Keywords
forensic science
criminal proceedings
forensic examination
psychophysiological examination
evidence
forensic technique
procedural status
judicial practice
human rights
How to Cite
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive theoretical and legal study of the legal nature of polygraph use in forensic science and defines its place within the system of methods for obtaining forensically relevant information. The relevance of the study stems from the increasing practical use of the polygraph in criminal proceedings, given the longstanding absence of clear regulatory provisions governing its procedural status and the ambiguity of judicial practice regarding the assessment of the results of psychophysiological examinations. The aim of the article is to define the legal nature of the polygraph, to clarify the specific features of its use in forensic activities, and to justify directions for improving the legislative regulation of the application of polygraph examinations in Ukraine.
The methodological basis of the study consists of general scientific and specialised legal methods of inquiry, in particular the formal-logical, systemic-structural, comparative-legal, historical and judicial practice analysis methods. Their application has made it possible to trace the evolution of polygraph use, determine its functional purpose within forensic techniques, and examine the procedural aspects of using the results of such examinations in criminal proceedings.
The work analyses scientific approaches to classifying the polygraph as either a forensic technique or a forensic tactic, and examines the evidential value of the information obtained and the limits of its use, taking into account the principles of the rule of law and human rights guar- antees. Particular attention is paid to the impact of recent regulatory changes, in particular the introduction of procedures for conducting forensic psychological examinations using the polygraph, on the trans- formation of its legal status.
It is argued that the polygraph should be regarded as a multi-purpose tool of forensic science and, at the same time, as an instrument of forensic psychological examination, the results of which may be used only in conjunction with other evidence. It is concluded that polygraphological research is gradually becoming institutionalised in Ukraine and that further legislative regulation of polygraphological activities is necessary to ensure a balance between the interests of justice and the protection of human rights.
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