1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the England and Wales Legal System and Criminal Law with respect to the role of the forensic scientist.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Analysis
Application

2. Have an in-depth knowledge of the roles of the Expert Witness and their responsibilities with respect to expert evidence.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Analysis
Problem Solving
Application

3. Have a critical understanding of how forensic science addresses elements of Criminal Law
Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry
Communication
Reflection

4. Have the in-depth knowledge on how to produce an Expert Witness Statement in compliance with Annex K of the CPS Disclosure Manual
Analysis
Communication

5. Have a critical understanding of Quality Control and Assurance in the context of the forensic science Learning
Communication
Reflection

1. Course work relating to criminal law in response to a court visit 50% 1500 words
2. Expert Witness Statement 20%
3. Production of Standard Operating Procedures 30% 1000 words

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via:
Pre-submission feedback and access to marking schemes prior to submission
Feedback through rubrics upon their course work

This module consists of three broad but related topics under the umbrella of the engagement between the forensic scientist and the legal system.

1. The Legal System and Criminal Law
This subject covers the basis of the legal system and how it operates, in a manner that is relevant to the forensic scientist. For example, how courts operate and how forensic scientists interact with the courts. It will also cover the basics of Criminal Law, understanding the concepts of Actus Reus and Mens Rea, as well as covering the legal basis of offences commonly encountered by the forensic scientist. All material will be delivered with a strong forensic science perspective to ensure relevance.

2. Expert witness and expert evidence
This section will explore the role of the Expert Witness and the criteria around expert evidence, its admissibility and will spend time on their responsibilities with respect to Disclosure. This will also cover the Witness statement exercises and will include at least one mock court room exercise (non-assessed)

3. Quality Matters
The quality of evidence is an increasingly important aspect of being a forensic scientist, and this material will cover the principles of quality standards, ISO17020, ISO17025, ILAC-G19, the role of the Forensic Science Regulator, and ethics in Forensic Science.

24 hours of lectures will be delivered (12 x 2 hours)
First 12 hours will explore the England and Wales Legal System and Criminal Law
Second 12 hours will focus on Expert Witness and Expert Evidence, as well as reporting (including expert witness statements)
There will also be 12 hours of tutorials
The first 6 hours of the tutorials will relate to quality processes and ISO17025, ISO 17020, and Standard Operating Procedures. This will be in support of directed self-study
The remaining 6 hours of the tutorials will be in support of the Witness Statement production exercises and will the defence of witness statement in a mock court room.

Bond, C., Solon, M., Harper, P. and Davies, G. (2007). The Expert Witness: A Practical Guide. 3nd ed. London: Sweet and Maxwell.

CPF (2010) Annex K of the Crown Prosecution Service Disclosure Manual [Online]. Available at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/disclosure-experts-evidence-case-management-and-unused-material-may-2010-guidance

Elliot, C. and Quinn, F. (2008) Criminal Law. Harlow: Pearson.

Elliot, C. and Quinn, F. (2012) English Legal System. Harlow: Pearson.

Forensic Science Regulator Reports relating to expert witness and legal obligation [Online]. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/expert-report-content

Module handbook, standard lecture room facilities, appropriate laboratory facilities, crime scene house facility, cameras, access to library and to computers with:-

Blackboard VLE

They will also be required to attend a Crown Court – however, this would be facilitated independently as they can attend as members of the public. Minimal support to be provided by the academic as the purpose of this exercise is for the student to feel comfortable operating independently within a court environment.