The article focuses on the current problems of modern expert practice of examining images of document details when conducting forensic handwriting and forensic technical examinations. The author analyzes such fundamental criteria of expert conclusions as their scientific validity and credibility and studies the semantics of such widespread terms as "image" and "imitation" in the context of the problem being studied. It is also noted that since any images of handwritten details can’t be considered as a subject of forensic handwriting examination, the conclusions based on the results of their examination can’t be currently considered as scientifically valid and credible. Special attention is drawn to the fact that the electrophotographic method of image reproduction leads to a significant distortion of diagnostic and identification signs of such details as handwritten notes (signatures) and seal impressions, which makes it impossible to reliably examine them. Violation of the principle of comparability of objects to be compared is indicated as one of the common misconceptions. The author comes to the conclusion that to overcome the existing problems it will be necessary to revise key methodological provisions of forensic handwriting and forensic technical examinations of documents. In its turn, it will require joint efforts of leading scientists in the sphere of forensic examination.
DOCUMENT DETAILS, SCIENTIFIC VALIDITY OF EXPERT CONCLUSIONS, FORENSIC HANDWRITING EXAMINATION, FORENSIC TECHNICAL EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS, IMAGE, IMITATION, ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC METHOD OF IMAGE REPRODUCTION
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