sewing the garment, safety of materials, quality of fit of the garment, quality of manufacture of the garment, correspondence of linear measurements to nominal values, and market value of identical (similar) goods.

Time frame for forensic accounting: normative and methodological aspects

Subject. In the current practice of forensic accounting, there is an issue of determining the optimal timing of the examination. The scientific and educational literature reflects different points of view on the issue. We need to study the factors affecting the duration of forensic accounting, the reasons for extending their terms. It is also necessary to analyse the regulatory provisions concerning the timing of forensic accounting.Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify the features of illegal economic actions; to study the conditions affecting the target dates of forensic accounting; to determine the dependence of the target dates of forensic accounting procedure on its type; to identify and analyse the difficulties in assigning, organising, and conducting forensic accounting examinations; and to compare the requirements for forensic accounting experts and their competencies under the current laws and regulations. Methodology. We used the following methods of scientific knowledge to achieve our goals: dialectical method, analysis, and synthesis. The research was based on the study of relevant scientific and educational literature, economic journals, and factual materials. Conclusions. We concluded that the financial control system should focus not only on methodological, but also organisational and procedural issues of conducting expert economic activities regarding illegal economic actions. The time frame for forensic accounting should be considered from two perspectives: normative and methodological. The expected terms of forensic accounting examination directly depend on its type: primary, follow-up, additional, expert panel, or complex review. According to the analysis of practical materials, the actual terms of the forensic accounting panel examination usually exceed thirty days as it is used for complex, multi-episode illegal economic actions, involving sophisticated methods of concealment. Currently, there is no consensus among scientists and practising specialists on the composition of genera in the class of forensic economic examinations. Discrepancies in regulatory documents on the structure of the forensic economic examination class leads to an unjustified increase in the duration of forensic accounting due to the ambiguity in choosing the appropriate expert for a particular case.

An evaluation of novice, expert and supervised machine learning model classifications for forensic hair analysis

ABSTRACT An evaluation of forensic hair analysisbetween experts, novices and the recently developed machine learning platform, HairNet, was conducted to assess accuracy and reliability. Our hypothesis stated experts and the machine learning platform will outperform novices in classifications of hair as human or non-human and suitability for nDNA analysis based on specialist knowledge and from training of the model. Statistically significant differences between novices and experts were found and attributed to training and experience for more complex classifications. For more simplistic classifications, no statistically significant difference between the novice and the experts was found. HairNet proved responses similar to expert responses in all classifications. Encouraging feedback was received regarding the use of technology and machine learning. The utilization of technology undoubtedly holds great promise to become part of the forensic tool kit for improving the efficiency and reliability of forensic hair analysis and in research, education and competency testing.

Forensic advisers working for all district courts and courts of appeal in the Netherlands: An overview and discussion.

Since late 2020, all district courts and courts of appeal in the Netherlands have internal forensic support in the form of "forensic advisers." This position was created in 2012 and resulted from the efforts made to expand knowledge of the forensic sciences within the inquisitorial Dutch criminal justice system. Forensic advisers are generalists and support judges in all matters concerning forensic science, for example, ensuring the logically correct interpretation of evidence, assessing the relevant expertise of forensic experts, and helping to avoid statistical fallacies. In this article, we discuss the origins of the position, the activities performed, and both positive and critical remarks about the position in the literature. Extensive attention is paid to the boundaries of the role and of the advice that is offered. We conclude that the forensic adviser has strengthened the forensic science expertise within the Dutch judiciary and we give recommendations for a more robust anchoring of this expertise.

ORGANIZING THE WORK OF FORENSIC MEDICAL EXPERTS OF STATE FORENSIC MEDICAL EXPERT INSTITUTIONS WITH OBJECTS CONTAMINATED WITH RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

This article examines the organization of forensic medical experts of state forensic medical expert institutions with objects contaminated with radioactive substances in emergency situations. The issues of the organization of medical care for radiation damage are covered only in the specialized literature, which is quitereasonable, since it is of exclusively professional interest. However, in the professional literature the topic of the organization of forensic medical examination of objects contaminated with radioactive substances (RS) is practically not discussed. The article proposes the principles of organization of forensic medical examination of objects contaminated with radioactive substances in emergency situations.