Target group

Forensic experts, judges, public prosecutors, experts in forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry, investigators, lawyers

Content

This interdiscplinary one-day training programme has been developed in close collaboration with the Zurich Forensic Science Institute (FOR). In our training programme, you will learn why our brains are so susceptible to bias and how this bias can affect the police and justice system at various levels. The belief that decisions can be made completely rationally and without influence is an illusion created by the brain. Contextual factors, expectations, suggestions, subjective beliefs, motivational aspects and emotions can influence the initial investigation and subsequent search for information, as well as the final assessment of evidence in court. In fact, our perception of reality is constructed according to certain patterns and draws on previous experiences and routines. The course uses concrete examples, exercises and studies to demonstrate which unconscious thought patterns can influence the creation of different scenarios. Working in small groups, participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and discuss how undesirable influences at individual and organisational levels can be minimised. There will also be an opportunity for open discussion and reflection on how these strategies can be adapted to one’s own work environment or organisation.

See our publication on bias in court decisions and our publication on bias in forensics.

This course can be individually tailored to different needs and organisations – please contact us for more information.