Rubtcova, Pavenkov, and Pavenkov on Historical Prerequisites of Forensic Knowledge in Russia, 1697-1725

Mariia V. Rubtcova, Oleg V. Pavenkov, and Vladimir Pavenkov, all of St. Petersburg University of Cinema and Television, have published Historical Prerequisites of Forensic Knowledge in Russia: 1697-1725 Years, presented at the 20th Annual IBA Transnational Crime Conference, 17-19 May 2017. Here is the abstract.

The article is devoted to the analysis of improving of the rules of crime scene investigation during reign of Peter The Great. The beginning of stage of development of forensic knowledge is connected with one of the first Peter I’s decree (1697 year). The development of forensic knowledge about crime scene investigation according to this decree included discovering the principles of investigation process. In our opinion, such increase of the significance of crime scene investigation in the criminal proceedings was caused by the formation of monarchical absolutist system in condition of the emerging Russian Empire. However, there is another point of view, that this trend was cause by individual qualities of Peter I: his inconsistency, impulsiveness and messy. Decree of Peter the Great (1723 year) "About the form of the court" came into conflict with the first decree because court get first position and formally abolished the crime scene investigation, however, crime scene investigation was soon restored.

Download the article from SSRN at the link.