<
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-surprising-reason-astronomers-are-vital-in-legal-proceedings>
"Over the past eight years, I have been asked to submit astronomical evidence
for court cases all over Australia.
Normally when we think of evidence in court, we think of eyewitnesses, DNA or
police reports. Often, this evidence requires an expert to explain it – to be
able to communicate the findings and data to the members of the court to make
an informed decision. These experts are typically in medicine, engineering,
psychology, or other fields.
Expert astronomers usually are not what one pictures in court, but that is
exactly what I do.
The first time I was asked by police to do it came as a bit of a surprise. I
had never thought about applying astronomy to the courtroom. Once the first
group knew I can do it, more and more requests came in, from colleagues in the
same police force or division, or investigators having seen my evidence
elsewhere.
Now, I'm asked to submit evidence for roughly 1 to 2 cases per week. Usually
this requires submitting a statement of evidence to the court. But sometimes I
am asked to attend court and explain what the evidence means.
When I'm needed as an expert in court, it tends to be for matters of
consequence. My evidence is either critical to a part of the case, or the case
itself is fairly major and all the details are being checked and verified.
But what exactly am I providing evidence for?"
Via Rixty Dixet.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
