Wilson J. Wall 
Forensic Science in Court 
The Role of the Expert Witness

Forensic Science in Court: The Role of the Expert Witness is a practical handbook aimed at forensic science students, to help them prepare as an expert witness when presenting their evidence in court. Written in a clear, accessible manner, the book guides the student through the legal process and shows them how to handle evidence, write reports without ambiguity through to the more practical aspects of what to do when appearing in court. The book also offers advice on what to expect when working with lawyers in a courtroom situation.

An essential text for all students taking forensic science courses who are required to take modules on how to present their evidence in court. The book is also an invaluable reference for any scientist requested to give an opinion in a legal context.

* Integrates law and science in an easy to understand format

* Inclusion of case studies throughout

* Includes straightforward statistics essential for the forensic science student

* An invaluable, practical textbook for anyone appearing as an expert witness in court

* Unique in its approach aimed at forensic science students in a courtroom environment

Table des matières

INTRODUCTION: Forensic science and the justice
system.

CHAPTER ONE: Where the law comes from: You don’t mess
about with The People.

CHAPTER TWO: The legal system and how it works.

The legal justification for expert
witnesses.

The structure of civil and criminal courts.

Who sits and the correct form of address.

The unusual: coroners courts, courts martial and
human rights.

CHAPTER THREE: Rules of evidence as they apply to
expert witnesses.

The expert as advocate.

The expert as arbiter.

Appointment of experts by disputing sides and by
the court.

CHAPTER FOUR: The first point of contact, dealing
with solicitors.

The written report, structure and content.

CHAPTER FIVE: The expert in court.

What makes an expert.

What you will be expected to contribute to the of
the court.

How to make the most of your appearance in
court.

CHAPTER SIX: Statistics and statistical
inferences.

What traditional statistical methodology can and
cannot tell us.

The statistical nature of databases.

Different types of databases: Anonymous and
named.

CHAPTER SEVEN: Ethical considerations for the
forensic scientist.

APPENDIX: Nomenclature for citing law
reports.

GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED TERMS AND PHRASES

INDEX

A propos de l’auteur

Wilson Wall is the author of Forensic Science in Court: The Role of the Expert Witness, published by Wiley.