NCJ Number
152927
Journal
Cornerstone Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 1,3,4,5
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the "gap" between advances in forensic science and attorney knowledge of such advances and suggests ways in which this gap can be closed.
Abstract
Lawyers are relatively uninformed both as to fundamental scientific principles and also as to specific forensic and psychiatric advancements that could very well determine the outcome of a trial. Attorneys should take it upon themselves to seek advanced training in forensic science. This training should start with the purchase of a glossary containing scientific definitions. The second important step is to either attend lectures or observe the videotapes on both fundamental scientific principles and the specific field that is of interest. Law schools should provide such programs. A basic foundation in scientific principles and methods should be obtained. Once this is achieved, it must be supplemented with training in the more recent advances in forensics. In order to assimilate the scientific notions involved in the course of solving criminal, civil, commercial, and international cases, an independent scientific consultant should be used during the preparation stage.