Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court from Coursera

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Syllabus

Week 1 - What is the "DNA" of a good forensic report ?

This first week will set the scene for the course. You will meet the instructors; learn about their background, teaching, research and casework activities. The School of Criminal Justice (University of Lausanne) will be shortly presented through a virtual visit, followed by the course objectives. The recent ENFSI guideline for evaluative reporting, used throughout the course, will be presented. ENFSI stands for the set of the good principles for writing forensic reports to be used in a court of law. The whole course aims at contrasting the practice as observed in notorious cases with the good practice promoted by the ENFSI guideline. Hence, we will start by setting out some reporting criteria that are essential to bring reliable evidence in court and explain the principles of interpretation (based on the concept of likelihood ratio) that should govern the production of any forensic evidence. The application of these principles leads to a defined way whereby the forensic scientist is entitled to speak to court.

Week 2 - Elementary: source is not activity !

There is a general misconception that a piece of forensic evidence is sufficient to clinch the outcome of a case. This module aims at showing that the reality is more subtle and is intrinsically linked to the concept of hierarchy of propositions. Cases based on DNA and gunshot residue (GSR) evidence will be analysed and discussed. First, through the Weller case we will demonstrate the DNA findings providing information towards the source of the DNA may not be at the core of the issue in the case. More and more the source of the DNA is not challenged, but how the DNA got there is.

Week 3 - DNA is not the magic bullet

Based on international cases (Knox, Jama, Anderson and Scott) we will illustrate the potentials aspects that one needs to consider when assessing the value of DNA found in small quantity. You will be shown how one performs DNA analysis and what type of results can be produced. We will apply the ENFSI and the ISFG guidelines for evaluative reporting in the case at hand and see if the principles advocated allow avoiding misleading evidence. We will compare the situations where large quantities of blood are found to cases where low template DNA is recovered. You will learn to contrast these two situations and discover what type of results can be expected and what methods allow a balanced and robust interpretation. This first part of the course will demonstrate that very sensitive techniques require robust interpretation methods. In the second part of the course, you will understand that with trace quantities, stringent control procedures are needed on the crime scene and in the laboratory. Indeed, pollution (or so-called contamination) is an aspect one needs to take into account. Cases (for example in Australia, the USA and England) have shown that the traces from the crime scene can be polluted at the hospital, by paramedics or in the laboratory. It is thus essential to consider this possibility, especially when DNA is the central (and only) element supporting the allegation of a person’s involvement in a crime. How to take into consideration the possibility of error/contamination when assessing the results will be presented.

Week 4 - Trials by Numbers or Numbers on Trial

This week will be dedicated to how forensic scientists should convey the value of their results. From our white room dedicated to photography, we will study famous cases - including the Dreyfus case- and see how statistics can be misused. It will allow us to discuss how statistical values ought to be presented in court. A statistician (Phil Dawid) and a legal scholar (David Kaye) will be interviewed. The second essential topic we will present will be on fallacious reasoning, and in particular on what has been coined, more than thirty years ago, the prosecutors fallacy. Bill Thompson, the first to have described this fallacious argument used in court will be another of our guest interviewees.

Week 5: The wonderland of certainty

This week will be present the Dallagher case involving earprints, the Mayfield and the McKie cases involving fingerprints. We want to make you understand what is at stake when an expert decides to conclude to an identification. You will understand through this week that identification is not the duty of the forensic scientist and that it is a decision that must be taken by the Court. We also want to highlight the possible causes for wrong identification. And yes they do occur, even with fingerprints! We will have the privilege to listen to interviews of persons closely involved in these cases: The father of Shirley McKie as well as Brandon Mayfield and her daughter Sharia.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes the importance of probabilistic reasoning and highlights the limitations of forensic evidence, thus promoting a balanced understanding of forensic science

Taught by renowned forensic science professionals with extensive experience in casework and research, providing learners with expert insights and real-world perspectives

Provides critical analysis of notorious cases that have highlighted the potential for miscarriages of justice due to flawed forensic practices, encouraging critical thinking and skepticism

Employs a logical and structured approach, using real-world case studies to illustrate the application of forensic principles and their impact on the criminal justice system

Covers a wide range of topics in forensic science, including DNA analysis, fingerprint identification, and the interpretation of statistical evidence, thus providing a comprehensive understanding of the field

Features guest interviews with experts involved in high-profile cases, such as the Dreyfus affair, offering unique perspectives and insights from practitioners in the field

Reviews summary

Forensic science: critical analysis in the courtroom

Learners say that this course is largely positive. It covers challenging aspects of forensic testimony, like the importance of proper reporting and statistics. The course uses real-world case studies and interviews to highlight mistakes made in the past and how to avoid them in the future. Learners say this course is an eye-opener that challenges their preconceived notions of how forensic evidence is interpreted in the courtroom.

Features interviews with experts

"The course covers several real cases and has very special interviews."

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough."

"A very interesting course. Plus the professors were readily available to answer your questions; that was excellent!"

Covers real-world cases

"In this perspective, one should think that the errors are more frequent than the correct interpretation of evidences by forensic scientists."

