Article 55. Rights and Obligations of a Specialist

A person summoned as a specialist shall have the right: to know the purpose of calling him; refuse to participate in the proceedings if he does not have the appropriate special knowledge and skills; with the permission of the court, to ask questions to the participants in the procedural action; to draw the attention of the participants in the procedural action to the circumstances associated with his actions in assisting in the collection, research and assessment of evidence, in the use of scientific and technical means, in the preparation of materials for the appointment of an examination; to get acquainted with the protocol of the procedural action in which he took part, as well as in the relevant part with the protocol of the court session and make statements and comments to be entered into the protocol regarding the completeness and correctness of recording the course and results of the actions carried out with his participation; receive reimbursement of expenses incurred by him in connection with participation in the production of procedural actions, and remuneration for the work performed, if participation in the proceedings on the case is not included in the scope of his official duties.

A person involved as a specialist shall be obliged to: appear upon the summons of the court; participate in the execution of procedural actions and in the court hearing by using specialized knowledge, skills, and scientific and technical means; provide consultations and give explanations regarding the actions they perform; and not disclose information and details of a closed court hearing without the permission of the court.

If a specialist does not appear when summoned by the court for reasons recognized by the court as disrespectful, as well as for unreasonable refusal to give advice (explanations), he may be fined in the manner prescribed by this Code.

The imposition of a fine shall not relieve a specialist from the obligation to appear and give advice (explanations).