Establishing a system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in Ukraine

The article highlights the experience of establishing and operation of the system of professional self-government of forensic scientists in the UK and France. The relevance of the issues studied in the article is due to the need to ensure strategic self-governance in the field of forensic science in Ukraine, which will involve all the main stakeholders. It is emphasized that there is a current need to reform forensic science activity. The author proposes a model of professional self-government of forensic scientists which will take into account: the system of subjects of forensic science activity operating in the state; the possibility of ensuring effective exercise of professional rights and protection of professional interests of forensic scientists, whether public or private, etc. The article substantiates the expediency of establishing the following organizational forms of self-government of forensic scientists: working groups of forensic scientists by type of forensic examination; the Council of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine; and the Congress of Forensic Scientists of Ukraine. It is proposed to name the professional self-governing organization that will unite all forensic scientists of Ukraine – the Forensic Science Academy of Ukraine. From this perspective, the author proposes amendments to the current Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Expertise”. The author concludes that organizations which exercise professional self-government of forensic scientists should lobby for the interests of their profession and perform a wide range of public functions.