"The course covers several real cases and has very special interviews. The course addresses mistakes made in the past, so in the future, miscarriages of justice will be less likely."

"great emphasis was given to mistakes in Forensic Science."

Highlights the significance of statistics

"This one course definitely confronted some of the more disputed aspects of forensic testimony including ... the importance of statistics, proper reporting, and even humility."

"Even though the course would be most useful to those with such occupations I think it should reach a much wider audience."

"nice focus on bayessian ideas, although there was no real explanation of any math."

Examines challenges in the field

"This course is largely positive. It covers challenging aspects of forensic testimony, like the importance of proper reporting and statistics."

"As a layperson to forensic science, certain concepts and techniques such as analysing DNA seems too difficult for me to grasp, but learning the recommended practice and framework of evaluative reporting of forensic science have enhanced my knowledge and crushed my entrenched belief that forensic evidence is certainty!"

"This course has opened my mind. It has challenged my training as a fingerprint examiner."

Discusses potential errors in forensic science

"Forensic science is infallible is a myth and care has to be taken to combat the wrong doings in the analysis and evaluation."

"This one course definitely confronted some of the more disputed aspects of forensic testimony including ... what is expected (the 'CSI effect'), the importance of statistics, proper reporting, and even humility."

"The course addresses mistakes made in the past, so in the future, miscarriages of justice will be less likely."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court with these activities:

Review Statistics for Forensic Science

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Strengthen your foundation in statistics to enhance your ability to interpret and evaluate forensic evidence.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review basic statistical concepts, such as probability, mean, and standard deviation.
Apply statistical principles to the analysis of forensic data, such as DNA profiles and fingerprint comparisons.

Review 'Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques'

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Gain a comprehensive overview of forensic science concepts and techniques by reviewing this introductory textbook.

View Forensic Science on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters and take notes on key concepts and methods.
Summarize and discuss the main points of each chapter with a study partner or group.

Complete the 'Introduction to Forensic Science' tutorial series

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Develop a strong foundation in forensic science by completing this series of online tutorials.

Browse courses on Forensic Investigation

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Enroll in the 'Introduction to Forensic Science' tutorial series on a reputable online learning platform.
Follow the tutorials in sequence, completing all exercises and quizzes.
Review your progress and identify areas where you need further clarification.

Two other activities

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Conduct a mini lab experiment

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Gain hands-on experience in forensic science by conducting your own mini lab experiment.

Browse courses on Forensic Analysis

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Design a simple experiment that tests a specific forensic technique, such as fingerprint analysis or DNA extraction.
Gather the necessary materials and equipment.
Conduct the experiment and document your results.

Develop a case study presentation

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Deepen your understanding of forensic science by researching and presenting a real-life case study.

Browse courses on Forensic Investigation

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Select a famous or recent forensic case that interests you.
Research and gather information about the case, including the crime scene, evidence, and investigative techniques used.
Prepare a presentation that summarizes the case, analyzes the evidence, and presents your own conclusions.

Career center

Learners who complete Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Crime Scene Investigator

A Crime Scene Investigator collects and analyzes evidence from crime scenes. These professionals must have strong technical skills and be able to think critically. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be very helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science. This course would also help Crime Scene Investigators to better understand how to interpret and present their findings in court.

See salaries and explore the career path for Crime Scene Investigator

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists analyze evidence from crime scenes and provide expert testimony in court. They must have a strong understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science, as well as the ability to communicate their findings clearly and concisely. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be very helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists apply psychological principles to the criminal justice system. They may work with law enforcement, attorneys, or judges to provide expert testimony on topics such as eyewitness identification, jury selection, or offender profiling. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Trial Consultant

Trial Consultants work with attorneys to develop trial strategy, select jurors, and prepare witnesses. They must have a strong understanding of the legal system, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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法官

Judges preside over criminal trials and make decisions on the admissibility of evidence. They must have a strong understanding of the legal system, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Defense Attorney

Defense Attorneys represent criminal defendants in court. They must have a strong understanding of the legal system, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Prosecutor

Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases. They must have a strong understanding of the legal system, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

See salaries and explore the career path for Prosecutor

Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers investigate crimes and apprehend criminals. They must have a strong understanding of the legal system, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course would be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Insurance Investigator

Insurance Investigators investigate insurance claims. They must have a strong understanding of insurance law, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes. They must have a strong understanding of accounting principles, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to protect their assets. They must have a strong understanding of security principles, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers assess and manage risks for businesses and organizations. They must have a strong understanding of risk management principles, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Private Investigator

Private Investigators investigate a variety of cases, including criminal cases, civil cases, and missing persons cases. They must have a strong understanding of investigative techniques, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Fraud Examiner

Fraud Examiners investigate fraud and white-collar crimes. They must have a strong understanding of accounting principles, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

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Actuary

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks. They must have a strong understanding of mathematics and statistics, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner. The Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court course may be helpful for someone in this role, as it would provide them with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind forensic science and how to communicate their findings in court.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary