FP2S56 - Forensic Evidence and the Legal System 01 Aug 2016 - 31 Aug 2023 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FP2S56
Module Title: Forensic Evidence and the Legal System
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Biological and Forensic Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Biological Science
Module Leader: Paul Jones
Module Team: Mandy Davies, Hannah Minton, Amy Herbert, Samantha O'Connell, Helen Burn
First Intended Intake: MAR 2016 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100388 - forensic science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Aug 2016
Valid To 31 Aug 2023

Module Aims

1. To provide knowledge and the ability to evaluate and examine a range of forensic evidence through photography and other means, with particular reference to road traffic collisions and evidence marks.
2. To allow the student to understand the concept of evidential value, and provide basic instruction in the interpretation of evidence and quality assurance.
3. To allow the student to effectively report and communicate within criminal investigation teams, and through exposure to the Adversarial System and it’s governance in England and Wales, understand the role of the Expert Witness and develop and use skills for cross-examination based on simulated casework.

Content Summary

1. Introduction to the Adversarial System: Introduction to the legal system in England and Wales. Models of criminal justice, due process, crime control. Courts and their jurisdiction: structure, powers and appellate functions. Examples of criminal law. Definition of crime; elements of crime – guilty act (Actus reus) and guilty state of mind (mens rea); burden of proof. The wider impact of new technology on the Criminal Justice System
2. The Criminal Process: Pre-trial issues, Bail: police and court, problems. The trial process: The criminal court system, mode of trial, sending for trial, plea and case management hearings. Plea bargaining. The Trial procedure – order of events. Jury trial: operation of the jury system, criticisms and alternatives.
3. Roles of criminal justice system agencies and personnel: To include an overview of the Magistracy; judiciary; Crown Prosecution Service: powers and duties, solicitors and barristers.
4. Evidence in the Courtroom: Examples of Criminal Law and the elements and evidence required for prosecution and defence. Introduction to the Law of Evidence. Relevance and admissibility, Disclosure of Evidence, types of evidence, e.g. hearsay and exceptions, direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, collateral evidence; jurisdiction. Legislation – Criminal Justice Act 2003; Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act; Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act; Criminal Procedure Rules The limitations of forensic evidence. Presenting evidence in court. Truth, judgement, accuracy and opinion.
5. Expert witnesses: The role of the expert witness in prosecution and defence. Develop a critical understanding of the use of expert witnesses, examine information for validity. Examine for: Bias, opinion, circumstances, and currency. Examination of information: Evidence; Trial transcripts; Media Reports; Judgements and Law Reports. Draw conclusions from information: safe and just verdict, miscarriages of justice. Hierarchy of supposition and its implications for the expert witness.
6. Forensic Photography: Practical work and the theoretical basis of imaging techniques and processes used in the capture of specialist marks and scenes such as bite marks, tyre treads, footwear marks, night scenes, outdoor scenes and fire scenes. Effect of weather and lighting on image quality.
7. Further Collision Investigation: To receive descriptions of the analysis of tyre marks; front and rear skids; acceleration and deceleration; road scars; tyre pressure and tyre damage. Lamp examination; deformation and stretching. Vehicle penetration profiles and the estimation of vehicle speed from post impact, change in vehicle shape.
8. Quality Assurance: The relevance of continuity in the evidential process. How pre-submission bad practice can prejudice subsequent examination. Packaging suitability and actions required when packaging is unsuitable. The importance of matching documentation to items and samples, evidence handling, laboratory practice and the ability to search items for trace evidence.
9. Effective Communication: Investigation team hierarchy, briefings to SIOs etc.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 18
Tutorial 6
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 104
Directed Study 48
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Discuss, describe and use scientific and investigative techniques within the fields of crime scene investigation, evidence analysis and cross-examination.
LO2 Demonstrate a range of sector-specific skills and knowledge, set in context through practice, of the role of evidence, intelligence and the adversarial system in criminal investigations.

Module Requisites

Code Title Requisite Type
MOD008847 The Forensic Sciences pre-requisite
MOD008848 Crime Scene Investigation Science pre-requisite
MOD009192 Key Skills in Analytical and Forensic Sciences pre-requisite
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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Oral Assessment (CW) Oral Assessment (CW) Evidence and Legal/Expert Witness Presentation 30 N/A 20 No 40
Practical _Practical Assessment 1 Evidence and Legal/Expert Witness Practicals 0 3000 80 No 20

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Oral Assessment (CW) ✔ ✔
_Practical Assessment 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

A. Keane, J. Griffiths and P. McKeown. The Modern Law of Evidence

I. Dennis, The Law of Evidence.

W. Wall, Forensic Science in Court: The Role of the Expert Witness.

McEwan, Evidence and the Adversarial Process: The Modern Law.

C. Bond, M. Solon, P.Harper and G. Davies, The Expert Witness: A Practical Guide.

Vehicular Accident Investigation and Reconstruction: Donald J Van Kirk.

Forensic Metrology: A Primer on Scientific Measurement for Lawyers, Judges, and Forensic Scientists. Vosz, Emery & Fitzgerald

Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge: New Methods for Trace Evidence Analysis

Forensic science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques

Forensic digital imaging and photography: Blitzer and Jacobia