1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of contemporary issues within forensic science and digital forensic investigation research and professional practice.

Knowledge & Understanding; Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

2. Act in accordance with the rules and requirements of an expert witness in both criminal and civil legal systems and be competent in producing expert witness statements.

Knowledge & Understanding; Communication

3. Discuss scientific information, and present and defend it when acting as an expert witness in a courtroom.

Application & Problem Solving; Communication

Expert Witness Report – Learning Outcome 2 and 3 You will write a report as a forensic expert witness based on a fictitious scenario. An appropriate area of forensic expertise will be chosen as the focus for this report. Relevant testing must be alluded to and appropriate ‘results’ must be discussed. Your report should be written in a format that could be understood by members of a jury without detracting away from the scientific principles involved.

Courtroom Cross Examination – Learning Outcome 2 and 3
You will need to present and defend evidence as a forensic expert witness in a mock courtroom environment. As a forensic expert witness, the contents of the report will be presented and defended in a mock courtroom scenario. This will involve responding to questions during both evidence in chief and cross examination.

Infographic with Audio Annotation – Learning Outcome 1 You will be required to produce an infographic on an assigned area in forensic science or digital forensic investigation. This piece of work should demonstrate sound understanding of contemporary issues within the area of study and are able to critically reflect on the points raised. The infographic should be submitted with a pre-recorded audio annotation lasting no longer than three minutes.

Formative Assessments Formative assessments will be set in the form of practical tasks, in-class exercises, pop quizzes, and intersessional activities. You will be provided with formative feedback in taught sessions.

The content of this module will explore standards in forensic science, ethics, and the role of the expert witness. This module will consider the notable rise of digital forensics in recent years and how forensic scientists work with digital forensic investigators in their day-to-day roles.

Current issues, challenges, and emerging practices within forensic science and digital forensic investigation will also be critically appraised and discussed in this module.

Forensic science and digital forensic investigation are continually evolving disciplines, making it essential for both researchers and practitioners to remain informed about current issues, challenges, and best practices. In this module you will cover the essential theory and practice needed to be an expert witness in the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. You will learn more about the increasing presence of digital forensic investigation within forensic science and how current research and entrepreneurship is revolutionising the way we work.

Interactive lectures will provide the core material. The second half of this module will also include seminars that will require class discussion and debate about current issues and practice within forensic science. Independent study should be utilised, mainly through tutor-guided background reading, textbooks, journal articles, and web pages to consolidate the core material and broaden your understanding.

Hackman, S.L., Hackman, L. and Black, S. (eds.) 2019. The Expert Witness, Forensic Science, and the Criminal Justice Systems of the UK. London: Routledge.

Jackson, A. and Jackson, J. 2016. Forensic Science. 4th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.

Tottenham, M. 2021. The Reliable Expert Witness. Dublin: Clarus Press.

Several other texts covering digital evidence and the specific evidence types dealt with in this module, and course more broadly, will be cited as and when required to support particular teaching sessions.

A suitable computer capable of accessing the internet, Blackboard, and the university server. Library access is essential.