Abstract
Lecture at a professional conference organized by the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the St. Anne University Hospital in Brno and the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University dedicated to the current state of forensic expertise in the Czech Republic and forecasts of its development in the coming years.
As part of the lecture, the author evaluated the application impacts of Act No. 254/2019 Coll., on experts, expert offices and expert institutes, from the viewpoint of fulfilling the objectives set out in the explanatory report, summarized the current state of this field, including the most acute conceptual problems, and proposed measures aimed at mitigation of undesirable effects associated in particular with the overall lack of forensic experts and the "aging" of the expert community. In particular, the author proposed the introduction of a preparatory profession in the field of expertise (the institute of expert assistant or expert candidate), the abolition of the mandatory insurance of forensic experts, and the transformation of the system of expert firms.
The author further commented on the conceptual problems incl. the overuse of expert opinions, the institute of a consultant in criminal proceedings, and issue of proving in court proceedings. As part of the moderated panel discussion, the author also answered questions from the audience and commented on the technical possibilities of ensuring the continuity of expert activity after 2026.