The Role Of Specific Expertise In Establishing Facts Of Illegal Use Of Mass Destruction Weapons

Abstract

Mass destruction weapons (ABC weapons) pose the greatest threat to humanity in the 21st century. Weapons of mass destruction traditionally include chemical, bacteriological (biological) and nuclear. The development of different types of mass destruction weapons has been facilitated by scientific and technological advancements, and is associated with scientific and technical progress of the international community. Therefore, countermeasures and establishment of facts of illegal use (trafficking) of mass destruction weapons should be based on specific (scientific) expertise. The article outlines peculiarities of involving well-versed persons to collect samples at the scene of crimes committed with the use mass destruction weapons, along with the process of appointing forensic examinations. Emphasis is made on the appointment and conduct of forensic examination of nuclear and other radioactive materials and on the development of a new area in forensic science: nuclear forensics.