Criminology In The News | Unsafe Convictions

The use of DNA evidence in serious cases of violence, murder and sexual assault is commonplace in contemporary police investigations, in part due to the advances in technology over the past few decades. Forensic evidence is often vital in confirming the identity of a criminal, but this has not always been the case.

The recent exoneration of Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years after being wrongfully accused of rape and cleared following a review of DNA evidence, has led to more cases being reviewed by the Criminal Case Review Commission. However, the process of reviewing these cases is coming under scrutiny.

Rather than using qualified forensic scientists, the cases are often being reviewed by interns. With an estimated 8,000 possible miscarriages of justice not being considered by the CCRC, according to a review by the legal charity Appeal, questions are being asked about the efficiency of the CCRC and their ability to provide reviews of possible unsafe verdicts.

The role of forensic scientists and forensic investigations is covered in Unit 3 of the WJEC Level 3 Applied Criminology course.

Find out more by looking at the article below from the Guardian (2/5/2024) and answer the questions below.

https://www.theguardian.com/la...

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS!

1. The article outlines how the use of DNA was used in Malkinson’s case. Identify how DNA was used to overturn his conviction.
2. One of the benefits of collecting and analysing DNA is that it is done by experts in their field. How might the use of interns impact the validity of the research?
3. What is the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission?
4. The article suggests that almost 5,000 cases of rape and murder are being reviewed to see if further analysis of DNA can be used. What issues might there be with using DNA collected many years ago
5. What advantages are there to using DNA evidence and what weighting is it given to within courts?