Senior judiciary to get schooled by scientists

Supported by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, the scheme will launch with a “primer document” on DNA analysis.

It is written in straightforward English and describes, among other things, scientific limitations and the problems of applying it.

Each primer will be prepared by an editorial board comprising figures from the scientific and judicial communities and will be peer reviewed before being published.

Lord Thomas said: “The launch of this project is the realisation of an idea the judiciary has been seeking to achieve.

“The involvement of the Royal Society and Royal Society of Edinburgh will ensure scientific rigour.”

Julie Maxton, executive director of the Royal Society, added: “We are very pleased to be playing a leading role in bringing together scientists and the judiciary throughout the UK to ensure that we get the best possible scientific guidance into the courts – rigorous, accessible science matters to the justice system and society.”