Admission requirements
Background in law
Students who plan to enter the master "Forensische criminologie" are strongly advised against participating in this course, because it partly overlaps the master course Criminalistiek en bewijswaardering. Participation in Criminalistics does not exempt students from taking the master course
Sufficient command of English
We generally see that one in three participants does not pass the first exam, so choosing this course is risky if your university requires you to pass every single course you attend. Also take into account the date of the resit exam when you make travel arrangements.
Description
Subjects:
Criminalistics, the exact science part of the forensic sciences, focuses on examinations in criminal cases, the interpretation of the observations and the role of the forensic expert and his reporting in criminal law. Forensic science originated around the turn of the twentieth century and has long been the exclusive domain of the police. The methodological foundations of criminalistics have long been very weak, but in recent years they have developed to a great extent. In order to evaluate the evidence generated by forensic analyses, an understanding of its fundamentals is key. Important questions that come up during the course: What can criminalistics contribute in criminal justice proceedings? How should one communicate forensic evidence to professionals in the criminal justice system (investigators, prosecutors, judges, etc.)? How can forensic analyses be criticized from a scientific standpoint? These questions are discussed on the basis of concrete cases. In addition, some of the course is devoted to media attention and public interest in forensic science. For example, the widespread misunderstanding about what is possible in forensic science is considered, as well as the resulting disappointment when the practice proves to be more complicated than the fiction of television shows like CSI.
Classical principles of forensic science
Scientific interpretation and evaluation of evidence
Interfaces of forensic science, the law, academic science, 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 strength; case assessment and interpretation; contextual bias; areas of expertise; role of expert in judicial system.
Course objectives
Objectives of the course
The course has the following objectives:
Improve your knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of forensic science for investigative and evaluative purposes;
Raise your awareness of the gap between science and the law, and the role of science and logic in the judicial system;
Increase your awareness of the problems that arise at the interfaces of science, the law, academic science, and the general public.
Achievement levels
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the course:
- See the information above.
Timetable
Check MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
Lectures
Number of (2 hour) lectures: 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 book and the reader.
Seminars
Number of (2 hour) seminars: One 2-hour seminar per week for five weeks
Names of instructors: prof. dr. Charles Berger
Other methods of instruction
- Visit to the Netherlands Forensic Institute (1 day).
Assessment method
Examination form(s)
- Written exam
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.
Regulation retake passed exams
In this course it is possible to retake an exam that has been passed (cf. art. 4.1.8.1 and further of the Course and Examination Regulations). Students who have passed the exam may retake the final written assessment (test) of the course if they meet certain requirements. To retake a passed exam, students need to ask the Student Administration Office (OIC) for permission. For more information, go to 'course and exam enrollment' > 'permission for retaking a passed exam' on the student website.
Reading list
Obligatory course materials
Literature: Interpreting Evidence: Evaluating Forensic Science in the Courtroom, 2nd edition, 2016, Wiley
Reader (available on Brightspace)
Recommended course materials
- To be announced
Registration
Check the website under “course and exam enrollment” for information on how to register for the course.
Exchange students have priority and will be registered for the course first. Any remaining seats will be available for students from Leiden University and other Dutch Universities.
Contact information
Coordinator: Prof. dr. C.E.H. Berger
Contact information: Through secretariat of Criminology
Institution/division
Institute: Criminal Law and Criminology
Department: Criminology
Room number secretary: B3.11
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 09.00-16.00 h
Telephone number secretary: +31 (0)71 527 7871
Remarks
In case of (corona)restrictions imposed by the government, this course description is subject to change.