New developments in quality control of forensic science in China

Abstract

Forensic science has advanced rapidly in China in recent years, with the number of forensic cases increasing in leaps and bounds. Forensic evidence has become indispensable in judicial trials. With the introduction of anti-trial strategy in the reforms of the trial-centered litigation system, quality of forensic evidence has become a focus of cross-examinations. Since 2015, product quality in numerous areas has been improved by standardization, and thus, China has focused on developing a national standardization strategy. Thus, standardization is also increasing in the field of forensic science. This study examines the growth in both the number and the type of forensic science cases in China over the past 10 years and also the deep qualitative cross-examination brought by the rise of the expert assessor policy toward forensic conclusions in trial. We also examine the progress of forensic science standardization in the context of the quality triangle of forensic science, as well as the structure of standardization in forensic science, basic research on forensic science, and measures designed to strengthen education, training, and communication with the judicial profession. These issues are of vital importance in relation to quality control in forensic science.