The aim of this course is to promote critical thinking with regard to forensic science. Today, in general, most people are dazzled by the technical possibilities offered by forensic science. They somewhat live in the illusion that forensic evidence is fool proof and brings factual findings with 100% certainty. This course – given by specialists in the field – goes beyond the conventional image that is promoted through TV series such as CSI. It alerts (without alarming) the public on the limits of the techniques in order to promote a sound administration of forensic science in the criminal justice system. It allows participants to understand the importance of probabilistic reasoning in forensic science, because uncertainty is a constitutive part of forensic science. The course is constructed as a series of causes célèbres that could or have led to miscarriages of justice. Some of these cases have been part of case reviews carried out at the School of Criminal Justice of the University of Lausanne. ****************** Special thanks to our translators, in particular the University of Lausanne and the School of Criminal Justice sincerely thank Massimiliano Stabile (forensic biologist), Francesco Zampa (forensic chemist) and Giampietro Lago (forensic biologist) for the Italian translation of the course.
CS
Excellent content offered by pioneers in the field of scientific experts and how evidence is to be presented in courtrooms worldwide.
CB
An excellent course; particularly for law students with an interest in pursuing criminal law and broadening their understanding of the applications of forensic evidence in the field.
MJ
Great methods of teaching, clarity of content is top notch. Skills and knowledge provided in this course is very essential for forensic experts, highly recommendable.
TP
exceptionally well crafted course which is a must for every lawyer to become a good prosecutor or a unstoppable defence lawyer.
RY
Excellent and Informative for the Future Experienced in this Field of Forensic Science and also helps for Teaching Professionals in the Present Academy and in the curriculum.
VD
Gives you a strong framework about what considerations a forensic expert has to consider with respect to the evidence vs the court.
AM
Very interesting course developing an understanding of forensic science and its use in various criminal cases as well as highlighting the limitations and challenges associated with its use in court.
GA
This course helped me in various aspects of forensic science with interesting case law and overall i made use of quarantine ProductivelyThank you
JR
The instructors are very helpful and accessible. The course is enlightening and very important in the effective interpretation of forensic science. Thank you for preparing this course!
MQ
I am so delighted to take participate in this course (How science should speak to court). The whole team of this course was intellectual, industrious,ambitious & loyal to their work. Good Luck
DD
A very interesting and challenging course. I found myself totally engrossed in the subject, and having to challenge myself with regards to Analysis and probability views.
CK
A very informative course. The knowledge will truly be of paramount help in my career as a forensic science researcher.
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An excellent course; particularly for law students with an interest in pursuing criminal law and broadening their understanding of the applications of forensic evidence in the field.
It helps your analytical thinking and logical reasoning.
This course is a great introduction into the hierarchy of propositions and our duty to the court as expert witnesses. It discusses in length the importance of reporting two alternate hypothesis in a balanced and transparent manner. It also drills home the risks involved, and uses several real life case studies to demonstrate what happens when science isn't followed or communicated correctly – that is, the associated dangers of misrepresentation and misinterpretation of results by both practitioner and judiciary. If you're skeptical and still questioning the importance of improving current state reporting and testimony (particularly within the pattern matching disciplines), then watch the interviews of victims affected by high profile erroneous fingerprint identifications (McKie/Mayfield). It not only humanizes what we do, but reminds us that we have a duty to the court, to the science and to public safety. It was a great privilege to be taught by leading forensic practitioners! Their collective wealth of knowledge is evident and I admire the large amount of behind-the-scenes work that would have been put into producing this course. I highly recommend this to people interested in strengthening forensic science, and I look forward to the next installment.
Well done Christophe, Alex, Tacha and Franco. The explanation regarding the different cases was very interesting to read. I wasn’t aware of all the impact and only know part of the stories behind the forensics.
This course is also very interesting to non-scientists and I am curious to see if the prosecutors understand the concepts of it. In our common previous experience, I was very disappointed in our attempt to explane the ENFSI guideline to Eurojust.
I look forward to see more of the same stuff here on coursera. Take care, Jan DE KINDER
The course is excellent. The teachers are very competent and teach in a friendly manner. I am a teacher of Criminal Law in Brazil and I also indicated the course to my students. Congratulations!
This course helped me in various aspects of forensic science with interesting case law and overall i made use of quarantine Productively
Thank you
Excellent Course, The transcripts should also be translated to other languages for the sake of non english speaking participants.
Cours vraiment intéressant, qui a un intérêt autant pour les scientifiques que les magistrats, et permet de mieux comprendre l'interprétation des données scientifiques en forensique. La forme du cours est idéale : des vidéos courtes et qui reprennent plusieurs fois les notions importantes. Merci aux créateurs (des pointures du domaine forensique) du cours et vous qui hésitez encore, lancez-vous !
Great Course, learned a lot on evaluative report writing and how forensic science should speak to the course. However, it would have been interesting to see how offender profiling in a expert witness context should speak to courts.
Beautifully designed course, interesting and on point lectures, creative and motivating lecturers. Loved included real cases. I enjoyed very much taking the course. Thank you for such constructive and helpful course!
I am so delighted to take participate in this course (How science should speak to court). The whole team of this course was intellectual, industrious,ambitious & loyal to their work. Good Luck
One of the most well-structured online courses I have taken so far! The objectives and learning points are clearly emphasised every lecture and overall this was a great course.
Excellent content offered by pioneers in the field of scientific experts and how evidence is to be presented in courtrooms worldwide.
Terrific course. Excellent instructors with essential guest participation and interviews. I'd very much like to see followup courses.
Gives you a strong framework about what considerations a forensic expert has to consider with respect to the evidence vs the court.
Nice and interesting course indeed!. Lot of skills I have acquired and I will be aware of mistakes that we normally do.
Very interestin and well presented course.
Great course with much useful information.
Excellent Course
It is a course to pay close attention because of the type of information taught. Forensic Statistics was difficult for me. I did learn a lot and believe I could use this information in my own Criminal Cases here in Yucatan, Mexico.