Abstract:
Forensic pathologists may use 3D prints as demonstrative aids when providing expert testimony in court of law, but the effects remain unclear despite many assumed benefits. In this qualitative study, the effects of using a 3D print, demonstrating a blunt force skull fracture, in court were explored by thematic analysis of interviews with judges, prosecutors, defence counsels, and forensic pathologists with the aim of improving the expert testimony. Five semi-structured focus groups and eight one-to-one interviews with a total of 29 stakeholders were transcribed ad verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that a highly accurate 3D print of a skull demonstrated autopsy findings in detail and provided a quick overview, but sense of touch was of little benefit as the 3D print had different material characteristics than the human skull. Virtual 3D models were expected to provide all the benefits of 3D prints, be less emotionally confronting, and be logistically feasible. Both 3D prints and virtual 3D models were expected to be less emotionally confronting than autopsy photos. Regardless of fidelity, an expert witness was necessary to translate technical language and explain autopsy findings, and low-fidelity models may be equally suited as demonstrative aids. The court infrequently challenged the expert witnesses\' conclusions and, therefore, rarely had a need for viewing autopsy findings in detail, therefore rarely needing a 3D print.
摘要:
法医病理学家在法庭上提供专家证词时,可以使用3D打印作为示范辅助手段,但效果仍不清楚,尽管有许多假设的好处。在这项定性研究中,使用3D打印的效果,显示钝器颅骨骨折,在法庭上通过对法官访谈的主题分析进行了探索,检察官,辩护律师,和法医病理学家,目的是改善专家证词。五个半结构化的焦点小组和八个对总共29个利益攸关方的一对一访谈进行了逐字记录,并使用专题分析进行了分析。研究发现,对头骨进行高度精确的3D打印详细展示了尸检结果,并提供了快速概述。但是触觉没有什么好处,因为3D打印具有与人类头骨不同的材料特征。虚拟3D模型有望提供3D打印的所有好处,少面对情感,并且在逻辑上是可行的。预计3D打印和虚拟3D模型在情感上的对抗要比尸检照片少。不管忠诚,专家证人需要翻译技术语言和解释尸检结果,和低保真度模型可能同样适合作为示范辅助工具。法院很少质疑专家证人的结论,因此,很少需要详细查看尸检结果,因此很少需要3D打印。