A transparent approach: Openness in forensic science reporting

Abstract

There have been numerous calls for increased transparency and disclosure in forensic science. However, there is a paucity of guidance on how to achieve this transparency in reports, and the impacts it may have on criminal justice proceedings. We describe one multi-disciplinary forensic laboratory's journey to fully transparent reporting, disclosing matters of scientific relevance and importance. All expert reports across 17 disciplines now contain information regarding the fundamental principles and methodology, validity and error, assumptions and limitations, competency testing and quality assurance, cognitive factors, and areas of scientific controversy. Staff support for transparent reporting increased following introduction, with most reporting largely positive impacts. A slight increase in questioning in court has been experienced, with increased legal attention paid to the indicia of scientific validity. Transparency in expert forensic science reports is possible, and can improve the use of scientific evidence in courts without compromising the timeliness of service.

Keywords

• Forensic science
• Expert reports
• Communicating opinion
• Expert evidence
• Transparency