Use of Specialized Knowledge in Criminal Proceedings: Comparative Legal Analysis of the Legislation of the Russian Federation and Selected Foreign States

Issues related to the use of specialized knowledge in criminal proceedings remain relevant despite existing legislative provisions for expert and specialist involvement. The existence of different approaches in different branches of law to the interpretation of the concepts of “special knowledge” and “special expertise” causes not only ongoing scientific discussions in this regard, but also difficulties in law enforcement practice. Rapid legislative development necessitates revising existing provisions to enhance the effectiveness of these participants. A comparative analysis of various states’ legislation allows leveraging positive foreign experiences for legislative optimization--especially crucial in the digital age. However, this is not about blind replication, but about developing a distinct model for utilizing special knowledge in criminal proceedings, enabling more effective application amid digitalization.