Edmond, Gary, Found, Bryan, Martire, Kristy, Ballantyne, Kaye, Hamer, David, Searston, Rachel, Thompson, Matthew, Cunliffe, Emma, Kemp, Richard, San Roque, Mehera, Tangen, Jason, Dioso-Villa, Rachel, Ligertwood, Andrew, Hibbert, David, White, David, Rebeiro, Gianni, Porter, Glenn, Towler, Alice, and Roberts , Andrew (2016) Model forensic science. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 48 (5). pp. 496-537.

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Abstract

This article provides an explanation of the duties and responsibilities owed by forensic practitioners (and other expert witnesses) when preparing for and presenting evidence in criminal proceedings. It is written in the shadow of reports by the National Academy of Sciences (US), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (US), the Scottish Fingerprint Inquiry and a recent publication entitled 'How to cross-examine forensic scientists: a guide for Lawyers'. The article examines potential responses to questions focused on the need for scientific research, validation, uncertainties, limitations and error, contextual bias and the way expert opinions are expressed in reports and oral testimony. Responses and the discussion is developed around thematics such as disclosure, transparency, epistemic modesty and impartiality derived from modern admissibility and procedure rules, codes of conduct, ethical and professional responsibilities and employment contracts. The article explains why forensic practitioners must respond to the rules and expectations of adversarial legal institutions. Simultaneously, in line with accusatorial principles, it suggests that forensic practitioners employed by the state ought to conduct themselves as model forensic scientists.

Item ID:	41544
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1834-562X
Keywords:	expert; evidence; report; validation; disclosure; impartial; ethics; duties; professionalism
Date Deposited:	28 Oct 2016 04:00
FoR Codes:	44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4402 Criminology > 440203 Courts and sentencing @ 100%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9404 Justice and the Law > 940499 Justice and the Law not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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