The study is a part of the research of the Russian Federal Centre of Forensic Science of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. It is the initial stage in the development of methodological recommendations for conducting forensic handwriting examinations of images of handwritten objects in digital photocopies of documents. The author has analyzed the current procedural legislation and judicial practice on the use of digital photocopies of documents in proof, as well as the modern expert practice of handwriting studies concerning the images of handwriting realizations presented in such copies. The analysis has shown that these forensic handwriting studies are being quite actively conducted in both judicial and extrajudicial examinations; however, they acquire the procedural status of evidence in the case. Though, the object remains outside the scope of expert methodological support and a comprehensive systematic review in the theoretical aspect. The author considers this practice unacceptable.The article reviews a complex of issues related to determining the properties and attributes of images – handwriting objects presented in photocopies of documents, their qualitative characteristics, and other factors essential for conducting forensic handwriting examinations and formulating relevant conclusions.
A unified methodological approach is critical to obtaining objective and scientifically sound results in forensic practice. Such an approach ensures that different practitioners working with the same physical evidence will obtain comparable results. This, in turn, guarantees that the most important principles of forensic science are upheld, namely, that examinations are conducted objectively, comprehensively and exhaustively, with the possibility of further verification of reliability and validity of the expert’s conclusions.In this regard, standardization and harmonization of scientific methodologies supporting forensic operations are the cornerstone of the reform of the modern institution of forensic science in the Russian Federation, as well as an integral part of the judicial reform. The current state of methodological support in the system of state and non-state forensic science organizations in Russia is analyzed. The author presents the case for mandatory certification of forensic methods and proposes a range of measures to advance the harmonization of forensic methodologies in forensic practice.
The article analyzes modern forms of forensic experts’ training in terms of obtaining the necessary competencies. It additionally draws attention to the importance of building professional skills as a condition for admission to certification for the right to conduct independent expert activities. In this context, the author has reviewed a draft of a professional standard “Specialist in forensic examination”, which involves an introduction of an associate expert’s position as the first stage of professional development.When implementing the comparative legal method and the comparative approach, the issues of structural organization of forensic activities in the Russian Federation have been investigated to ensure proper education and forensic experts’ training. Also, the author proposes some recommendations on optimization of such activities.
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