Forensic Science: a Crisis or the Need to Clarify the Subject?

The article is devoted to clarification of the phenomenon and logics included into the subject of forensic science. The author criticizes attempts of other commentators to extend the subject matter of this science as well as the statements about so-called crisis in forensic science in Russia. From the author’s point of view, there is no reason to speak about a crisis. At the same time, it is necessfry to specify the subject matter of forensic science.The author argues against extension of the subject matter of forensic science to the fields of civil procedure and arbitration. He believes that the main aim of science has been still to detect a trace picture of a crime. So, forensic science is primarily in the field of fighting crime. Only powerful bodies and officials carry out forensic activities. As for the other subjects (such as advocates) – they can only use the achievements of forensic sciences.The author analyzes positions of Russian (including Soviet) and German commentators. The analysis allowed the author to propose the definitions of forensic science and criminalistical (forensic) characteristics of crime.