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Thesis Title
Communicating scientific expert opinion: What do forensic scientists say and what do police, lawyers, and judges hear?
Abstract
Forensic science is the application of science to problems of law; it is used increasingly in the criminal justice process to aid decision-making in investigations, out-of-court settlements, and trials. Miscommunication of expert opinion can lead to miscarriages of justice. Thus, it is essential that expert opinions are properly communicated and understood. Despite the small proportion of cases proceeding to jury trials, past research has focussed on juror comprehension and use of forensic science. In contrast, limited research exists on the communication of expert opinion to police detectives, lawyers, and judges in non- and pre-trial contexts.
The aims of this project are twofold: (1) to identify the ways in which expert opinion is currently communicated within the criminal justice system; (2) to develop and test ways to enhance this communication based upon the needs, perceptions, and experiences of police detectives, lawyers, judges, and forensic scientists. Ultimately, more effective communication of expert opinion will contribute to increased efficiency, reliability, and trustworthiness of the criminal justice system.
Supervisors
Dr Sally Kelty (TILES, School of Social Sciences, UTAS)
Associate Professor Roberta Julian (TILES, School of Social Sciences, UTAS)
Dr Nenagh Kemp (School of Psychology, UTAS)
Dr Paul Kirkbride (Chief Scientist, AFP)
Biography
Loene obtained a Master of Arts (1994) and a Master of Teaching (1997) from the University of Sydney before teaching languages in high schools for over a decade. She graduated with first class honours in psychology (2011) from Charles Sturt University where she developed an interest in policing-related research. Loene joined TILES and the School of Psychology at UTAS to pursue graduate research in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
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