When we watch shows like CSI, about crime scene investigation, the specialists seem so determined to pursue “the truth.” The truth however is that many Forensic Experts do not recognise when their impartiality and objectivity are compromised by exposure to biasing contextual information, or by working backwards from a suspect to the evidence.
When a cognitive neuroscientist identified this issue, he wanted to help minimise bias and reduce error in forensic work. He used his understanding of psychology to develop cognitively informed workplace training that not only changed the thinking of many Forensic Experts but also changed the law.