Work

A guide to ISO 21043 Forensic Sciences from the perspective of the forensic-data-science paradigm

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: ISO 21043 is a new international standard for forensic science. It provides requirements and recommendations designed to ensure the quality of the forensic process. It includes Parts on: 1 vocabulary; 2 recovery, transport, and storage of items; 3 analysis; 4 interpretation; and 5 reporting. We provide a guide to ISO 21043 from the perspective of the forensic-data-science paradigm, which involves the use of methods that are transparent and reproducible, are intrinsically resistant to cognitive bias, use the logically correct framework for interpretation of evidence (the likelihood-ratio framework), and are empirically calibrated and validated under casework conditions. The guide focuses primarily on vocabulary, interpretation, and reporting, and on providing guidance for forensic-service providers and examiners who want to implement methods that are both consistent with the forensic-data-science paradigm and conformant with ISO 21043.

Source: Science & Justice

DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2025.101304

Authors: Geoffrey Stewart Morrison, Simon Elliott, June Guiness, Lisa Sonden, Denise Syndercombe Court

Institutions: Aston University, King's College London, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Legal processes and jurisprudence

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,720