Casework at the Forensic Institute

" this firm is perfectly content with the excellent service your Institute has provided ”

“thanks for the perfect advice and assistance you have given us over the years”

Our approach to casework - better science, better justice

We believe that the purpose of the defence expert witness is to verify the work performed by the prosecution, and discover any other relevant evidence. We undertake criminal and civil casework involving almost any scientific or medical specialty. Our forensic experts have a reputation for challenging science at a fundamental level, perhaps most well known for the challenge to Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA. Our concerns about many so-called forensic sciences used by some expert witnesses are endorsed by a recently published authoritative external review of forensic science in the USA.

"The simple reality is that the interpretation of forensic evidence is not always based on scientific studies to determine its validity. This is a serious problem. Although research has been done in some disciplines, there is a notable dearth of peer-reviewed, published studies establishing
the scientific bases and validity of many forensic methods."

The vast majority of our forensic science work is as expert witnesses in criminal defence, which is funded by Legal Aid (LSC, LSCNI, and SLAB). Our experts provide a free initial assessment of the scientific evidence by considering the scientific reports, case summary, and (where available) Counsel’s opinion. From this initial assessment we provide a letter detailing what, if any, work we recommend be undertaken and an estimate of the likely fees. Initial free discussions by phone to discuss what you need to do next are welcome.

Some of our recent high profile trials and appeals our experts have established important principles of disclosure, and challenged claimed expertise such as ‘facial recognition’, ‘footmark analysis’, and ‘voice recognition’.

Other cases have involved computer images, drug-driving, wildlife crime, road accidents, drugs on money, and a large number of murders, attempts, sexual assaults, and firearms incidents. Our expertise includes DNA, LCN DNA and LTDNA, toxicology, fingerprints, blood patterns, pathology, shaken baby cases, continuity and contamination.

A key element of our commitment to furthering understanding of science and medicine by lawyers is our provision of free training opportunities for clients. Just contact us to find out more.

Enquiries to our expert witnesses are welcome by phone (0141 890 111), fax (0207 760 7121), or email (info@theforensicinstitute.com). Visit our contact page »