Harald Merckelbach in discussie

Expert witnesses in the courtroom

Movies and television series have acquainted virtually all of us with a basic understanding of the judicial process. An offence has been committed, a suspect identifi ed and a weapon found. What is still lacking, of course, is the necessary evidence. Fortunately, the public prosecutor has a whole range of expert witnesses on hand to help fi ll in the blanks; to analyse the bullet, create a DNA profi le and decide on the mental health of the suspect. At the end of the evening, we know exactly who committed the crime, how it happened and, last but not least, why. Case closed. If only reality were as straightforward as this.

klik hier voor het volledige artikel in Maastricht University Magazine (october 2011)