LAWL402 EVIDENCE AND FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION
		Department Division of Law Module Leader Mr Michael Bromby Level 4 Credit Points 20 Required Knowledge LPAL329 Evidence (Revised) or LAWL204 Evidence Semester A Summary This module is intended to cover the principal forensic methods for identifying the accused as the perpetrator of a criminal act. Novel and computerised methods of detection and prevention will be examined and compared to traditional methods. Learning Outcomes To identify and critically assess the various forms of eyewitness identification; To evaluate the evidential use of fingerprinting, DNA and other intimate samples; To differentiate the approach taken by the UK and other legal systems towards identification methods; To foster critical understanding and evaluation of developing areas within psychology, computing science and law for individual and crime pattern recognition; Teaching/Learning Strategy Lectures (4 hours per week) comprising the entire cohort. A blended learning approach will be taken for the new technologies section which will comprise online directed learning, Internet-based research, independent report writing, and traditional face-to-face feedback and discussions in lectures. Guest speakers will be used in some areas, subject to availability. Syllabus 1. Legal framework for identification Why is identification important? What is the role of investigators and prosecutors in identifying and preserving evidence? The art of corroboration will be discussed and the evidential value of scientific and eyewitness evidence will be compared. 2. Expert evidence The issue of expertise and the relevance to the case in question is central to the admissibility of expert witness opinion evidence. What are the roles and responsibilities of an expert? What should the nature and content of a report be? Practical skills in report writing/commissioning will be dealt with in seminars. 3. DNA profiling What is the biological and scientific basis of DNA? The significance of match probability, the prosecutor's and defender's fallacies will be discussed. Factors affecting DNA profile matches will be assessed in order to evaluate the probative evidential value of DNA comparisons. 4. Fingerprinting The development and classification of this technique will be examined in the UK and a number of other jurisdictions. The use of experts and computer systems to assist, verify or replace human procedures is an area of concern for criminal justice agencies. 5. Glass and fibre evidence What types of fibres exist? How rare are they? How can glass fragments be compared? The relevance and weight of trace evidence that is not unique does have some evidential value. The concept of transfer evidence can indicate a course of events relating to a person, item or class of items. 6. Handwriting and voice analysis Is there conclusive evidence from handwriting and voice analysis? Can attempted disguises or forgeries be detected? How does the expert differ in these areas compared to DNA and fingerprinting? 7. Dog tracking The use of animals for tracking and trailing varies. How does this affect the evidential chain of continuity? 8. Introduction to visual methods of identification How should investigators instigate an identification? What practices and procedures exist? The psychological research into this field will be examined. What are the principal differences between identifying a known or unknown suspect? 9. Identification parades The legislation and guidelines within the UK will be compared and discussed. What are their main differences? How has the use of technology to conduct virtual parades altered practice? 10. Jury directions When and how should a jury be directed? Submissions of 'no case to answer' will be examined. 11. New techniques for individual identification The use of composite image reconstruction, cognitive interviewing and recall techniques have been researched and implemented as best practice. How have novel techniques been implemented to enhance these processes? When are experts in skull reconstruction required? How does the media influence and assist in cases? 12. New techniques for crime prevention Crime pattern analysis can predict and often prevent crime in particular areas. Are p Indicative Reading Bogan, P. Identification, investigation, trial and scientific evidence (2004) Legal Action Group. This will be the core text for the first part of the module dealing with forensic methods. Wilkinson, C. Forensic Facial Reconstruction (2004) Cambridge University Press. Hall, J. & Smith, G. The Expert Witness (3rd Ed., 2001) Barry Rose Law Publishers. Ainsworth, P. Psychology, Law and Eyewitness Testimony (2002) Wiley. General introduction to the theories of memory and potential for mistaken identity. Transferable Skills Communication: To be able to present written and oral arguments in a clear and cogent manner both to those within the discipline and also to a non-specialist audience. Report writing: The ability to effectively communicate concepts and opinions in written form for specialist and non-specialist audiences. Autonomy and Personal Skills: The ability to learn effectively and be aware of their own learning strategies. To manage their own learning development and to reflect upon, assess and learn from their own actions. Students will be required to identify and access primary and secondary source materials. IT Skills: The ability to make use of IT tools. Develop use by integrating into their work through the following activities: word processed essays; seminar tasks requiring retrieval of information using electronic sources; directed learning activities requiring use of specialist software and web resources. Intellectual Skills: The ability to think critically and to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information through research and preparation of assignments and participation in seminars. Lecturing Hours 48 Hrs (Full Time) Independent Hours 40 Hrs (Full Time) Assessment Hours 48 Hrs (Full Time) Other Hours Directed Learning 64 Hrs (Full Time) Private Study Total Notional Hours 200 Hrs (Full Time) Prohibited Combination CRIM403 FORENSIC EVIDENCE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE Tutors Mr Michael Bromby Mr Tom McDonnell Assessments Coursework 20% - Research proposal (500 words) Coursework 80% - Project (casebook, approximately 10 cases, 3000 words) Refreshed on 08-FEB-2010 at 23:18