Document Type
Article
Abstract
The Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal has extensively analyzed the role of forensic evidence. In doing so, the court has grappled with the admissibility and reliability of a broad range of forensic evidence, from DNA and computer forensics to medical and psychological proof, to more outlying subjects like facial mapping, fiber analysis, or voice identification. The court has analyzed these subjects from two perspectives: the admissibility of such evidence in the lower courts and the admissibility of such evidence as fresh evidence on appeal. In both contexts, the court has taken a practical approach to admitting forensic proof that is deemed to be helpful and reliable. It has also given helpful guidance to practitioners dealing with these issues, and to judges who must instruct juries about how to evaluate forensic evidence. Compared to the approach of the United States courts, the Court of Appeal has indicated a greater willingness to keep pace with scientific developments and to admit forensic proof that contributes to the accuracy of criminal verdicts.
Recommended Citation
Lissa Griffin, Forensic Evidence and the Court of Appeal for England and Wales, 4 Brit. J. Am. Legal Stud. 619 (2015), http://digitalcommons.pace.edu/lawfaculty/1013/.
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Comparative and Foreign Law Commons, Courts Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, European Law Commons, Evidence Commons