Current Problems in Forensic Expert Training and Continuing Education in Selected Forensic Science Specialties

Abstract

The article uses the competence based approach to present a comparative analysis of three options for training forensic experts: (1) continuing professional education in the form of professional development and retraining; (2) higher education as per the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education 40.05.03 (five-year specialist degree programs in Jurisprudence, Forensic Science concentration); (3) higher education as per Standard 40.04.01 (two-year master’s degree programs in Jurisprudence). The contingent of trainees and the scope for application of these forms of forensic science training are defined. The problems of didactics in forensic expert training are examined, along with ways to improve and develop them further. The paper shows that all three forms of training of forensic experts in the Russian Federation are currently in demand and organically complement each other.

Keywords

• training of forensic experts
• continuing professional education
• forensic science specialties
• educational standard
• forensic science
• specialist degree program
• master’s degree program