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The nature of the casework conducted by The Forensic Institute means that we are often examining issues and techniques at the cutting edge of forensic science, as well as assessing “standard techniques” that have been used in prosecutions for some time. The links on this page are intended to highlight items of scientific and legal interest which have featured recently in the courts, the media, academic publications and other sources.

Our challenges to the inappropriate use of Low Copy Number DNA (LCN) techniques are well known. We believe that external scientific scrutiny is required across the entire range of forensic sciences. This view has been endorsed by others. The scientific journal Nature, highlighted the debate about the use of the technique. Professor Jamieson of The Forensic Institute has published a suggestion for a change in approach to the scrutiny of forensic science in the UK. The Forensic Regulator responded, although not to the central point regarding the introspective nature of the scientific scrutiny of forensic science in the UK.

Meanwhile, the problem does appear to be increasingly recognised elsewhere;

"At last, there are some real moves afoot to improve the quality of the DNA evidence that is sometimes the only evidence supporting criminal convictions."

So states a newspaper article about moves within the Australian justice system. This reflects increasing concern that DNA may not be as cut and dried or objective as it is commonly perceived (see also - "So DNA is Objective").

Recent UK news involves the Appeal Court case of two brothers (the Reeds), and Mr Garmson. The cases were initially linked by the fact that they involved the Low Copy Number (LCN) DNA technique and Professor Jamieson as the expert involved for the defence because of his experience in these types of cases. Other issues arose from the judgment and we deal with them elsewhere. Bob Woffenden, an investigative journalist, who was present at the Appeal has written an article which is described in the Guardian.

One of the most important reports on forensic science was published in 2009. It highlights serious concern about the quality of science in forensic science. Many jurisdictions around the world are recognising these problems, but the courts seem slow to realise the depth of the problem. Australia appears to be setting about dealing with these.

Various opinion articles are prepared which we hope will enable a better understanding of the use of science in the law. These include articles on this website, such as those on the subjective nature of some DNA profiling, and others which are articles in other media such as those on the use of LCN and the potentially misleading language used in expert reports.

Whilst The Forensic Institute endeavours to provide links only to websites of integrity, the inclusion of a website on this page does not constitute endorsement of the website by The Forensic Institute.

The Forensic Institute also produces a newsletter with current items of interest directly relating to the activities of The Institute. A copy of the newsletter is sent to subscribers by e-mail. Subscription is free and subscriber details are not passed on to any third parties. If you would like to receive the next issue of our newsletter simply join our mailing list here.