A Case of Strangulation

You are invited to attend our free CPD accredited webinar: A Case of Strangulation, presented by Caroline Crawford, Senior Scientist and Technical Lead at Forensic Access.

Caroline has over 20 years of experience as a forensic scientist, specialising in DNA, body fluids and blood pattern analysis. She has worked on behalf of both the prosecution and defence in the UK and internationally.

Using a real case study, this webinar will explore the forensic evidence surrounding a death by strangulation and consider how scientific findings can be interpreted, evaluated and challenged in criminal proceedings.

In this webinar our expert will be discussing:

• Blood pattern analysis and the interpretation of bloodstaining at the scene
• DNA profiling, including low-level, partial and mixed DNA profiles
• The importance of statistical evaluation when interpreting DNA findings
• The use and limitations of Y-STR DNA profiling
• Fibre and textile evidence associated with the alleged ligature
• The prosecution and defence interpretations of the forensic findings
• Alternative explanations for the blood, DNA and other scientific evidence
• The importance of balanced interpretation when presenting forensic evidence in court

This webinar aims to provide delegates with a greater understanding of how different types of forensic evidence can be brought together and evaluated within the wider circumstances of a criminal case. Through the case study, Caroline will demonstrate how blood pattern, DNA, fibre and textile findings were interpreted, the limitations associated with those findings, and why alternative explanations for forensic evidence need to be considered.

The session will also highlight the importance of appropriate statistical evaluation of DNA evidence, particularly when dealing with low-level, mixed and Y-STR profiles. Delegates will explore how scientific findings may be presented by the prosecution and challenged by the defence, and how critically assessing the strength, limitations and context of forensic evidence can contribute to a more balanced understanding of its significance in criminal proceedings.

Upon completion of this webinar, please contact us at info@forensic-access.co.uk for your CPD certificate. Please note: Due to high demand, we are only able to issue CPD certificates to UK residents. We welcome international participants to join our sessions, but certificates cannot be provided outside the UK.