NCJ Number
18652
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Issue: 282 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1974) Pages: 245-246
Date Published
1974
Length
2 pages
Annotation
EDITORIAL ON THE DISADVANTAGES FACED BY PROFESSIONAL FORENSIC-CLIENTS WHO ARE CALLED AS EXPERT WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENSE.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT, COMPARED TO PROFESSIONAL EXPERT WITNESSES (STAFFS OF THE FORENSIC CRIME LABORATORIES WHO ARE USED TO TESTIFYING ON BEHALF OF THE PROSECUTION), INDEPENDENT SCIENTIFIC EXPERTS HAVE NOT EXAMINED AS MANY POLICE EVIDENCE SAMPLES AND USUALLY DO NOT HAVE COMPARABLE APPARATUS OR TIME FOR TESTING. SOME ALTERNATIVES ARE PROPOSED INCLUDING INSTITUTING JOINT LABORATORY WORK ON THE EXHIBITS BY THE FORENSIC EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES AND HAVING ONE UNAFFILIATED EXPERT GIVE EVIDENCE FOR BOTH SIDES.