Contents

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(2008) 12 E & P 181

Fundamentals of statistical evidence?a primer for legal professionals
C. G. G. Aitken and F. Taroni

Criminal courts are today frequently confronted with statistical evidence, notably in relation to DNA profiling. Recent experience tends to confirm both widespread perceptions and more systematic research indicating that probability and statistics are not handled confidently, or always competently, by lawyers, judges, jurors or even by forensic scientists. Conceived as a primer for legal professionals, this article reviews basic statistical terminology and its forensic applications, and explores the options for presenting statistical information to fact-finders effectively. In raising awareness of the issues and by encouraging improved comprehension of probability and statistics amongst legal and forensic science professionals, we aim to contribute directly to the administration of justice by promoting more successful applications of forensic statistics in legal adjudication.

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(2008) 12 E & P 208

Reconfiguring the pre-trial and trial processes in Ireland in the fight against organised crime
Liz Campbell

This article describes and analyses the changes which have occurred to pre-trial detention and interrogation and to the trial process in Ireland as a result of the apparent threat posed by organised criminality. The templates for these measures often derive from extraordinary tactics first used against subversive paramilitary groups. However, while incursions have been made on protective procedural rights and rules, important safeguards remain which counterbalance such trends.

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Links to other issues

Volume 5 (2001) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 6 (2002) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 7 (2003) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 8 (2004) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 9 (2005) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 10 (2006) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 11 (2007) :   1   2   3   4

Volume 12 (2008) :   1   2   3

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