THE SUBJECT OF TACTICAL DECISION IN CRIMINALISTICS

Questions under discussion as to the presence of decisions subject (in particular, of tactical decisions in criminalistics) are considered. An opinion was expressed regarding the subject of tactical decisions in criminalistics. Attention is drawn to the fact that study of the subject of a tactical decision is conditioned by the need to determine its place in the structure of a decision. The appropriate choice of the subject of a tactical decision contributes to the effectiveness of tactical influence and is important for achieving the goal of decision. The Article purpose is to substantiate the presence of subject in a tactical decision and to define it as forms of specific forensic tools and techniques used while crimes investigation. Research methods: formal logical methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis, generalization, analogy). To accomplish the task at hand, the etymology of the term “subject” is considered. Publications of the ancient philosopher Aristotle were the basis of motivation on the presence of the subject in a tactical decision. According to the scientist, “means to achieve the goal” are the subject of a decision. For a detailed study of this issue, some aspects of decision theory are outlined. Emphasis in the study was placed on the fact that in the structure of a decision there is always a goal, for the sake of which decision is taken, and means that contribute to the achievement of this goal. These elements manifest themselves differently in a decision. The goal (as a certain intellectual factor) manifests itself in a decision in the form of what someone “wants to achieve” and that directs actions of a decision-maker. The goal and its achievement are in direct proportion to means chosen to achieve the goal. The mentioned means are “materialized” elements of a decision, which allows them to be attributed to the subject of a decision. The following arguments are outlined in favor of means for achieving the goal of decision as its subject: a) thoughts of a decision-maker are directed at determining the type and quality of means for achieving goal; b) the expression of the will of a person making the decision is aimed at determining the optimal option for the use of certain means; c) implementation of a decision is an action on the application of certain means. To validate his findings, the author analyzed the definitions of a tactical decision available in the scientific literature and isolated the means of achieving the decision goal from their content. In the article conclusion, forensic tools and techniques are listed, which may be the subject of a tactical decision.