Some Aspects of the Bayesian Approach to Evidence Evaluation

• NCJ Number: 123040
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Science Society Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: (September-October 1989) Pages: 317-324
• Author(s): I W Evett; J S Buckleton
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Bayesian inference is gaining increasing prominence in literature dealing with forensic science interpretation, and many forensic scientists react favorably to the basic ideas of the approach.

Abstract

This paper is a discussion of two reservations which are commonly expressed. The discussion is based on a hypothetical example which involves the presence of bloodstaining on the clothing of a man who is suspected of stabbing another man. We show how survey data can be combined with the subjective judgement of an expert and explain ways in which familiarity with the use of the likelihood ratio may be achieved. 1 table, 11 references. (Publisher abstract)