5 Trusting forensic science and the criminal justice system

Trust in forensic science relies on these ideas but is a complex and evolving issue and recent research highlights a growing crisis of credibility. Concerns include the scientific robustness of certain analytical and interpretative methods and inconsistent standards. Factors that influence trust include transparency in forensic scientific processes, the clarity of communication from experts, and the perceived impartiality of forensic science practitioners. Misrepresentation in media (the ‘CSI effect’) can also skew public expectations, sometimes leading to overconfidence in the infallibility of the technology used by forensic scientists.

Ultimately, researchers argue for a model of healthy trust – one that encourages confidence in forensic science while allowing for critical scrutiny. This balance is essential to ensure justice is both served and seen to be fair.

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) is made up of various institutions and processes that work together to apprehend, prosecute, sentence and rehabilitate offenders (Redgrave & Rolfe, 2023). Achieving these goals depends on the active participation of the public including victims, suspects, witnesses and jurors (Simpson & Pappas, 2024).