Forensic Access Newsletter - "Benchmark"
July 2008
CPD Training For Lawyers & Barristers
Consultant to Forensic Access, Dr Ann Priston discusses the importance of forensic science awareness training for lawyers and barristers and its contribution to CPD.
 More and more these days barristers and solicitors are having to get their minds around some of the most complex issues that forensic science offers and have to be able to do it sufficiently well that a jury or bench would have no difficulty in fully appreciating its significance. For those defending the task is no less daunting; knowledge of the procedures and interpretative techniques might be crucial to properly exploring the robustness of the evidence. Forensic science does not form a part of a young lawyers training; it’s very much a case of learning on the job when they need to. Case conferences with the scientist are essential in the most complex trials and whilst they may deal very thoroughly with the relevant elements of any particular case, they can be rushed, they don’t necessarily give an awareness outside the particulars of the subject and most importantly they don’t always happen, especially in less serious cases. I recall one counsel some years ago refusing to speak to me. ‘It’s not allowed’ he said.
Well happily all that is changing. With all the publicity surrounding failings in forensic science there is now an interest from on high; the Home Office has appointed a Forensic Science Regulator whose overall objective is to support and enhance the contribution made by forensic science to the Criminal Justice System. This he aims to do by monitoring quality and standards of providers, advising ministers and others on quality issues and dealing with complaints relating to the provision of forensic services. All this is good news but it does put an added responsibility on those bringing a case and those defending. Judges too; they are certainly not exempt from the need to appreciate both the strengths and weaknesses of this sort of evidence.
Some years ago Continued Professional Development (CPD) points were introduced as a way ensuring that barristers and solicitors (and other professionals) keep abreast of developments and continue along a learning path throughout their career.
With all this in mind Forensic Access are offering a bespoke training service to barristers, solicitors and Judges. The courses will be registered with the Law Society and CPD credits points will be awarded. The sessions can be anything from a couple of hours in a particular subject after court in chambers or the office to a full day’s awareness programme in core subjects at a Laboratory.
For more details contact Roger Robson at Forensic Access: roger.robson@forensic-access.co.uk, tel: 0845 230 2414.
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