Providing a Forensic Expert Opinion on the "Degree of Force": Evidentiary Considerations

Forensic pathologists and anthropologists are often asked in court for an opinion about the degree of force required to cause a specific injury. This paper examines and discusses the concept of 'degree of force' and why it is considered a pertinent issue in legal proceedings. This discussi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2021-12, Vol.10 (12), p.1336
Main Authors: de Boer, Hans H, Berger, Charles E H, Blau, Soren
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anthropology
Bayesian analysis
Biomechanics
degree of force
evidence
Experimental research
forensic anthropology
Forensic pathology
Forensic science
Fractures
Injuries
Literature reviews
Morphology
review
skeletal trauma
Skin
Trauma
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Summary:Forensic pathologists and anthropologists are often asked in court for an opinion about the degree of force required to cause a specific injury. This paper examines and discusses the concept of 'degree of force' and why it is considered a pertinent issue in legal proceedings. This discussion identifies the implicit assumptions that often underpin questions about the 'degree of force'. The current knowledge base for opinions on the degree of force is then provided by means of a literature review. A critical appraisal of this literature shows that much of the results from experimental research is of limited value in routine casework. An alternative approach to addressing the issue is provided through a discussion of the application of Bayes' theorem, also called the likelihood ratio framework. It is argued that the use of this framework makes it possible for an expert to provide relevant and specific evidence, whilst maintaining the boundaries of their field of expertise.
ISSN:2079-7737
2079-7737
DOI:10.3390/biology10121336