Abstracts From the 2018 CSFS Conference

Abstract

s From the 2018 CSFS Conference (Gatineau, QC, April 30–May 4, 2018) WORKSHOPS Forensic science, the bar and the bench Organizer: Tobin Tanaka This educational one-day symposium is intended to provide an opportunity for members of the bar, and bench, and forensic scientists to discuss a variety of topics relating to the interaction of forensic science and the legal system. It is intended that this symposium will permit the possibility for a free exchange of how the forensic sciences can assist all parties in the legal system, in particular the courts. As the courts are the ultimate client and consumer of the proffered forensic evidence, insights from the bench on how forensic reports and testimony may provide truly expert evidence would be most welcome. The first part (morning session) of the symposium provides an overview of those forensic disciplines represented by the CSFS, each providing a 15-minute overview of their respective specialization. The forensic disciplines include: Anthropology/Medical Odontology, Biology, Chemistry, Documents, Engineering, Firearms and Toxicology. In each overview the scope and foundation, education, training and research for each forensic discipline will be provided. Specifically, how these factors may be considered in the admissibility of expert evidence under the four part criteria of R. v. Mohan, the reporting of findings, and the weight of admitted forensic expertise will discussed. The second part (afternoon session) will be a discussion between the legal community and forensic scientists. The topics of best practices, the interaction that counsel has with forensic scientists, and court room testimony are anticipated areas of discussion. All forensic scientists, lawyers, judges, students and other stakeholders in the justice system are welcome to participate in this workshop. Theory of the logical approach for forensic handwriting casework Presenter: Brent Ostrum Objectives: At the end of the workshop participants will have a working knowledge of the logical approach to evidence evaluation. They will understand how the approach works and the requirements for its application, and also be able to explain pros, cons and limitations. Synopsis: This workshop presents the logical approach to evidence evaluation and discusses this approach contrasting it with the ’traditional’ approach used in most labs today. Distinctions between the logical approach, the likelihood-ratio approach and a Bayesian approach will be explored. Pros, cons and requirements for the proper use of each approach, including the ‘traditional’ approach, will be discussed. The current scientific and legal status of the logical approach, both worldwide and in Canada, will be addressed with discussion of various initiatives in other countries that can be expected to have an impact on the Canadian scene. There is a strong lecture component to the workshop; however, it is also interactive in that participants will discuss various issues in smaller working groups, as appropriate. Participants will be tested to determine whether or not the basic information has been learned. This session is aimed primarily at forensic practitioners (in any discipline) but will be of value to anyone interested in the topic (e.g., lawyers, judges). Examples are drawn primarily from forensic document examination, but not exclusively, and the general concepts apply equally to all domains and disciplines.