As a forensic scientist who has worked at thousands of homicide, sexual assault and serious crime scenes, I can tell you the process is not as straightforward as depicted on popular true crime shows.
Smart people can have really bad ideas – like selectively breeding human beings to improve the species. Put into practice, Galton’s concept proved discriminatory, damaging, even deadly.
Eyewitness testimony can hold a lot of weight with jurors. But eyewitnesses aren’t always right, and poor investigative practices can make matters worse.
An expert on forensic science explains the critical role of coroners and pathologists in the COVID-19 crisis, as many cities struggle to manage the soaring number of dead bodies.
Trust Me, I’m An Expert: forensic entomology, or what bugs can tell police about when someone died
The Conversation, CC BY58.8 MB(download)
James Wallman is one of Australia's few forensic entomologists. It’s his job to unpack the tiny clues left behind by insects that can help police solve crimes.
The debate about the reliability of forensic evidence reflects a lack of understanding of how forensic science is best used in the justice system, rather than a problem with forensic science itself.
Readers are invited to a special screening and Q&A with former detective Jackie Malton, criminologist Fiona Brookman and forensic scientist Martin Evison.
Meet the unsung aid workers who put their lives on the line during war and natural disaster to make sure the dead are treated with respect – and that their grieving families get closure.