Forensic Evidence and its Effect on the Criminal Legal System

The use of forensic evidence is a relatively new initiative, gaining momentum and popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, for its role in addressing wrongful convictions. Yet, with advancements still being achieved, mistakes have been uncovered. In the criminal legal system, inaccurate evidence and/or information can be a barrier for seeking justice. Collectively, estimates suggest forensic errors occur in anywhere between 46-100% of forensic cases, with varying errors occurring based on the type of evidence (e.g., forensic pathology vs. seized drug analysis). As such, this literature review outlines the unreliable aspects of forensic evidence, the misinterpretation of such findings, and individual influences increasing these issues. This poster further explores the impacts of misleading and inaccurate forensic evidence while ending with policy recommendations and reform. Additionally, we highlight the work of the Innocence Project as a reform initiative heavily relying on the accuracy of forensic evidence.