Justice Chris Maxwell says there is little proof that forensic techniques including gunshot analysis, footprint analysis, hair comparison and bite mark comparison could reliably identify criminals.
A senior judge believes innocent people may have been jailed because too much faith has been placed in forensic techniques that have been proved to be flawed.
"We do agree with the president’s fears that unreliable forensic evidence is being admitted into evidence in trials," he said. "This seems to me to be so important to the integrity of the criminal justice system. I would have thought it was essential for us to take stock of the state of forensic science in Australia.”
In 1995, David Eastman was convicted by a jury of the murder of Colin Winchester. A key plank of the circumstantial case against Mr Eastman was forensic evidence that gunshot residue found in his car matched that found at the crime scene.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top judge worried forensic evidence putting innocent people behind barsIn an extraordinary intervention, a senior judge has issued a public call for urgent law change amid concerns over the accuracy of forensic science.
Read more »
Top judge worried forensic evidence putting innocent people behind barsIn an extraordinary intervention, a senior judge has issued a public call for urgent law change amid concerns over the accuracy of forensic science.
Read more »
Ivan Milat's bizarre behaviour behind barsBefore his transfer to his Supermax prison cell in Goulburn, Milat had at one point commandeered a Dymo labelling machine, typed the words 'Ivan is innocent' and plastered the labels on the Long Bay prison walls.
Read more »
Missing toddler inquest adjourned until 2020After five weeks of evidence, dozens of witnesses and two separate courthouses, the inquest into the disappearance of NSW toddler William Tyrrell was brought to a standstill.
Read more »
'Delete your apps': How to blitz the HSC, by those who didFrom deleting apps to your handwriting, the state's top HSC students from 2018 have banded together to offer tips for the class of 2019
Read more »
Allegations of corruption in NSW Labor puts party in 'diabolical' situation, Albanese saysLabor Leader Anthony Albanese says revelations senior officials knew of an alleged $100,000 illegal donation should be a catalyst for cultural change.
Read more »