Science, law and the media – the reality of practising forensic science in South Africa

ABSTRACT

The practice of forensic science has changed irrevocably in South Africa in 2017 with the request by the media to live-stream the State vs van Breda court case. The entire trial was broadcast and continues to be accessible on YouTube. Legal professionals are not formally trained with respect to DNA-specific testimony or DNA evidence. Although DNA experts are familiar with presenting DNA evidence to the legal profession and to Court in order to serve justice, the addition of live streaming by the media in the Court environment is a recent development. It is evident that the goals of practitioners of science, law and media are different in a court case. It would be ideal to have informed journalists reporting on the scientific and legal aspects of a case. In the absence of this, the public primarily receives information that is presented for other purposes, rather than for its accuracy. It is thus crucial that forensic scientists in South Africa, and elsewhere, engage in public forums as well as with the media in order to achieve appropriate dissemination of scientific evidence delivered in Court. A concerted effort is required by forensic experts to adapt to this new reality in South Africa.

KEYWORDS:

• Media
• court
• forensic science testimony
• South Africa

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Linette Lintvelt for sharing her knowledge, insight and expertise in media-related aspects, and Professor Melodie Labuschaigne for clarification of legal aspects.

Disclosure statement

No conflict of interest exists. According to company policy we have to declare the following: all authors are employed by DNAbiotec.

Additional information

Funding

DNAbiotec (Pty) Ltd covered all expenses related to the research presented and the drafting of this paper.