SOC 3490 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: The Hospital For Sick Children, Board Certification, Homicide
23 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Chapter 3 forensic science under the microscope. Goudge inquiry shed light on one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions: the systemic and institutional failings of forensic pathology, and called into question the role of science in the courtroom. Inquiry established in 2007 after full review was called into the work of pediatric pathologist dr. charles. Smith in criminally suspicious homicides throughout the 1990s. Concluded that cases involving dr. smith, whether he performed an autopsy or was consulted, his conclusions were not reasonably supported by the material available. Serious errors in at least 20 autopsies, resulting in a finding of guilt by the courts in 12 cases, many on the most serious charges of murder, manslaughter, and infanticide. Inquiry was further established to probe the systemic and institutional factors identified in this report. Lasted just over a year, resulted in 169 recommendations designed to address both individual and institutional failings.
