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Current laws on admissibility of expert evidence in criminal trials are “unsatisfactory” and may have led to miscarriages of justice, according to the Law Commission.
In a consultation paper launched in April, “The Admissibility of Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings in England and Wales”, the Commissioners recommend a new test for admissibility and new guidelines to help Crown Court judges and magistrates determine whether evidence is sufficiently reliable to be admitted.
Law Commissioner Professor Jeremy Horder said expert evidence, particularly scientific evidence, “could have a very persuasive effect on juries.
“There have been miscarriages of justice in recent years where prosecution expert evidence of doubtful reliability has been placed before Crown Court juries”.
The Commission has established an interactive online forum where consultees can view the proposals and make comments at www.lawcom.gov.uk/expert_evidence.htm
In a consultation paper launched in April, “The Admissibility of Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings in England and Wales”, the Commissioners recommend a new test for admissibility and new guidelines to help Crown Court judges and magistrates determine whether evidence is sufficiently reliable to be admitted.
Law Commissioner Professor Jeremy Horder said expert evidence, particularly scientific evidence, “could have a very persuasive effect on juries.
“There have been miscarriages of justice in recent years where prosecution expert evidence of doubtful reliability has been placed before Crown Court juries”.
The Commission has established an interactive online forum where consultees can view the proposals and make comments at www.lawcom.gov.uk/expert_evidence.htm
Current laws on admissibility of expert evidence in criminal trials are “unsatisfactory” and may have led to miscarriages of justice, according to the Law Commission.
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