Forensics in Law Implementation

Profession

A forensic expert is a specialist who performs an examination, the results of which are subsequently used during the trial. The expert's opinion helps the court to make an informed and objective decision. A forensic expert is a person with deep knowledge in a certain area, who is entrusted by the investigating authorities or other authorized persons to conduct examination of evidence in a case. The programme is aimed at training specialists in the field of forensic science. Since forensic technologies are transnational and unified, it is possible to train specialists in standardised forensic activities within the framework of the International Technical Committee on Forensic Science and cooperation between the SCO member states, as well as interaction with the European Network of Forensic Science institutions (ENFSI).

Educational Process

The programme Forensic Expert Activities in Law Enforcement is offered both to bachelors of law (already having the first level of legal education) and bachelors of other areas of training.
During the training course students consider topical problems of using special knowledge, substantive and procedural law, criminalistics, forensic methodology, technologies for improving the quality of forensic activities. Theoretical classes are enhanced with practical classes, including training in forensic analysis, as well as the analysis of judicial and expert practice, based on multi-years practical experience of forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Russia.
All disciplines are taught by teachers who combine their work with practical activities in various institutions, such as the Federal Budgetary Institution “Russian Federal Center for Forensic Science” under the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and others.
Disciplines:
— basic: Topical Problems of Using Expert Knowledge in Modern Legal Proceedings, Modern Theory of Forensic Examination, Legal Basis for the Appointment and Production of Forensic Examination, Forensic Examination Methodology and others;
— optional: 4 modules of practical disciplines on the specifics of various types of forensic examinations, as well as an academic discipline related to the development of modern technologies for quality management of forensic activities.

Practice

The internship is provided at Federal Budgetary Institution “Russian Federal Center for Forensic Science” under the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, which is the leading forensic institution in the Forensic institutions system of the Ministry of Justice of Russia, and other forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Russia.

Career

Upon successful completion of the educational programme, the graduates may work for Russian and foreign forensic institutions as experts, managers, organizers of expert, scientific and methodological activities. The graduates of various institutes, who have been granted the degree of Master of Laws, can successfully engage in forensic, advocacy, insurance, and scientific activities in the related field. For example, the graduates in engineering can become lawyers specializing in forensic construction and technical expertise.
Moreover, the graduates can continue research work under postgraduate programme, as well as teach at law schools.
The programme graduates work at the Russian Federal Center for Forensic Science Federal Budgetary Institution under the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation, courts, and non-profit forensic organizations.