Forensic Epidemiology: A systematic approach to probabilistic determinations in disputed matters

Autor: Michael L. Hand, Michael D. Freeman, Annette MacKay Rossignol
Rok vydání: 2008
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. 15:281-290
ISSN: 1752-928X
DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2007.12.009
Popis: Forensic medicine testimony often relies upon terms of probability to enhance the strength of the testimony. Such terms must have a demonstrably reliable and accurate basis; otherwise their use is speculative, unjustified, and potentially harmful. Forensic Epidemiology is introduced as a framework from which probabilistic testimony can be assessed in settings in which it is either proffered or encountered. In this paper, common forensic uses of probability are reviewed, appropriate methods for presenting such testimony are proposed, and inappropriate uses of probability and epidemiologic concepts and data, as well as a logical fallacies commonly observed in forensic settings are presented. A previously unpublished logical fallacy, the "Prior Odds" Fallacy, is also introduced.
Databáze: OpenAIRE