Revisiting the Scientific Foundations of Forensic Science
https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2018-13-3-123-12
Abstract
The study addresses recent criticisms of forensic science, specifically those pointing to a lack of sound scientific basis behind examination methods. Conclusions are based on the analysis of documents published in the United States, as well as forensic expert practices in Russia. Analysis demonstrates both methodological and legal issues with the application of specialized knowledge in the expert form. The use of Karl Popper’s principle to support the scientific status of forensic methods is demonstrated to lack justification, and is therefore debatable.
About the Author
A. V. NesterovRussian Federation
Anatolii V. Nesterov – Doctor of Law, Professor of the Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics Department.
Moscow; Lyubertsy.
References
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Review
For citations:
Nesterov A.V. Revisiting the Scientific Foundations of Forensic Science. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science. 2018;13(3):123-127. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30764/1819-2785-2018-13-3-123-12