Forensic Evidence in Criminal Law
As a criminal lawyer, it is imperative for you to stay up to date with new and evolving forensic techniques. Examine the latest in the various forensic disciplines including DNA sequencing and profiling, bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms and ballistics, and facial recognition, digital video, CCTV and surveillance. WEB222NZA06
Description
Attend and earn 4 CPD hours
Chair: Dr Amanda Bean, Director, Bean Law
9.00am to 10.00am DNA Sequencing/Profiling: Introduction and Impact
Gain an understanding of these topics and assess justice and forensic science impacts. Topics covered will include:
- Familial searching/forensic genealogy/investigative genetic genealogy
- Massive parallel processing/next generation sequencing
- Probabilistic genotyping
Presented by Sean Doyle, Owner and Consultant Forensic Scientist, Linked Forensic Consultants
10.00am to 11.00am Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- Introduction
- Experts and expert evidence
- Blood dynamics
- Types of bloodstain patterns
- What can bloodstain patterns reveal at crime scenes?
- Analysis of patterns and reconstruction of events
Presented by Sue Petricevic, Barrister, Vulcan Chambers
11.00am to 11.15am Break
11.15am to 12.15pm Understanding Firearm Evidence
Join Angus Newton as he examines the key things you need to know to better understand firearm evidence in your criminal matter, together with the application of 3D Laser Scanning technology to firearm-related crime scenes.
Presented by Angus Newton, Senior Forensic Scientist and Firearm Examiner, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR)
12.15pm to 1.15pm Facial Recognition, Digital Video, CCTV and Surveillance
A practical session that provides guidance and advice on understanding and using video-based evidence in a legal context.
- How facial recognition technology works, why it often doesn't, and how it is currently implemented
- Implications for facial recognition technology in the justice system
- Digital Video basics for lawyers: understanding compression, resolution, frame rate and metadata
- A practical overview CCTV and Surveillance systems
Presented by James Ruhfus, Director, Videlity
Learning Objectives:
- Examine recent developments in DNA sequencing and profiling
- Develop a deeper knowledge of firearm and ballistic evidence
- Learn the basics in bloodstain pattern analysis and how it is interpreted in criminal matters
- Gain an understanding of facial recognition and surveillance technology and the implications
Presenters
Dr Amanda Bean
After years of scientific research culminating in a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of Waikato, Amanda embarked on a legal career with the aim of specialising in the use of scientific evidence in criminal trials, including physics, chemistry and biology. Amanda works alongside Charles to ensure clients have the best representation on cases involving forensic evidence. She is categorised with legal aid to run both Judge alone and Jury trials, and can represent prisoners at the Parole board.
Sean Doyle
Over his 45-year career as a forensic scientist, Sean Doyle has worked in several disciplines acquiring the knowledge and expertise to enable the review of a wide variety of evidence types. During his early career at the Laboratory of the Government Chemist and later at the UK’s Ministry of Defence he worked mainly in support of prosecution and regulatory agencies, with some notable exceptions. Together with his wife Dianne Doyle, he established Linked Forensic Consultants in 2010. A major part of the work of the Consultancy has been assessing the quality and reliability of DNA evidence presented by the prosecution in support of alleged sexual assault. The Consultancy has also reviewed ballistics, breath alcohol, drugs and GSR evidence. It has also been instructed by the defence in the trial of Mark Lundy and conducted a review of the scientific evidence in the case of Scott Watson which significantly contributed to the decision to refer the case back to the NZ Court of Appeal.
Sue Petricevic
Sue Petricevic is a Barrister specialising in Criminal Law. Formerly as a senior Forensic Scientist, she attended serious crime scenes, specialised in bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA analysis, trace DNA transfer and persistence. Sue appeared as an expert witness in many court cases over 20 years. As ESR’s Senior Fellow, she undertook and led research in New Zealand and France on detection and transfer of trace DNA, automation, and bloodstain pattern analysis. Now as a Criminal Barrister, she appears on the full range of criminal cases and combines her forensic experience with the law in analysing case files and scientific evidence.
Angus Newton
Angus is part of the Physical Evidence Team at ESR based in Auckland. He looks at items of forensic interest such as firearms, toolmarks or traces of paint, glass or fibres. Angus joined ESR in 1997 and often appears in court to provide expert evidence and opinion.
James Ruhfus
James Ruhfus has appeared as an expert witness and advised on criminal trials for over 10 years and has been a digital media practitioner since 2001. His work centres on assessing, enhancing and analysing digital images and video. He provides expertise including the reporting of specific actions captured within CCTV footage, creating tracking markers to identify persons within a complex multi-party incidents, determining the speed of vehicles or distance between individuals and enhancing images/videos to provide better clarity for the viewer.