And finally - Our Day in Court
Its important that the movement of a piece of evidence from the crime scene, through the laboratory and to the court room is well documented so there can be no accusation of corruption of the evidence. This is done by a 'chain of custody' which documents where the evidence is at any given time.
Forensic scientists have the responsibility of conducting scientific tests whose results may have severe consequences for many people (both the accused, and victims of crime). A simple error in the laboratory could have a disastrous impact on many lives, which is why forensic laboratories need to be impeccable in every aspect of their operation. They must be clean, thoroughly organised, and secure.
The results of tests need to be written in summary form as a legal document. The judge must be satisfied that the analyses performed on the evidence were conducted to the highest possible standard and that the results are accurate and precise.
A forensic scientist may also be required to attend court and answer any questions about the exhibit, the examination or the conclusions.
WITH THIS IN MIND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
Forensic scientists have the responsibility of conducting scientific tests whose results may have severe consequences for many people (both the accused, and victims of crime). A simple error in the laboratory could have a disastrous impact on many lives, which is why forensic laboratories need to be impeccable in every aspect of their operation. They must be clean, thoroughly organised, and secure.
The results of tests need to be written in summary form as a legal document. The judge must be satisfied that the analyses performed on the evidence were conducted to the highest possible standard and that the results are accurate and precise.
A forensic scientist may also be required to attend court and answer any questions about the exhibit, the examination or the conclusions.
WITH THIS IN MIND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: