June 28 is the Day of the forensic expert: the history and traditions of the holiday

Every year, on June 28, Russia celebrates the Day of the Judicial Expert, a celebration of specialists whose work lies at the intersection of science, law and public safety. In 2025, the date falls on a Saturday. Read about how the profession has developed, what its significance is, and also how unusual it is to congratulate the perpetrators of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

Judicial Expert Day – 2025: the history of the profession

Judicial Expert Day was officially established by the Government of the Russian Federation on September 29, 2022 at the initiative of the Forensic Expert Chamber and with the support of the Ministry of Justice.

The date of June 28 was not chosen by chance. It was on this day in 1912 that a new structural unit appeared at the St. Petersburg Prosecutor's Office - Russia's first Scientific and Judicial Office, which later became the basis for the entire judicial examination system in the country.

The use of specialized knowledge for the purposes of justice has a centuries-old tradition. Back in the Hippocratic era, doctors were involved in court proceedings, providing opinions based on medical practice. In Byzantium, during the reign of Emperor Justinian, handwriting methods for the first time received normative recognition: handwriting analysis became an official tool in judicial procedure.

On the territory of Russia, elements of forensic examination began to be applied already in the XV century. At that time, experts determined the authenticity of documents by handwriting, laying the foundation for the formation of one of the key branches of modern criminology.

The first mention of forensic examination in Russia dates back to the time of Peter the Great, when the emperor ordered doctors to perform an examination (examine bodily injuries) for the court.

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In 1864, judicial reform contributed to the systematization of expert knowledge, and fingerprinting, criminalistics, and expertise on signatures, handwriting, footprints, and documents were gradually introduced into law enforcement practice. And since the beginning of the 20th century, the scientific approach has become an integral part of criminal and civil proceedings.

During the Soviet period, scientific research institutes for forensic examinations were established, standards and regulations were introduced. After the collapse of the USSR, the system underwent a transformation, private experts appeared, and the list of types of expertise expanded from automotive, construction, and technical to psychological, economic, and cultural.

Today, the profession of a judicial expert requires high qualifications, responsibility and an impeccable reputation, because the course and outcome of many court cases depend on his conclusion.

Today, 87 areas of expert activity are registered in the All-Russian Register of Forensic Expert Organizations. Among them are criminology, forensic psychiatry, art history, economics, commodity science, medicine, construction and environmental expertise, as well as a number of other narrow-profile and comprehensive areas.

Traditions of celebrating the Day of the Forensic Expert

Despite its "youth", the holiday has already taken its place of honor in the professional community. On June 28, many expert institutions hold celebrations, awarding the best employees with commendations and certificates of honor.

Scientific conferences, round tables, and presentations of new techniques and approaches are also held in Russian cities on this day.

In the professional environment, the Day of the Forensic Expert has also become an occasion for informal communication, exchange of experience, and discussion of topical issues.

In some regions, exhibitions of equipment, public lectures and master classes for students of specialized fields are held. This helps to raise the profile of the profession and attract new staff to this field.

Who and how to congratulate on June 28th — best wishes

On June 28, forensic experts of all fields receive congratulations on their professional holiday — from criminologists and biologists to economists and linguists, teachers of specialized disciplines, young specialists and veterans of the profession. Izvestia has prepared several examples of congratulations for professionals whose work invisibly serves truth and justice.:

"Congratulations on the Day of the Judicial expert! May your conclusions always be accurate and your research impeccable, and not a single trace will escape your attention. We wish that every result of the work is confirmed by time and justice."

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"Congratulations on your professional holiday! Let each of your conclusions be a step towards justice, and every day brings confidence in your own rightness. May the truth always be on your side. Happy Judicial Expert Day!"

"Congratulations on the Day of the Judicial expert! Let your research be accurate, your arguments weighty, and your work bring not only satisfaction from the result, but also pride in the cause you serve! We wish you to work in harmony with the facts, follow the truth and inspire your colleagues with an example of impeccable professionalism!"

Earlier, Izvestia told when and how Statistics Worker's Day is celebrated in Russia.