22 May 2013

'Science in the courtroom' - Cafe Science event on Monday, 27th May

A legal expert from the University of Dundee will examine the vital role that scientific evidence plays in ensuring that justice is done at the next Cafe Science event.

Fiona Raitt, Professor of Evidence and Social Justice in the University's School of Law, will talk about how this type of evidence is integral to the legal process, and is becoming increasingly so, at Chambers Coffee House and Restaurant on Monday, 27th May.

Professor Raitt, who teaches a module on Forensic Science and the Law jointly with the University's Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, tackles some of the big questions around the use of science in the courtroom at the event.

"Scientific evidence is one of the most common types of evidence used in the courtroom, and so entire cases can hinge on it," she explained. "As scientific breakthroughs continue to be made, new light is shed on cases both current and historic.

"This doesn't mean there are no issues surrounding the use of scientific evidence, however, and I'll be looking at these and what the future holds for the relationship between science and the courtroom."

The monthly Café Science events take the form of informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science taking place at the Universities of Dundee and Abertay, the James Hutton Institute, and Dundee Science Centre.

Professor Raitt's talk, entitled 'Science in the courtroom' takes place at 7pm on Monday, 27th May. Seating is limited so attendees are advised to arrive early. Café Science was launched in January 2008, and more than 4500 people have attended the events since then.

For more information visit www.cafesciencedundee.co.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277