Trends and issues in the communication of forensic science

Reporting, as the final stage of doing forensic science, typically refers to formal expert reports and testimony, although it can include less formal communication during investigations and pre-trial phases. Forensic standards exist in Australia for each phase of the forensic science process: collection, transport and storage; analysis; interpretation; and reporting. The inclusion of reporting reflects the idea that communicating science is doing science. Without sharing the findings and interpretations, forensic science is incomplete.

However, what is reported is not necessarily understood. Unless criminal justice practitioners understand the expert opinion expressed, there is little point in having reported it. After all, forensic science is used to aid decision making. It cannot be used effectively if it is not well understood by those who rely upon it. Cases of wrongful convictions have highlighted that poorly communicated or misunderstood forensic science can lead to flawed decision making. This commentary focuses on the reporting phase of the forensic science process. It assumes that the previous phases of the forensic process have been completed with the utmost scientific rigour and integrity.