How to cross-examine forensic scientists: a guide for lawyers

Abstract

This article is a resource for lawyers approaching the cross-examination of\nforensic scientists (and other expert witnesses). Through a series of\nexamples, it provides information that will assist lawyers to explore the\nprobative value of forensic science evidence, in particular forensic\ncomparison evidence, on the voir dire and at trial. Questions covering a\nbroad range of potential topics and issues, including relevance, the\nexpression of results, codes of conduct, limitations and errors, are\nsupplemented with detailed commentary and references to authoritative\nreports and research on the validity and reliability of forensic science\ntechniques.