University of Leeds - A little help for m'learned friends

Lawyers who feel a little confused when it comes to the latest in DNA evidence should beat a path to the University of Leeds, where a new course aims to provide them with the latest information. According to the university, the newly launched course, "Forensic DNA for the Legal Profession", will "help lawyers understand the scientific background and legal framework associated with DNA profiling". The use of such evidence is increasing, but lawyers are thought to lack the training needed to recognise when DNA evidence should be challenged. Michael Salter, one of the academics leading the one-day course, said: "Forensic DNA evidence is often presented in courtrooms as irrefutable proof of guilt. Occasionally there are alternate explanations as to why there is a DNA match. However, identifying those occasions is extremely difficult where lawyers have little or no training in the technology."