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In the UK, expert witnesses play a critical role in criminal proceedings by providing specialist knowledge and opinion to assist the court in making decisions. Read our blog to learn more about what you should expect from an expert witness and how clarity can help.

Forensic psychology is the application of psychological principles and theories to legal matters, including criminal investigations, court cases, and prison services. Forensic psychologists provide a range of services that can be beneficial in a legal case.

IT forensics is a complex and expanding field within Criminal Law, and as the sophistication of technology has increased, so has its employment in a wide range of crimes. IT can play a prevalent part in many cases ranging from drug offences, to money laundering and serious fraud.

From cell site analysis and mobile phone downloads, to CCTV enhancements and hard drive investigations, Clarity Expert Services provide the full range of IT Forensics to legal professionals nationwide. The main categories of IT forensics utilised in criminal law are outlined below

Odontology is the study of teeth. Odontologists study their development and diseases and analyse their structure. It is a specialty of dentistry that helps to identify unknown remains and connect bite marks to a specific individual. Odontology can be used by either the defence or prosecution to provide expert opinion in criminal investigations or identify victims. Forensic odontology or forensic dentistry, it is a branch of forensic science that involves the application of dental science to assist in a criminal investigation

An FME is a forensic medical examiner, and they are primarily concerned with injuries and their causes. Formally known as Police surgeons, FME’s are utilised in a wide range of cases. From common assault through to murder and sexual assaults, the expertise of FME’s can be used to ascertain the force and method that have caused injuries, which can then be used to prove or disprove the narrative that has been provided by the defendant or victim.

Forensic pathology is a field of forensic science which involves the investigation of sudden, suspicious or unexplained deaths. A forensic pathologist examines the deceased in order to determine the cause of death and circumstances surrounding the cause of death, as well as looking for evidence that can be used in trials.

Forensic psychiatrists are often called to be expert witnesses in both criminal and civil proceedings. The primary duty of the expert witness is to provide an independent opinion to the court about a specific issue. With Clarity, the psychiatrist will have prepared a detailed report before testifying.

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, and has many applications across the field of Criminal law. These can range from assessing fitness to stand in court and take part in proceedings, to assessing the impacts and consequences of head impact trauma.

Toxicology and pharmacology are fields of expertise that are commonly used in UK Criminal Law and they are so closely related, that they are often perceived to be two sides of the same coin. Both forensic toxicology and pharmacology involve the study of the effects of drugs on biological systems, where ‘drugs’ refers to any man-made or natural substance that has either a biochemical or psychological effect on the recipient. However, there are significant differences between these two branches of medical science. But what are the differences? In terms of Criminal Law, what are their applications? This article will define what they are, the forensic applications of each, and when to use them.