Forensic statistics

Forensic statistics is a branch of statistics that applies statistical principles and methods to legal investigations and courtroom settings. It involves the analysis of data and evidence in a manner that is relevant to legal questions and can assist in the adjudication process. Key aspects of forensic statistics include: 1. **Data Analysis**: Forensic statisticians analyze various types of data that may be relevant to a case, such as DNA evidence, fingerprint analysis, ballistics data, and other forms of scientific evidence.

Under Bayes' theorem, "evidence" refers to the observed data or information that is used to update the probability of a hypothesis being true. In the context of Bayesian inference, the theorem provides a mathematical framework for updating our beliefs about the probability of a hypothesis based on new evidence.

The Howland Will Forgery Trial refers to a legal case involving accusations of will forgery associated with the estate of an individual named Howland.

Lucia de Berk is a Dutch nurse who became widely known for her wrongful conviction in a high-profile criminal case in the Netherlands. She was accused and convicted in 2003 of murdering several patients in her care during her time working in a pediatric ward. The case gained significant media attention and raised serious questions about the reliability of circumstantial evidence, as well as the methods used in the investigation and the trial.

"Math on Trial" is a program designed to explore the intersection of mathematics and legal concepts, particularly how mathematical reasoning can be applied in legal contexts. This can involve examining cases where statistical evidence plays a critical role, analyzing probabilities, or understanding the mathematics behind forensic science. In educational settings, "Math on Trial" often takes the form of a course or workshop where students engage in mock trials, using math to support arguments, evaluate evidence, and draw conclusions.

People v. Collins is a notable case in California legal history, primarily concerning the admissibility of statistical evidence in criminal trials. The case was decided by the California Supreme Court in 1968. In this case, the defendant, Collins, was convicted of robbery based on eyewitness testimony and the use of statistical evidence to link him to the crime.

"R v Adams" refers to a notable legal case in the context of UK law, particularly regarding issues of consent and the defense of necessity in relation to assisted suicide. The case involved Martin Adams, who was charged with murder after he assisted his terminally ill friend in ending her life. The legal discussions focused on whether Adams could argue that he acted out of necessity, given his friend's suffering and desire to die.

The reference class problem is a concept often discussed in the context of probability, forecasting, and decision-making. It arises when trying to make predictions based on past events by selecting a suitable reference class or category to which a current situation belongs. The problem stems from the challenge of selecting the right reference class, as different choices can lead to different probabilities and conclusions about the likelihood of future events.

Roy Meadow is a British pediatrician and expert in child health, particularly known for his work in the field of medical ethics and child safeguarding. He gained significant attention in the 1990s for his involvement in high-profile cases related to child abuse, particularly for his testimony in court regarding "Munchausen syndrome by proxy" (now more frequently referred to as "fabricated or induced illness").

Sally Clark was a British solicitor and mother who became widely known due to her wrongful conviction for the murder of her two infant sons, Christopher and Harry, in the late 1990s. The case raised significant concerns regarding the reliability of expert testimony and the interpretation of statistical evidence in legal contexts. In 1999, Sally Clark was convicted of the murders based largely on the assertion that the probability of two sudden infant deaths occurring in the same family was extremely low.