Skip to content

Probabilistic Reporting in American Criminal Cases: A Baseline Study

This CSAFE Center Wide webinar was presented on November 28, 2018 by Dr. Simon Cole, Dr. Simon Cole, CSAFE researcher and professor of criminology, law and society at University of California, Irvine. Dr. Cole has provided presentation slides.

 

Presentation Description: 

The reporting of forensic results is a topic of crucial importance and increasing interest. Existing scholarship primarily addresses how forensic results should or could be reported. Our purpose is to understand empirically how forensic results are actually reported in American trials today. Given that many forensic statisticians are advocating for the greater use of probabilistic reporting, this research may allow us to establish a baseline so we can measure progress toward that goal.

Related Resources

Demonstrative Evidence and the Use of Algorithms in Jury Trials

Demonstrative Evidence and the Use of Algorithms in Jury Trials

We investigate how the use of bullet comparison algorithms and demonstrative evidence may affect juror perceptions of reliability, credibility, and understanding of expert witnesses and presented evidence. The use of…
Interpretable algorithmic forensics

Interpretable algorithmic forensics

One of the most troubling trends in criminal investigations is the growing use of “black box” technology, in which law enforcement rely on artificial intelligence (AI) models or algorithms that…
What’s in a Name? Consistency in Latent Print Examiners’ Naming Conventions and Perceptions of Minutiae Frequency

What’s in a Name? Consistency in Latent Print Examiners’ Naming Conventions and Perceptions of Minutiae Frequency

Fingerprint minutia types influence LPEs’ decision-making processes during analysis and evaluation, with features perceived to be rarer generally given more weight. However, no large-scale studies comparing examiner perceptions of minutiae…
Statistical Interpretation and Reporting of Fingerprint Evidence: FRStat Introduction and Overview

Statistical Interpretation and Reporting of Fingerprint Evidence: FRStat Introduction and Overview

The FRStat is a tool designed to help quantify the strength of fingerprint evidence. Following lengthy development and validation with assistance from CSAFE and NIST, in 2017 the FRStat was…