LAW5457 · Forensic evidence: Law, science, medicine and technology

Overview

This unit examines the intersection between science, medicine, technology and the law. It focuses on the issues that arise when experts give forensic evidence in legal proceedings. It includes presentations by a number of forensic experts on topics including: • Crime scene investigation; • Death investigation (e.g., forensic pathology; forensic odontology); • Forensic medicine (e.g., sexual assault investigation; traffic medicine); • Mental health examination (e.g., forensic psychiatry; forensic psychology); • Pattern evidence (e.g., fingerprints; ballistics; toolmarks; document examination); • Biological and chemical evidence (e.g., DNA; chemical trace evidence); • Digital evidence (e.g., forensic computing; forensic accounting).

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of, and understanding of a range of contemporary issues surrounding the collection, analysis and use of forensic evidence, and identify appropriate practical responses to those issues;
2. Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to forensic evidence in a range of fields, in order to identify its current strengths and weaknesses, and the structural problems that arise in its collection, analysis and use;
3. Recognise and reflect upon the complex ethical issues that may arise when forensic evidence is given in legal proceedings, and the professional responsibilities of lawyers and expert witnesses in addressing these issues;
4. Demonstrate high level research skills and the reasoning and professional judgment required to formulate appropriate responses to complex legal problems involving forensic evidence;
5. Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to communicate effectively and persuasively on issues relating to forensic evidence;
6. Learn and work with a high level of autonomy, and use feedback to improve their own performance.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.