Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Advanced Topics > Reporting > Flashcards

Reporting Flashcards

1
Q

where is the guidance on reporting in forensic science found

A

The Forensic Science Service or ENFSI guidelines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what are the 4 types of reports used in forensic science

A

evaluative - used in court

intelligence

investigative - links multiple crimes

technical - short and concise, not used in court

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what are key features of an evaluative report in forensic science (3)

A

an assessment of the strengths attached to the experts findings in the context of the case

usually use LR

include limitations to the analysis conduced

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what should not be used in an evaluative report

A

categorical statements

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

what 5 things should an evaluative report be based on

A

your findings

expert knowledge

associated data

case specific propositions

conditioning information (be careful of prosecutors fallacy)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

give some examples of what might be found in an evaluative report (11)

A

case info received and instructions

items received

a statement saying you might need to reconsider if new info comes

issues

examination strategy

detailed methods

pre-assessment and prior odds

data collected

observations and analytical results

discussion and evaluate strength of support of your findings

conclusions = short and concise

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

in what two ways are conclusions presented in evaluative reports

A

using the LR
or
using a verbal scale that expresses a degree of support for one propositions related to another

e.g strong support, moderate, weak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what are the 4 requirements of an evaluative scientific report outlined by ENFSI

A

balance
logic
robustness
transparency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

discuss how balance is achieved here

A

considering the pair of propositions not just one

if no alternative proposition can be suggested the value of the findings can not be assessed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

discuss how logic is achieved here

A

address probability of findings given the propositions adn relevant information

do not transpose the conditional (the probability of the propositions given the findings and background info)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

discuss how robustness is achieved here

A

report can withstand scrutiny and cross examination

base it on sound knowledge and expertise using specialist knowledge and data

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

discuss how transparency is achieved here

A

easy for jury to understand

clear methods to follow

good explanation of technical background and terminology

unbiased and good ethical conduct

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

what advice is given by the Forensic Science Regulator in the code of practice on the reporting in forensic science

A

different disciplines have evolved their own way of assessing value

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

why is good to have guidance on how to report in forensic science (3)

A
  1. reduce variability across fields
  2. have common terminology applicable over the fields
  3. main aim to help the court and increase transparency
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

give some examples of disciplines the codes of practice adhere to

A

BPA
DNA
drug examination
document analysis
explosive
fingerprint comparison
fires
firearms
toxicology
trace evidence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

what is the case management framework outlined by the regulator (7)

A
  1. review what is being asked
    2.key issues to address
  2. what examination is required
  3. do the analysis
  4. interpret findings
  5. write report
  6. appear in court
17
Q

if you do not have two propositions what types of report can you give

A

intelligence, investigative or technical - these can state the findings but not assess the value of them

NOT evaluative

17
Q

what are Obiter Dicta

A

statements made by the judge that are not based on science

18
Q

what is a type of reporting recently introduced and why was it introduced

A

SFR - streamlined forensic reporting

to simplify the reporting process so people understand
improve efficiency, clarity and focus of reports

19
Q

discuss the adv (6) and disadv (3) of SFR

A

adv
- more clarity
- more concise
- easier for jury to read and understand
- reduces complexity
- more efficient
- better standardisation between fields

disadv
- loss of context
- could be over simplified
- potential for miscommunication / understanding

20
Q

when is a categorical conclusion used

A

in areas with comparative examinations e.g fingerprints, handwriting, tool marks, footwear marks

do not used LR or Bayes Theorem

21
Q

in which type of report should qualitative evaluations be presented

A

in intelligence reports

they should not be presented in a way that they have evidential weight

22
Q

what are the two conclusions types in forensic science

A

categorical = fingerprints, toolmarks
and
evaluative = DNA, fibres

23
Q

when making a categorical conclusion what two things are considered

A

the degree or correspondence of features shared by the two

the probability of those features being observed in another source

24
Q

why must the probabilities here (LR) add up to 1

A

there accused can only be guilty or innocent there is no inbetween

25
Q

what two things can probabilities in forensic science be

A

subjective = the strength of someone’s belief in a proposition

objective = a measure of chance where everyone would agree the value of the probabaility

26
Q

what two types of generic sample do we deal with

A

questions

controls/references

27
Q

what two things can frequencies be here

A

relative = a frequency calculated in reference to something observed over time or in a population
e.g 1 in 10

absolute = how often it occurs

28
Q

what are three ways of expressing probabilities seen in forensic reporting

A

percentages
relative frequencies
likelihood ratios

29
Q

what type of frequency is the likelihood ratio

A

a relative frequency of the propositions as a measure of meaning and probative value

30
Q

what is the base rate fallacy

A

making a probability judgement based on conditional probabilities without considering the prior odds

31
Q

what two ways are stains of biological fluid detected by

what bodily fluids are detected in this way

what fluids are not detected in this way

A

visual examination
presumptive testing

blood, saliva, semen

sweat, skin cells, vaginal secretions - we cant attribute the DNA profile from these evidence types to a type of bodily fluid

32
Q

what is referred to as the ultimate issue and who must deal with this

A

the ultimate issue are offence level statements making conclusions about criminal responsibility and liability

the court must deal with this not us as experts

33
Q

why must experts not testify to offence level propositions

A

they involve factual and moral judgements the scientists are not competent to make

Advanced Topics (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions