Criminalistics is not the science of prosecution or defense, but aimed at judicial resolution of criminal cases

Abstract

The article considers the purpose of criminalistics as an objective science. The author briefly analyzes the definitions of the subject of criminology proposed by scientists in different years. At the same time, the General trend becomes obvious — the monopolization of criminology by law enforcement agencies. With reference to the position of the Patriarch of Russian criminalistics R. S. Belkin, the author expresses his opinion that criminalistics cannot and should not serve only state law enforcement agencies. The results of forensic research can be successfully used in criminal cases by the defense party-lawyers and other representatives of suspects and accused. The article provides examples when abuses by the preliminary investigation bodies with reference to the use of criminalistics provisions led to judicial errors and bringing innocent persons to criminal responsibility. Only in court, when using the evidence presented by the parties to the defense and prosecution, obtained, including through the use of recommendations of forensic science, a criminal case can be fairly resolved.