Forensic expertise, especially in recent years, plays such an important role in judicial proceedings that a significant proportion of criminal proceedings and cases in other types of judicial proceedings could not be effectively investigated and considered by the court without using its results.
This article is dedicated to the necessity of reforming forensic medical expertise in Ukraine with the aim of introducing modern standards and enhancing the effectiveness of justice. It outlines the shortcomings of the forensic medical expert system and their impact on the objectivity of judicial decisions, the efficiency of legal proceedings, and the level of public trust in the judicial system.
The reasons that motivate the reform of legislation in the field of forensic expertise are considered, one of which is the need to bring the norms of the basic law into line with the current legislation on the appointment and conduct of forensic expertise in all types of legal proceedings. The second pressing problem that needs to be addressed is the need to enshrine in the basic law on forensic expert activities norms regarding the material and social security of forensic experts. In addition, the improvement of the law should be linked to the need to harmonize Ukrainian legislation with European legislation.
The role of international standards in improving the quality of expert activity and its interaction with Ukraine’s legal system is analyzed. Particular attention is given to the analysis of international experience in organizing forensic medical expertise to determine vectors for improving the organization of forensic medical expertise in Ukraine. The prospects for the development of forensic medical expert activity are examined in light of European experience and the introduction of innovations into national practice. Comprehensive measures for transforming forensic medical expertise in Ukraine are proposed, based on standardization, the introduction of innovations, and international cooperation.
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