Teaching lawyers about forensic science

It is necessary to develop the evaluation skills of the legal profession in relation to forensic sciences in order for effective and accurate use of science based evidence within the legal process. It is our opinion that forensic science is not merely a matter of following a technical protocol to achieve a result but incorporates a thought process involving an appreciation of the relevant of scientific findings, their limitations and significance. It is therefore important that these processes are conveyed to the legal profession and such information can form the basis of re-examination of forensic evidence. Potential methods for the development of these necessary skills are discussed and it is suggested that a trial court room scenario is an effective means of communicating methods of examination and re-examination of scientific evidence. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.