Judicial ballistics in the system of criminalistic knowledge

Abstract

The criminalistic is a science that is dynamically evolving and changing. This applies, first of all, to the content and system of modern criminalistic knowledge. This applies to the section of criminalistic techniques "forensic ballistics". Problems of modern content of "forensic ballistics" and its place in the system of criminalistic knowledge were considered in the works of such scientists as: V.V. Areshonkov, R.S. Belkin, A.A. Belyakov, V.V. Biryukov, P.D. Bilenchuk, Hans Gross, A.V. Ishchenko, V.V. Kovalenko, A.V. Kofanov, Y. Lantsedova, J. Novak, S. Polishchuk, O.F. Sulyava,  V.S. Shapovalova, V. Yu. Shepitko and others. Despite the large number of scientific developments on this issue, it still remains controversial. With this in mind, the aim of our article is to analyze the problematic issues related to the content of "forensic ballistics" and its place in the system of  criminalistic knowledge. The article discusses controversial issues regarding the place of “forensic ballistics” as a section of criminalistic  technology in the modern system of criminalistic knowledge. The proposals of scientists regarding the creation of a separate forensic doctrine are highlighted, where knowledge on forensic research of firearms, bladed weapons and explosive devices is combined. Proposals of scientists regarding the name of such a theory have been discovered: “weapons research”, “weapons science”, “forensic weapons science”, and “forensic armology”. The possibilities of using criminalistic knowledge in the examination of weapons, traces and circumstances of its use within the framework of "forensic ballistics" are considered. In our opinion, it is inappropriate to combine into a common section of criminology or a separate forensic theory of the study of firearms, melee weapons, explosive devices. As for the latter, there are features of their expert study, which differ from the examination of weapons, traces and circumstances of its use. In addition, in different countries of the world, as well as law, law enforcement and science distinguish between different types of weapons and explosive devices.