Researchers publish their study on Communicating Forensic Scientific Expertise

PhD candidate Carmen Reid and TILES senior researcher Dr Loene Howes have published their research in Science & Justice, Volume 60, Issue 2, March 2020, (Pages 108-119). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2019.09.007

Their article ‘Communicating forensic scientific expertise: An analysis of expert reports and corresponding testimony in Tasmanian courts’ reports the findings of a study that examined the communication of scientific evidence in expert reports and corresponding testimony. The article first considers how forensic expertise is socially constructed and used in the criminal justice process and reviews the findings of previous studies that have examined expert reports and testimony. It then reports on the communication of forensic biology in ten cases of major crimes against the person heard in the Tasmanian Supreme Court. The study contributes empirical research about current practices and identifies ways to improve the communication of forensic science in practice and research.

About the Authors

Ms Carmen Reid’s PhD study ‘Presenting forensic evidence in court using interactive virtual environments (IVE): Perspectives of stakeholders in Australia and New Zealand’ is supervised by Dr Loene Howes and Prof Roberta Julian (TILES).

Dr Loene Howes is a senior researcher with TILES and a senior lecturer in Criminology in the College of Arts, Law and Education. Dr Howes undertakes applied and interdisciplinary research in policing, forensic studies, and higher education. She has a particular interest in how effective communication in the criminal justice process can contribute to improved justice outcomes. Dr Howes has collaborated on several projects with TILES and she has an international reputation for her research in the field of forensic studies.

The Institute includes Forensic Studies UTAS - a consortium of researchers at the University of Tasmania who participate in the study of forensics as a social phenomenon, and who primarily draw upon the social sciences in undertaking work in this field. Members of Forensic Studies UTAS include researchers who have expertise in criminology, sociology, psychology, media, law and police studies.