Invited speaking
Helen Roebuck is a regular invited speaker to the legal profession, predominantly on the substantive subject matter of DNA.
The prevalence of DNA evidence within the criminal justice system, has necessitated an unprecedented demand for scientific knowledge amongst legal practitioners across many spectrums.
Criminal practitioners are cognisant of the realistic jurisdictional expectation that a level of fluidity is required, in order to effectively translate DNA evidence into a cohesive and a robust defence or prosecution.
These speaking roles, also provide a valuable engagement for greater understanding of the legal communities further needs and expectations of forensic science.
ARTICLES IN PRINT
NT LAW SOCIETY – DNA expert certificate – Lawyer interpretation guide
SA LAW SOCIETY – DNA evidence – When prejudicial outweighs probative
QLD LAW SOCIETY – Apply science carefully in court
Helen Roebuck is a regular invited speaker to the legal profession, predominantly on the substantive subject matter of DNA.
The prevalence of DNA evidence within the criminal justice system, has necessitated an unprecedented demand for scientific knowledge amongst legal practitioners across many spectrums.
Criminal practitioners are cognisant of the realistic jurisdictional expectation that a level of fluidity is required, in order to effectively translate DNA evidence into a cohesive and a robust defence or prosecution.
These speaking roles, also provide a valuable engagement for greater understanding of the legal communities further needs and expectations of forensic science.
ARTICLES IN PRINT
NT LAW SOCIETY – DNA expert certificate – Lawyer interpretation guide
SA LAW SOCIETY – DNA evidence – When prejudicial outweighs probative
QLD LAW SOCIETY – Apply science carefully in court
Challenges of DNA before New Zealand courts
The R v Wells conviction contains scientifically problematic features, most notable was a novel concept around "fragile sperm", in support of possible sperm, when it was concurrently acknowledged that no sperm had in fact been detected. The expert acknowledged that there was no data supporting the theory. Such speculation by...
Sexual Assault Defence – DNA
DNA evidence is heavily relied upon in the Australian courts when it comes to sexual assault matters. We provide reliable answers to the critical sexual assault defence questions of “who” and “how” when it comes to DNA and body fluids. In this article, we cover a specific sexual assault case...
DNA transfer “more likely” is not science
DNA Transfer When considering "how" the DNA was deposited, we must not apply "more likely" before the courts, and should correctly apply the scientific approach defined as Activity Level Reporting. "more likely" statements in expert evidence have been prevalent in known DNA wrongful convictions which is detailed further in Fitzgerald...
DNA expert certificate – lawyer interpretation guide
Lawyer interpretation guide Criminal matters involving DNA can be evidenced by the crown in various ways, depending in part upon the particular state lab, severity of the matter, and the maturity of the matter before the courts. In Australia, all states and territories will at some stage serve a form...
Fitzgerald wrongful conviction – Why it can happen again
Fitzgerald wrongful conviction The DNA wrongful conviction Fitzgerald v R turned on how the DNA was deposited. The scientifically invalid "DNA more likely" repeats itself in 2024 Australian courts as it did in the Fitzgerald wrongful conviction To consider "how" DNA was transferred, the DNA expert must conduct Activity Level...
Efficacy of expert evidence
“White coat effect” The efficacy of evidence at trial, is undoubtedly predicated on how that evidence is perceived by jurors, and the court. The preparation of inherently complex scientific and forensic evidence must be purposeful and meticulous. It is critical that evidence presented to the jury is clear, simple and...
DNA Expert Evidence – How Good Science Fails
DNA Expert Evidence This article provides an overview of the relationship between mixed DNA profiles and the software commonly utilised in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to interpret profiles for consideration as to identity. Roebuck Forensics proffers DNA expert witness testimony regarding serious criminal matters....
Hate Crimes Inquiry – 2023
Scott Stuart Miller – Cause of Death On 18 December 2023, the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes delivered its report to the Governor of New South Wales. I was engaged by the Inquiry to conduct an examination of Mr Miller's clothing for the purposes of bloodstain pattern analysis. The...