Topical issues of an expert report in the process of proving in a criminal examination

Abstract

This study presents material on an expert report as an independent source of evidence indicative that the examination of evidence is a separate stage in the process of proving. The paper includes examples from investigative and judicial practice and analysis of breaches that occur during the commissioning and performance of forensic examinations. We consider the problem of assessing the reliability of the expert’s conclusions and the methods involved in the examination. Criteria are identified on the basis of which the investigator or the court can assess the reliability of an expert report.