Scientific Evidence and Criminal Procedure

The course aims to provide students with a complete picture of the legal and practical issues encountered in the introduction of scientific evidence in the Italian criminal trial, through the analysis of the relevant legislation and the most relevant jurisprudential approaches. Particular attention will be paid to both ‘old fashioned’ forensic techniques – such as fingerprints and toolmarks – and newer technologies such as DNA and digital forensics. Special attention will be given to the Italian-style legislative framework on expert witnesses and to a variety of controversies regarding the admissibility and weight of scientific evidence. The aim of the course is to stimulate students to compare the classic categories of Criminal Procedural Law with the problems posed by the use of scientific tools, in order to acquire a useful wealth of specialist knowledge in the field of scientific evidence.