A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS OF ETHICAL STANDARDS OF FORENSIC EXPERTS

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the research topic is due to the need to systematise the ethical standards of forensic experts, since ethics as one of the fundamental branches of philosophical knowledge applies to any community of people (social, political, professional, etc.); its task is to create rules of interaction to ensure uniform approaches to solving various problems and achieving harmony in social relations. Forensic examination, based on the principles of legality and objectivity, contributes to ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of all members of society. Therefore, the activities of forensic experts cannot be outside the scope of certain ethical norms and standards. The purpose of the article is to characterise the ethical standards of forensic experts and outline the areas of their possible transformation based on the analysis of ethical codes existing in English-speaking countries and in Ukraine, and using a systematic approach. The study applies the general methods of scientific cognition (ascent from the abstract to the concrete; formalisation; abstraction, analysis, analogy, synthesis), as well as a systematic approach.

Summary of the main results of the study. The article shows that there is an urgent need to harmonise national approaches to international law enforcement. The existing ethical standards of forensic experts are analysed. The necessity, areas and mechanisms of compliance with ethical standards in the field of forensic science and criminalistics are considered.

Conclusion. Ethical standards in the field of forensic science should provide for an accurate reflection of the expert’s qualifications, a truthful and detailed presentation of the data obtained as a result of the study, ensure the integrity of evidence, and provide clear and complete documentation of the expert study. At the same time, advocacy, bias, falsification and disclosure of information obtained during expert research are inadmissible.