Reporting on the comparison and interpretation of pattern evidence: recommendations for forensic specialists

Abstract

The structure of expert forensic reports varies widely in the pattern evidence sciences. Since many of the forensic disciplines dealing with pattern evidence have historically evolved outside of the mainstream academic sciences, report writing styles can bear little similarity to traditional scientific report writing norms. This paper outlines a proposal from representatives of both the academic sciences and the academic legal community and aims for a transparent approach to report writing in the pattern evidence disciplines. The adoption of this framework should encourage a reporting environment and form of report that would better allow a pattern evidence specialist's opinion to be assessed when being reviewed by practitioners and others within the wider socio-legal community.

Keywords:

• report
• expression
• interpretation
• expert witness
• opinion
• identification
• guidelines