OBA Criminal Justice / Child and Youth LAW PROGRAM | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Forensic evidence has become an increasingly frequent issue in criminal and child protection cases. However, there remains an uneasy relationship between forensic science and the law. Join us for an important dialogue about the treatment of such evidence by lawyers and the courts, including:

• The historical context of the treatment of forensic science in the courts
• The role of the trial judge as “gatekeeper”
• How should counsel assess the validity of the science?
• The distinction between “hard science” and “soft science”, and examples of controversial areas masquerading as “hard science”
• The practical aspects of dealing with forensic science and the obligations of counsel regarding disclosure, working with and cross-examining experts, and the importance of framing the issues for the role of trier of fact

Register now for this unique and insightful program to gain a better understanding of the use of forensic science in the courts.

PROGRAM CHAIRS

David Parry, Derstine Penman
Melanie Webb, Barrister

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

The Honourable Stephen T. Goudge Q.C., Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP
Donna M.K. Kellway, Assistant Crown Attorney (Scarborough)
Caitlin M. Pakosh, Pakosh Law PC
Jonathan A. Shime, Cooper, Sandler, Shime and Bergman LLP