DECODING FORENSICS FOR LEGAL PROFESSIONALS

Project 39A in collaboration with Eleos Justice at Monash University has created an interdisciplinary course on forensic science and law. This six-week course explores the scientific concepts underlying forensic pathology, medical examination in cases of sexual offences, bite mark evidence and forensic DNA profiling. The course also discusses the legal standards for the examination of expert evidence. The course brings together forensic and legal experts from India and Australia to create this interactive learning experience with short video lessons, articles, mock case scenarios and quizzes. The course has been inspired by the extensive research and criminal defense work conducted by Project 39A in the area of forensics.

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• Shreya Rastogi heads the work on forensics and death penalty litigation at Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi. She completed her Masters in Law from New York University School of Law. 

• Devina Malaviya is a lawyer involved in forensics work at Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi. She has clerked at the Indian Supreme Court and completed Masters in Law from the University of Cambridge.

• Devina Sikdar is a forensic biologist working with the forensics team at Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi. She completed her M.Sc. in Forensic Science from King’s College London.

• Justice Chris Maxwell is the President of the Court of Appeal, Victoria, Australia. He has held this position since 2005. He was also a part of the Forensic Evidence Working Group which developed the Practice Note on expert evidence.

• Dr Stephen Cordner is Emeritus Professor of Forensic Pathology at Monash University and Head of International Programmes at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Australia.

• Dr Jagadeesh Narayanareddy is a Professor and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, India.

• Dr Pratik Tarvadi is a medicolegal expert, Professor and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar, India.

• Dr Richard Bassed is a Senior Forensic Odontologist, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine at Monash University, Australia.

• Dr Vivek Sahajpal is the Assistant Director, State Forensic Science Laboratory, Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, India.

• Dr Gavin Turbett is the Head of Department, Forensic Biology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia.

• Stewart Bayles is a judge at the County Court, Victoria, Australia. Prior to his appointment, he has been a member of the Victorian Bar for over two decades with extensive experience in litigating a wide range of criminal matters.