Contents

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JCL 69 (2005) 330

Expert testimony in the dock
Adam Wilson 

This article focuses predominantly on the recent miscarriages of justice in the cases of Angela Cannings and Sally Clark. The article identifies possible causes of error in trials involving expert testimony. It is suggested that admission of scientific evidence may inevitably elicit such miscarriages of justice. In order to reduce their frequency, however, experts need training in both scientific and forensic methodology. The science community must also ensure vigilance against scientific dogma. The cases show that responsibility does not lie solely at the feet of expert witnesses. Advocates need training in how to deal with expert testimony. Finally, the use of the jury in complex scientific trials is considered and approved.

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JCL 69 (2005) 349

Should the law of theft extend to information?
Anna Louise Christie 

This article discusses whether the criminal offence of theft should extend to include information or should remain limited to corporeal property. It considers the inherent problems in satisfying the requisite elements of the offence of theft in both Scots law and English law and assesses whether information is classifiable as property for the purposes of theft. The arguments for and against the proposition that information should be capable of being stolen are examined and a case for more comprehensive protection of information through criminal law is put forward. The article finally comments on the probability of legislative reform to remove the legal obstacles and compares the UK position to that of other jurisdictions.

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Links to other issues

Volume 65 (2001) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 66 (2002) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 67 (2003) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 68 (2004) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 69 (2005) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 70 (2006) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 71 (2007) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 72 (2008) :   1   2   3   4   5   6

Volume 73 (2009) :   1   2   3   4   6

Volume 74 (2010) :   1   2   3   4

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