TFI Publications archive

The forensic marketplace in the UK

"The introduction of a forensic regulator is a positive step in the provision of quality assured forensic science to law enforcement". An article by Professor Allan Jamieson.

Forensics: stronger scientific scrutiny needed in Britain

Articles and an editorial in Nature, continue criticism of the need for better science in forensic science. In particular, one of the Nature articles focussed criticism on the technique of Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA, a technique which has attracted adverse comment across the world.

Professor Allan Jamieson of The Forensic Institute responded.

The NAS Report and the Law Commission Consultation Paper on Forensic Science

Publications from the National Academy of Science (USA) and the Law Commission (UK) provide an interesting contrast in approach to problems with the use of “scientific" evidence.

Wheate, Rhonda M. and Jamieson, Allan (2009) "A Tale of Two Approaches – The NAS Report and the Law Commission Consultation Paper on Forensic Science," International Commentary on Evidence: Vol. 7 : Iss. 2, Article 3.

The Philosophy of Forensic Identification

This Article discusses some of the features that make a process scientific, outlines the forensic process through which evidence must travel, considers the principles and practice of individualization, and finally describe the difficulties of assessing the significance of any
“match”, with particular emphasis on DNA profiling.

Sequential unmasking: minimising observer effects in DNA interpretation

This is a letter signed by eleven international experts, including Professor Allan Jamieson, recommending a 'blind' approach to DNA interpretation which prevents the analyst being unduly biased by knowing the profile of the suspect before they interpret the DNA profile.

Why do we need good forensic science?

A paper prepared from a talk given by Professor Jamieson in 2002: "I suggest that every one of us has to be constantly vigilant for examples of crafts and arts attempting to cling on to the coat-tails of properly validated and rigorously tested science.

In forensic science, I have never come across a set of scientists so obsessed with sticking so rigidly within their own discipline that they will only mutter about what rubbish the others are producing, but only in the coffee room. Let’s see you stand up here and challenge. Let’s begin to sort the science out from within – not in the courtroom or by a public slanging match that will be damaging to the profession and to the individuals within the profession. Do not allow the scientific disciplines to be dragged into the mire of the forensic black arts that do not depend on stringent scientific methods and checks."