Information on finding a forensic expert in EU countries
Examinations of an object or situation requiring expertise in a particular specialised field, conducted by a forensic expert (also known as a forensic scientist or forensic science expert). Types and titles may differ from country to country.
Commonest types:
Forensic experts do not interpret the law or examine how it is applied. In most EU countries they are either employed by a state forensic science institution or operate privately.
National law lays down forensic experts' duties and responsibilities and establishes their right to perform forensic examinations. Most countries stipulate requirements (education, training and/or certification) for recognition as a forensic expert and for conducting forensic examinations in a particular field.
The results of a forensic examination are detailed in a forensic expert report (also known as an expert opinion). In this document, the forensic expert uses the results of a scientific study or physical examination of an object or situation to provide reasoned answers to the questions asked by the person in charge of proceedings (e.g. the investigator or prosecutor), or the court.
Forensic examinations may be conducted in the context of criminal, administrative or civil proceedings, either as part of a pre-trial investigation (usually at the request of an investigator or prosecutor) or during the court investigation (at the court's request).
Information for other EU countries will follow shortly.
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