Statistics and the Evaluation of Evidence for Forensic Scientists

Statistics in Practice A new series of practical books outlining the use of statistical techniques in a wide range of application areas:

• Human and Biological Sciences
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Industry, Commerce and Finance

The use of statistical and probabilistic methods and models in forensic science is of increasing importance, as demonstrated by the widespread public interest in DNA profiling evidence. However, such methods and models are appropriate to a range of other situations also of relevance to forensic scientists. Assuming only a modest mathematical background, the book uses data-based examples from a forensic science background to illustrate, with careful presentation and explanation, the relevant statistical concepts and methods. Topics covered include:

• Transfer evidence.
• The likelihood ratio approach for evaluating evidence under conflicting hypotheses produced by the prosecution and the defence.
• The interpretation of quantitative results—the prosecutor’s and the defender’s fallacies.
• The examination of DNA profiling, blood groups, glass fragments, etc.

The clarity of exposition makes this book ideal for all forensic scientists, lawyers and other professionals in related fields interested in the quantitative assessment and evaluation of evidence.