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Learn to Challenge Flawed Forensic Science

Lawyers and law students should learn how to challenge flawed forensic science:

"... ongoing and expanded continuing legal education for counsel, ... and for the judiciary regarding expert evidence, particularly
expert scientific evidence. Members of the bar should ensure that they understand the scope and limitations of an expert’s opinion and expertise.  ...exercise care to qualify an expert properly and set precise parameters on an expert’s area of expertise. Counsel should be vigilant to ensure that justice is not undermined by the use of flawed forensic evidence. The recommendations of the Goudge Report continue to
provide valuable insights on these issues."
(Executive Summary pp. 20-21 to the Report of the Motherisk Hair Analysis Independent Review by Independent Reviewer, The Honourable Susan E. Lang)

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Most of forensic science requires measurement.

Forensic science that ignores measurement science is flawed.
Learn the differences between quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis.

This site encourages lawyers and law students to learn how to challenge flawed forensic measurement by applying the rules and vocabulary of international measurement science to the forensic measurements made by police officers and forensic scientists, and by using those rules and vocabulary during cross-examination and argument .

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Where Do I Start?

How do I learn the rules and vocabulary of international measurement science?

  1. Read the VIM : International Vocabulary of Metrology - Basic and General Concepts and Associated Terms, [JCGM] JCGM 200:2012, published by the BIPM.

  2. Read the VIML: International Vocabulary of Terms in Legal Metrology, published by OIML.

  3. Read other national and international literature from the NRC, NIST, NASA, OIML, and ISO, related to good laboratory practice.

  4. If you are a criminal defence lawyer, take the free course at this site.

  5. If you are a criminal defence lawyer, take an online course at Udemy.

If you are a member of the public, please don't attempt to use what you see or read at this site in Court. It is not evidence. The author is not a scientist. The author has a great deal of experience in cross-examining scientists about these issues, but the author is not a scientist. Hire a criminal lawyer in private practice in Ontario. Your lawyer can retain an expert. The author is a retired lawyer, not a lawyer in private practice. Read the statement of the purpose of this web site below.

© 2025 Allbiss Lawdata Ltd.

This site has been built by Allbiss Lawdata Ltd. All rights reserved. This is not a government web site.

For more information respecting this database or to report misuse contact: Allbiss Lawdata Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 905-273-3322. The author and the participants make no representation or warranty  whatsoever as to the authenticity and reliability of the information contained herein.  WARNING: All information contained herein is provided  for the purpose of discussion and peer review only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. The authors disclaim any and all liability resulting from reliance upon such information. You are strongly encouraged to seek professional legal advice before relying upon any of the information contained herein. Legal advice should be sought directly from a properly retained lawyer or attorney. 

WARNING: Please do not attempt to use any text, image, or video that you see on this site in Court. These comments, images, and videos are NOT EVIDENCE. The Courts will need to hear evidence from a properly qualified expert. The author is not a scientist. The author is not an expert. These pages exist to promote discussion among defence lawyers.

Intoxilyzer®  is a registered trademark of CMI, Inc. The Intoxilyzer® 5000C is an "approved instrument" in Canada.

Breathalyzer® is a registered trademark of Draeger Safety, Inc., Breathalyzer Division. The owner of the trademark is Robert F. Borkenstein and Draeger Safety, Inc. has leased the exclusive rights of use from him. The Breathalyzer® 900 and Breathalyzer® 900A were "approved instruments" in Canada.

Alcotest® is a registered trademark of Draeger Safety, Inc. The Alcotest® 7410 GLC and 6810 are each an "approved screening device" in Canada.

Datamaster®  is a registered trademark of National Patent Analytical Systems, Inc.  The BAC Datamaster® C  is an "approved instrument" in Canada.

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