FORS08013 2019 Forensic Evaluation and Court

Write Forensic Scientist reports that are robust, balanced, impartial and transparent which are unbiased and comprehensible to the intended recipient such as lawyers or a jury.

Assess the frequency of occurrence of evidential materials in order to aid the interpretation of analytical results, using databases, where appropriate, to support interpretation.

Prepare sections of the book of evidence and present oral evidence in mock court as an expert witness

Outline national legislation relevant to presentation of forensic science in court including issues relating to criminal law, laws of evidence, the courts and  legal privilege.

This module will be delivered full time, it will include lectures, visit(s) to the court house, mock court presentations augmented by independent learning and directed learning.This approach is expected to address student needs.  Moodle will be used as a repository of education al resources. 

The module is 40% continuous assessment and 60% final exam.

Report writing will be assessed in two reports, the second will form the basis of the mock court presentation.  In order to simulate a real courtroom environment, the student will present a case in Sligo Court House and be subject to examination in chief and cross examination.  This is subject to permission and availability of facilities of the local court service.

Repeat continuous assessment and/or final exam.

Report Writing: Role of Expert witness, and report requirements.
Role of the investigative process and the requirements for continuity of evidence. 

Evaluation of scientific evidence: Assess frequency of occurrence, transfer and persistence of selected types of evidence e.g. fibres, hair, glass and biological samples.
Estimating the probability of the scientific evidence supporting the prosecution proposition or the defence proposition in line with Bayes Theorem.
Use of case assessment and avoidance of cognitive bias.
Statistical approach to DNA analysis and DNA Databases and Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Act 2014

Legal aspects: Overview of the criminal justice process including topics such as coroners court, affidavits, subpoenas, warrants, the chain of custody and book of evidence and visits to court.
Preparation for court.  Practice on how to present oral evidence and be cross examined.  Real courtroom or Audio visual recording and feedback.

Case studies: Examination of scientific and legal aspects of real and simulated cases (e.g. murder,  assault and sexual assault, drugs of abuse, hit and run, arson, robbery etc.).