Please note that the following description of the course is only provisional and therefore subject to change.
Admission requirements
Background in law
Sufficient command of English (IELTS 6.5 or higher)
Description
Subjects:
Classical principles of forensic science
Scientific interpretation of evidence
Interfaces of forensic science, the law, law enforcement, and the general public
Reasoning with evidence in cases
Key words: principles of forensic science; interpretation of evidence; science and the law; logical framework; evidential value; case assessment and interpretation; contextual information; areas of expertise; role of expert in judicial system.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course
The course has the following objectives:
Improve knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of forensic science for investigative and evaluative purposes;
Raise awareness of the gap between science and the law, and the role of science and logic in the judicial system;
Increase awareness of the problems that arise at the interfaces of science, the law, law enforcement, and the general public.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
- See the above information
Timetable
See: http://www.leidenuniv.nl/rechten/osi/wg/
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: (5) One 2-hour lecture per week for five weeks
Names of lecturers: prof. dr. Charles Berger
Required preparation by students: study assigned materials from the reader.
Seminars
Number of (2 hour) seminars: (5) One 2-hour seminar per week for five weeks
Names of instructors: prof. dr. Charles Berger
Required preparation by students: response to written questions, oral presentation.
Other methods of instruction
Visit to the Netherlands Forensic Institute (1 day)
Studying a subject for a presentation (in groups):
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
Written exam.
Oral presentation.
Submission procedures
Not applicable
Areas to be tested within the exam
The required reading (literature) for the course, the subjects taught in the lectures, the seminars and all other instructions which are part of the course.
Blackboard
More information on this course is offered in Blackboard.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
- Reader
Course information guide:
- Not applicable
Reader:
- Available on Blackboard
Recommended course materials
- To be announced
Registration
Students have to register for courses and exams through uSis.
Contact information
Coordinator: Prof. dr. C.E.H. Berger
Work address: KOG, room C 1.23
Contact information: Through secretariat of Criminal Law
Telephone number: +31 (0) 71 527 7518
E-mail: w.bonis@law.leidenuniv.nl or c.e.h.berger@law.leidenuniv.nl
Institution/division
*Institution: Criminal Law and Criminology *Division: Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure *Room number secretariat: KOG, room C1.01 *Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9 :00-17:00 *Telephone number secretariat: +31 (0)71 527 7518 *E-mail: w.bonis@law.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
None