Understanding Forensic Expert Reports: Questioned Documents

About the Programme

Forensic science is often an inscrutable “black box” to legal practitioners. Many lawyers see only the evidence that enters as input into the forensic system, and the forensic report that emerges as output, but do not know the inner workings and processes in the laboratory. To adequately handle a case that involves forensic evidence, the lawyer’s competence in legal matters needs to be complemented by a working knowledge of the science. Although science is increasingly applied in Court trials, most legal practitioners are not trained in forensic science. Hence, it can be a daunting task to interpret and decipher expert reports which are filled with technical jargon, and based on unfamiliar methodology. In this seminar, the trainers attempt to distil the essence of expert reports and impart to lawyers an awareness of the scientific principles and workflow that goes behind a forensic report.

Lawyers will also acquire a deeper understanding of forensic expert reports related to fraudulent documents and handwriting. Through the sharing of case studies, they will learn that forensic document examination is not limited to disputed handwriting and signatures, but encompasses other types of evidence such as ink, printing and paper. Lawyers will be introduced to the various elements in a questioned document expert report. They will also acquire knowledge on the relevant information, documents and items to provide to the forensic expert, as well as discover first-hand how a forensic expert can assist them in various stages of their cases.