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

The Forensic Institute celebrate 10 years involvement in casework in 2012. In that time we have had a considerable impact on the use of scientific and medical evidence in Courts across the world. Our involvement in high profile and landmark cases such as the inquest into the death of HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, the Omagh Bomb (R v Hoey – LCN DNA), R v T (footwearmarks), Reed & Reed (LCN), Weller (transfer of DNA), and shaken baby cases such as Holdsworth and Wise, have achieved and maintained our reputation for challenge in difficult and complex cases. International work in the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, and Turkey and Professor Jamieson’s position as Editor in Chief of the world’s largest Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science.

We have achieved this by a combination of thorough and diligent work, using the full range of published research to maintain our cutting-edge knowledge, coupled with a desire to ensure that the legal team is fully and sensibly briefed on the complex issues and arguments. All of our scientific staff have a first class honours degree and postgraduate qualifications (MSc and/or PhD) and undergo frequent and rigorous peer review.

An important recent development is the publication of the Report and Recommendations of the Fingerprint Inquiry into the case of Shirley McKie. The report endorses our view of many aspects of fingerprint evidence, in particular the inherently unscientific and unjustified basis of the certainty of fingerprint identification.

We have been undertaking forensic DNA profiling work since 2002 and interpreted thousands of profiles in hundreds of cases.

In our work in many cases we have sought and obtained (frequently by order of the Court) disclosure of all of the data and experimental results claimed to have been used in the interpretation of LCN profiles in particular. TFI probably have more knowledge and experience of this data than any other group or individual outside of the providers of the LCN and LT-DNA services. We have spent months examining and analysing such data.

Additionally, we maintain an extensive library of scientific literature, the foundation of evidence interpretation, which probably exceeds in scope and depth that used by many of the scientists currently working on forensic DNA profiling.

And the outcome?

“The work carried out by the Institute led the way in work and understandings that had been missed by previous agents over the last six years. As a result, we would like to take this opportunity to offer our sincere gratitude for all the help and assistance you gave in this matter.” (solicitor)

“Professor Jamieson's view is academically valid and held in other jurisdictions. … Whilst, subsequent to Reed, I understand that some have tried to mount challenges to Professor Jamieson's expertise, to the best of my knowledge, none have succeeded and he remains an acknowledged expert in the field of LCN DNA evidence. I believe it is fair to say that Professor Jamieson has contributed significantly to the legal and academic debate on the subject of LCN DNA.” (Barrister)

“He is more than qualified to provide scientific evidence, review casework, and interpret results as they apply to a wide range of forensic activities and specifically forensic DNA analysis.

…In my opinion, Professor Jamieson has a notable capability to review the salient features of validation studies and how those studies comport with practices. He evaluates at an in depth level and can identify where processes may not have been well-documented, incorrectly interpreted, and not properly implemented. …

He understands the field of DNA typing and especially low copy number typing and has the ability to communicate difficult and arcane concepts and topics to other scientists and lay persons. This talent will assist the fact finder in understanding DNA typing and its strengths and limitations.” ( US DNA expert)

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 international criminal and civil casework involving almost any scientific or medical specialty. Our forensic experts have a reputation for challenging science at a fundamental level. Professor Jamieson was invited to sign, as a scientist and scholar, an Amicus brief to the US Supreme Court on an issue of DNA evidence interpretation. Perhaps we are most 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). We are responding to the current Ministry of Justice consultation on expert fees. 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’.

Professor Jamieson was involved in the far-reaching case of R v T at the Appeal Court of England & Wales challenging the basis of opinions on footwear mark evidence. The Appeal Court quashed T's conviction and concluded,

"It is, we hope, highly unlikely that the process by which expert evidence was formulated and adduced in this case will ever be repeated"

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 »

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