Object, subject and system of criminalistics: are there prerequisites for expansion?

Introduction. The main purpose of criminalistics is to solve a number of theoretical and applied problems of fighting crime, increase ofeffectiveness and efficiency of activities aimed at solution, investigation and prevention of crime. At the same time, the knowledge obtained in the course of forensic research is in demand in other spheres of legal, managerial, economic and other activities.The possibilities of adaptation and use of forensic knowledge and developments in legal and other activities not related to the detection, investigation and prevention of crime, led to the emergence in forensic literature of various suggestions to expand the object and subject of forensic science, to transform its system.Such suggestions should be the subject of scientific and forensic analysis and discussion. Methods. The methodological basis of the study was formed by general scientific and specific scientific means of perception: dialectical, formal logic (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), historical, systemic, comparative study, hermeneutic and a number of others. Results. The study evaluated the possibilities of using the results of forensic research and forensic knowledge based on them not only in the work aimed at detection, investigation and prevention of crime, but also in other areas of legal, managerial, economic and other activities. The viewpointsof forensic scientists presented in the legal literature and dealing with the possibility of expanding the object-subject area and system of criminalistics in the context of the actual application and adaptation of criminalistics knowledge in civil and administrative proceedings, private detective, security, notarial, business activities, have been analysed and critically evaluated. The author’s conclusion is substantiated that, despite the potentialities and actual application and adaptation of forensic knowledge in various areas of law enforcement and other non-criminalistic activities, there are no grounds and theoretical and methodological prerequisites for expanding the object, subject and system of traditional forensic science, changing its purpose and objectives.