Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry (2024)

Abstract

The Queensland DNA Inquiry, conducted by Walter Sofronoff KC, unearthed substantial deficiencies in forensic DNA practices, highlighting the need for rigorous scientific standards and improved management within forensic laboratories. The inquiry’s final report made 123 recommendations to overhaul these practices, prompting the Queensland Government to pledge over $95 million towards restructuring forensic services. This paper reflects on a workshop convened by the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, which explored the implications of these recommendations for other jurisdictions. The workshop facilitated a rich dialogue among legal, scientific, and government sectors, emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach to forensic science within the justice system. It underscored the importance of impartiality in forensic services, the need for fit-for-purpose operational frameworks, and robust quality management to uphold the integrity of forensic evidence. By examining these themes, the paper contributes to ongoing discussions about enhancing forensic science’s role in ensuring justice and underscores the potential for significant reforms catalysed by the inquiry’s findings.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAustralian Journal of Forensic Sciences
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Jun 2024

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Walvisch, J., Kogios, R., & Davey, A. (2024). Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2024.2363816

Walvisch, Jamie ; Kogios, Rebecca ; Davey, Anna. / Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry. In: Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2024.

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title = "Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry",

abstract = "The Queensland DNA Inquiry, conducted by Walter Sofronoff KC, unearthed substantial deficiencies in forensic DNA practices, highlighting the need for rigorous scientific standards and improved management within forensic laboratories. The inquiry{\textquoteright}s final report made 123 recommendations to overhaul these practices, prompting the Queensland Government to pledge over $95 million towards restructuring forensic services. This paper reflects on a workshop convened by the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, which explored the implications of these recommendations for other jurisdictions. The workshop facilitated a rich dialogue among legal, scientific, and government sectors, emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach to forensic science within the justice system. It underscored the importance of impartiality in forensic services, the need for fit-for-purpose operational frameworks, and robust quality management to uphold the integrity of forensic evidence. By examining these themes, the paper contributes to ongoing discussions about enhancing forensic science{\textquoteright}s role in ensuring justice and underscores the potential for significant reforms catalysed by the inquiry{\textquoteright}s findings.",

author = "Jamie Walvisch and Rebecca Kogios and Anna Davey",

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Walvisch, J, Kogios, R & Davey, A 2024, 'Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry', Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1080/00450618.2024.2363816

Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry. / Walvisch, Jamie; Kogios, Rebecca; Davey, Anna.
In: Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 25.06.2024.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry

AU - Walvisch, Jamie

AU - Kogios, Rebecca

AU - Davey, Anna

PY - 2024/6/25

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N2 - The Queensland DNA Inquiry, conducted by Walter Sofronoff KC, unearthed substantial deficiencies in forensic DNA practices, highlighting the need for rigorous scientific standards and improved management within forensic laboratories. The inquiry’s final report made 123 recommendations to overhaul these practices, prompting the Queensland Government to pledge over $95 million towards restructuring forensic services. This paper reflects on a workshop convened by the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, which explored the implications of these recommendations for other jurisdictions. The workshop facilitated a rich dialogue among legal, scientific, and government sectors, emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach to forensic science within the justice system. It underscored the importance of impartiality in forensic services, the need for fit-for-purpose operational frameworks, and robust quality management to uphold the integrity of forensic evidence. By examining these themes, the paper contributes to ongoing discussions about enhancing forensic science’s role in ensuring justice and underscores the potential for significant reforms catalysed by the inquiry’s findings.

AB - The Queensland DNA Inquiry, conducted by Walter Sofronoff KC, unearthed substantial deficiencies in forensic DNA practices, highlighting the need for rigorous scientific standards and improved management within forensic laboratories. The inquiry’s final report made 123 recommendations to overhaul these practices, prompting the Queensland Government to pledge over $95 million towards restructuring forensic services. This paper reflects on a workshop convened by the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences, which explored the implications of these recommendations for other jurisdictions. The workshop facilitated a rich dialogue among legal, scientific, and government sectors, emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach to forensic science within the justice system. It underscored the importance of impartiality in forensic services, the need for fit-for-purpose operational frameworks, and robust quality management to uphold the integrity of forensic evidence. By examining these themes, the paper contributes to ongoing discussions about enhancing forensic science’s role in ensuring justice and underscores the potential for significant reforms catalysed by the inquiry’s findings.

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DO - 10.1080/00450618.2024.2363816

M3 - Article

SN - 0045-0618

JO - Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

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ER -

Walvisch J, Kogios R, Davey A. Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. 2024 Jun 25. doi: 10.1080/00450618.2024.2363816

Forensic Science in the Justice system: Learnings from the Queensland DNA Inquiry (2024)
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