Use of an Electronic Digital Signature to Optimize the Work of Forensic Examiners

Aim. To analyze the current legislation of the Russian Federation and organizational forms of forensic examination in terms of the possibility of using an electronic digital signature to sign an expert report. Methodology. The current provisions of federal and intradepartmental regulatory and legal sources governing forensic activities in the Russian Federation are analyzed. A systematic method was used to analyze the possibility of using an electronic digital signature to sign an expert report in the context of current legal realities. Results. The study found that there are no restraining factors now that could limit forensic experts in using an electronic digital signature for the procedurally correct execution of an expert report. Significant advantages have been identified for this form of signing the report which are associated with a reduction in the time required to produce expert assessments, an increase in the mobility of interregional interaction between judicial, investigative and expert bodies and a reduction in transport, postal and logistics costs which are borne by the parties and the federal budget when appointing examinations, reducing the likelihood of damage to fragile and dilapidated objects of forensic examination. Research implications. The results of the research contribute to the practice of forensic examination, develop the possibilities of digital document management in the system of judicial and investigative authorities and forensic institutions, and promote further digitalization of forensic activities in the Russian Federation.