Project Updates

The Ministry solves problems with forensic experts only partly

LIGA has recently called attention to problems in work of medical forensic experts. Now the Ministry of Justice has prepared an amendment to improve it. Instead of completely new law requested also by the Czech Ombudsman.

The proposed amendment is aimed to better specify experts requirements, qualifies some faults as offense, however, it does contain criteria for preparation of an expert opinion and does not bring clear rules on how to evaluate experts qualification (in Austria all experts are re-evaluated after 5 and then 10 years). Process of appointing and revoking the expert is still regulated insufficiently.

LIGA has sent their comments to the Ministry. As proven by LIGA Policy paper no. 7 – Problems in work of forensic medical experts, there are also many problems not caused by legislation. State authorities are benevolent to delays in preparation of expert opinions, ask bad questions and do not evaluate experts work. Also special bodies for expert issues that should help to evaluate qualification of a new forensic expert often do not exist. LIGA hopes that the Ministry will continue with other steps to improve work of forensic experts.