Dr C Mullin, Dr D Martin
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Project Ref: PHDSS1720. Criminal court juries are composed of lay members of the public, yet they are undertaking a task that requires careful consideration of expert evidence. Their thorough comprehension of all of the evidence presented in a case is essential, as their interpretation of this equates to guilt or innocence with significant consequences to a Defendant’s civil liberties. Often cases involve scientific or medical evidence which can be particularly difficult to follow and understand, especially when opposing theories may be presented by both Prosecution and Defence scientists.
It has been suggested that in order to ease comprehension of such complex testimony, experts should express their findings by summarising their evidence in terms of a likelihood ration (Baysian approach), accompanied by an associated verbal description of the strength of the evidence. This is the recommendation of the UK Association of Forensic Science Providers (AFSP).
Comprehensive evaluation of jury understanding of likelihood ratios versus verbal descriptors, and interpretation of weight of evidence is required urgently required to ensure that the expert witness’ primary function, providing assistance to the court, is being effectively fulfilled. This research project will try to determine the degree of jury comprehension of expert evidence and explore whether there are better mechanisms of conceptualizing and relaying scientific evidence.
This research will require collaboration across a number of disciplines including science, psychology, criminal justice, statistics and education.
Funding Notes
UWS is an inspiring, vibrant place to study with a growing research community; an important aspect of which is its outstanding and committed research students.
Successful candidates will receive an annual stipend of £14,553 per annum for three years and payment of tuition fees (current value £4200). Applicants are advised that funding will be considered as part of a competitive round and there is no guarantee that it will be awarded.
References
Studentships are open to Home/EU candidates with a first degree in a relevant discipline. Non-EU students can apply, but will not receive the stipend and will be required to pay fees.
How to apply:
Postgraduate Degree by Research Applications should be completed online at
http://www.uws.ac.uk/research/graduate-school/prospective-students/
Applications without all relevant documents will not be considered. Please quote the Project Reference Number.
Continue with Facebook
