New guides for judges explain science behind DNA evidence

Easy-to-understand guides explaining the science behind identifying suspects by their DNA and walk are to be launched for judges.

The primers are being introduced in UK courts as a tool for the judiciary when handling forensic evidence.

It comes as part of a collaboration between legal and academic teams to provide guidance on how the techniques have been applied in courtrooms.

Supreme court justice Lord Anthony Hughes said: “These are the first in a series of primers designed to be working tools for judges.

“They aim to tackle the agreed and uncontroversial basis underlying scientific topics, which crop up from time to time in courts.

“The objective is to provide a judge with the scientific baseline from which any expert dispute in a particular case can begin.''

Each guide is a concise document presenting a plain-English account of the technique in question.

Limitations and challenges associated with the application are also included.

They have been written by leading scientists and working judges and peer reviewed by legal practitioners.

The first two primers in the series, launched on Wednesday, cover DNA fingerprinting and techniques used for identifying people by the way they walk from CCTV.

Future guides on statistics and the physics of vehicle collisions are planned.

The project has been developed by the judiciary, the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Dr Julie Maxton, executive director of the Royal Society, said: “We are very pleased to be playing a leading role in bringing together scientists and the judiciary to ensure that we get the best possible scientific guidance into the courts - rigorous, accessible science matters to the justice system and society.''

Hard copies will be distributed to courts in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and are available to download from the Royal Society's website