Whether the Current Rules, for Admitting Expert Evidence in Criminal Research Paper

Whether the Current Rules, for Admitting Expert Evidence in Criminal Proceedings, Are Too Laissez-Faire - Research Paper Example There are three criteria in which the judge is allowed to admit evidence from an expert. The first criteria state that â€Å"When the court needs any assistance from an expert; the expert’s evidence must deal with something† (McKie, 2012). This is so because, without instructions or advice from an expert, the court may be unable to reach a sound conclusion as to the subject matter† (McKie, 2012). The second criteria concern the fact that â€Å"the expert witness must have sufficient understanding of the theory and practice of the subject question† (McKie, 2012). Moreover, the last criteria check the possibility of substantial evidence proposed in the expert's reports being reliable. This issues a directive that all forensic experts must be part of a registered body of science. The expert should have extended experience in the field. They should also have a good reputation and acknowledgment in the field to guarantee justice in an opinion offered (Procedures for the Evidence Act, 1999). The entire discussion in this paper revolves around the fact that across the world justice systems are failing. This is due to the fact that error created by forensic expert’s evidence tabled cannot be validated by the courts (Bohan, 2004).To make the matter worse, the judiciary systems are not even talking about the weakness in evidence validation. This has increases vast doubt about the authenticity, accuracy, and admissibility of forensic evidence by judges (McKie, 2012). Although not all cases are faced with miscarriage of justice as a result of sham evidence, people who are innocent do end up behind the bar. Flawed experts evidence can result in criminal conviction and even execution by law courts. The truth of the matter is that how most judged verify the mentioned criteria is a bit of a misery.

Harm-reduction interventions in British substance-misuse services Essay

Harm-reduction interventions in British substance-misuse services - Essay Example In order to overcome harms and complications, it is always important that a comprehensive harm reduction program is planned and executed in such a manner that it minimizes the harm. A comprehensive harm reduction program or activities therefore always aim to take a broader view of the drug use and how it can create harm and what actions can be taken to reduce such harm. Harm reduction therefore does not need to fall into the ambit of harm to the health only however, the social and economic affects of such harm shall also be accounted for.( Dahlgren and Whitehead,1991). It is because of this reason that any initiative aimed at harm reduction must be comprehensive enough to cater to different and diversified determinants of the harm reduction. This literature review will therefore focus on the harm reduction interventions in Britain substance misuse services by reviewing the policies and programs and actions that have been undertaken to reduce the harm associated with the drug use. UK Harm Reduction Alliance (UKHRA) defines harm reduction in really broader terms and includes really a diversified set of terms to explain and define the term. This definition is however, borrowed from the work of Newcombe who defines harm reduction as â€Å"Harm reduction is a term that defines policies, programmes, services and actions that work to reduce the health; social; and economic harms to individuals; communities; and society that are associated with the use of drugs† (Newcombe 1992) The above definition of harm reduction therefore indicate that harm reduction encompasses policies and programmes that are basically aimed at reducing the impact of drug use not only on the individuals but also on the communities as well as a society as a whole. Further, the overall range of harms includes health, social as well as economic harms that can potentially damage not only an individual’s life but also affect the society as a whole. It is critical to note that the use of