Methodological and Procedural Problems of Integrated Research in Forensic Examination

In the study, the relationship between methodological and procedural problems of integrated research in forensic examination is analysed. The following general scientific methods were used: analysis, synthesis, system-structural. The following specific scientific methods were used: biographical analysis, statistical analysis, comparative historical method, expert assessment. Three approaches to understanding the essence of integrated expert examination are analysed: procedural, epistemological and information-logical. The procedural approach is based on the consideration of an integrated examination as a study by a group of experts in different fields, which cannot be made by one expert with the knowledge in necessary fields. The basis of the epistemological approach is the need for the synthesis of knowledge of various expert fields in addressing the issues of examination. The information approach assumes that the basis of a comprehensive examination is the use of the conclusions of one expert by another expert in the formation of their own conclusion, i.e., it is also an examination by a group, but, unlike in the procedural approach, experts can be of different or similar fields. It is proved that the epistemological approach to the essence of an integrated examination is crucial and should be the basis for the legal regulation of its production. Integrated examination can be made by a group of persons or by one person. The analysis of the legal regulation of integrated expert examination in branch-specific procedural codes and the Federal Law "On the State Forensic Activities in the Russian Federation" revealed a lack of uniformity in the formulation of norms that determine the grounds for the appointment of an integrated examination, as well as a lack of indication of which of the experts signs the general conclusion of an integrated examination. It is necessary to unify branch-specific procedural laws on integrated examination since its production does not depend on the type of procedure. An integrated examination is appointed when the answer to a question requires knowledge in different expert fields. The conclusion of an integrated examination should be signed by experts with sufficient knowledge to evaluate another expert's conclusions used in the formulation of the final one. The expert who signed the final conclusion bears full liability for it. The procedural problems associated with experts' going beyond their competences during integrated examinations can be eliminated through special training of experts, which requires specification of expert competences for each type of integrated examination based on a diffuse area of knowledge. This should be preceded by a preliminary systematisation and classification of integrated examination. The established field of special knowledge necessary for conducting integrated examinations can serve as the basis for the formation of new expert specialities in the future and for a new look at the classification of forensic examination in general.

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