Judicial Error and Forensic Science: Pondering the Contribution of DNA Evidence (From Wrongful Conviction: International Perspectives on Miscarriages of Justice, P 33-55, C. Ronald Huff and Martin Killias, eds. -- See NCJ-225376)

• NCJ Number: 225378
• Author(s): Beatrice Schiffer; Christophe Champod
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Temple University Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the contribution of forensic science as a catalyst of either enabling or detecting miscarriages of justice.

Abstract

Two cases were explored where scientific evidence played a critical role, both in leading to the first conviction, and also to the exoneration of the defendants. The first case allowed the discussion on the strength of identification evidence, especially when the means of identification rests on new possibilities or new technologies. In the second case, the Court of Appeal adopted a more open position to the admissibility of the evidence putting responsibility on the adversarial system. Both cases involve an appreciable contribution of forensic science as inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. New pieces of evidence and facts provide the evidence needed for successful appeal. With the advent of new techniques, forensic science allows for demonstrating errors without questioning the integrity of the legal system, being an extraneous factor to it. References