Reliability
and Validity: Admissibility Standards
Relative to Forensic Experts Illustrated by
Criminal Profiling Evidence, Testimony, and
Judical Rulings
by Craig
M. Cooley & Brent E. Turvey, MS
Abstract:
This work thoroughly explores
the misunderstood concepts of reliability and
validity as they are used in legal,
scientific, and investigative parlance to
assist with the admissibility of expert
forensic testimony. Criminal profiling
evidence and testimony are used as an example
of how inconsistently these terms are
applied, and how poorly they are understood
by all professional communities concerned.
Serial Killers:
Characteristics and Issues for Investigators
by Terry
Goldsworthy, MS
Abstract:
This work presents a discussion
of serial murder and its varying motives,
with several case examples, as a basis for
discussing investigative issues. This is
interwoven with the unique perspective of the
serial murder phenomenon in Australia.
The
Fallacy of Accuracy
in Criminal Profiling
by Wayne
Petherick, BSocSci
(Psych), MCrim
Abstract:
Criminal profiling is receiving
more attention today as an investigative tool. Despite
this, profiling is still met with suspicion
and derision in many circles, including the
investigative community whom it is mainly
designed to assist. This may, in part, be
owing to a number of unsubstantiated claims
made by many practicing in the area about the
accuracy or utility of their profiles. It is
the purpose of this paper to examine the myth
of profile accuracy and to provide a more
substantive model on which to base a
measurement of the utility of a criminal
profile.
