Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
This module provides study of the two end-points of the forensic process, namely the crime scene and the court, and, as such, complements the study of the chemical and physical analysis of evidential materials that forms the basis of other modules at level 7. In detail, the first section covers study of the assessment of a crime scene and the formulation of a forensic strategy based on evidential value, both for investigative and conviction goals. The admissibility of forensic evidence in the court and the consequences for the forensic scientist are discussed through the use of real case-studies. Finally, the role of the expert witness in the court is critically reviewed in detail .
Aims
This module aims to:To provide in-depth study of the two end-points of the forensic process - the crime scene and the court Explain and illustrate how forensic science at the crime scene may be used to provide investigative leads as well as evidence leading to conviction in the courtProvide a sound understanding of evidential value and the processes supporting both investigative and conviction forensicsProvide a critical evaluation of the importance of the admissibility of evidence and the factors that may contribute to evidence being rejected by the courtEngender skills in critically reviewing approaches to evidence evaluation according to evidence typeProvide a sound understanding of the court procedures regarding the scientific expert witness and the court expectations of such witnessesFacilitate the development of advanced skills in the preparation of concise expert witness reports on different evidence types and according to the circumstances of a given case scenarioEngender skills in the preparation and delivery of oral testimony to the court and the ability to defend it under cross-examination.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/fsc-40007/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
describe and critically evaluate the role of the crime scene and the court within the forensic process, including much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline: 3deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly to professional and non-specialist audiences: 1,2describe and critically evaluate how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to interpret knowledge in the forensic-legal process: 1,2evaluate critically current scholarship in the forensic-legal process by applying conceptual knowledge and methodologies: 1,2
Scheduled teaching hours:Content study and delivery: 16 hoursWorkshops/ problem classes: 8 hoursCross-examination formative session: 0.5 hoursCross examination: 0.5 hoursIndependent study hoursPreparation for workshops: 20 hoursPreparation of reports and testimony: 35 hoursSelf-directed study: 70 hours
Description of Module Assessment
1: Report weighted 30%Forensic report for the Senior Investigating OfficerThis is a concise report (1500 words or equivalent) on the findings from forensic examination of a crime scene indicating the forensic strategy and procedures being recommended to the senior police officer.
2: Report weighted 40%Expert Witness StatementThis is a written testimony for the court (2000 words or equivalent) based on a given scenario and associated forensic data.
3: Viva weighted 30%Expert witness cross-examinationThis is the examination and cross-examination of the expert witness (20 min) in a mock court on the basis of the testimony submitted on forensic evidence (assessment 3).