Modern System of Scientific and Methodological Materials on Forensic Examination in Forensic Institutions of Russian Ministry of Justice

The article considers the main problems of scientific and methodological support of forensic activities and suggests ways to solve them using the example of forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Russia. It presents an overview of the definitions of scientific and methodological materials proposed by A.R. Shlyakhov. The need to develop and further improve the system of scientific and methodological materials (SMM) on forensic examination is substantiated with regard to modern conditions. The hierarchy and definitions of the SMM main types are given. It is shown that the processes of the SMM system are based on their preparation and use life cycle which represents itself the interrelated and (or) interacting types of activities, including: development (planning, coordination of scientific and methodological work (SMW), scientific guidance of SMW topics and their implementation control, SMM validation (suitability assessment) and introduction of new SMM into expert practice. Under that the SMM life cycle is five years as a rule. The need for conducting research during 2026–2027 is substantiated with the aim to develop a set of general (specific) expert methods in the following areas: criminalistic expertise, forensic engineering and technical examination; examination of materials, substances and products; socio-humanitarian examination; economic examination; biological examination. This complex will be integrated into the electronic SMM Registry which is being created to support the activities of forensic institutions of the Russian Ministry of Justice. The unified methodological platform built up for all expert specialties in the field of forensic activities will serve as a basis for bringing in progressive mechanisms for active monitoring of the scientific and methodological support level. It will also provide practical prerequisites for the artificial intelligence technologies use in forensic examination.