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The Sydney Declaration (SD) has the inherent virtue of shifting the focus from the tools used in forensic science to the fundamental characteristics of appropriate forensic practice analysis of a situation and all related trace data for the purpose of resolving a case. Though several differences might be observed between countries regarding the technologies used, the fundamental principle of forensic logical reasoning are universally applicable to all contexts and environments and not only restricted to sophisticated, well-resourced, established forensic science laboratories based in countries that offer adequate resources, strong networks and legal frameworks. In Africa, several countries lack resources to train practitioners and to develop forensic science institutes, laboratories and other relevant institutions. The SD can serve as departure point to attain appropriate forensic science outcomes. Upholding its sound guidance can help forensic science practitioners remain faithful to their science, acknowledge their limits, give expert opinions based solely on facts and scientific analysis and interpretation, whilst also enhancing communication with their stakeholders. As forensic science develops in Africa, the SD presents a timely opportunity for us to proceed with a common understanding and a solid foundation through which our field can grow., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest AO is president of AFSA, MBK is vice president of AFSA. We declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Keywords: forensic science; forensic science laboratory; research integrity; Africa; bias; oversight; networks; mentoring EN forensic science forensic science laboratory research integrity Africa; bias oversight networks mentoring 295 302 8 02/01/22 20211201 NES 211201 I If the law has made you a witness, remain a man [practitioner i [1] I ] of science. Missing one of these key mechanisms in a national forensic science ecosystem will undermine the value that forensic science may offer to the justice system. Networks, mentoring, research integrity, forensic science, forensic science laboratory, Africa; bias, oversight. [Extracted from the article]

In South Africa, forensic scientists have joined forces to form a professional body that represents the forensic science sector. The negative impact of an unaccredited national deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) laboratory and unregulated forensic science profession will take a significant effort to undo and will not be accomplished without interventions at various levels. In this regard, science has not served justice. At present, despite the national DNA laboratory testifying (since 2001) that accreditation is under way, to our knowledge the only independent audit of data generated by this national laboratory has been when independent experts were contracted to perform technical audits on a case-by-case basis. This situation is untenable in the pursuit of justice at the national level. A lack of accountability, both at the professional and institutional levels, in any sector, breeds complacency and eventually has detrimental effects on the delivery of justice to citizens. Despite the late hour, concerted actions can turn the tide and allow science to serve justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of forensic science has changed irrevocably in South Africa in 2017 with the request by the media to live-stream the State vs van Breda court case. The entire trial was broadcast and continues to be accessible on YouTube. Legal professionals are not formally trained with respect to DNA-specific testimony or DNA evidence. Although DNA experts are familiar with presenting DNA evidence to the legal profession and to Court in order to serve justice, the addition of live streaming by the media in the Court environment is a recent development. It is evident that the goals of practitioners of science, law and media are different in a court case. It would be ideal to have informed journalists reporting on the scientific and legal aspects of a case. In the absence of this, the public primarily receives information that is presented for other purposes, rather than for its accuracy. It is thus crucial that forensic scientists in South Africa, and elsewhere, engage in public forums as well as with the media in order to achieve appropriate dissemination of scientific evidence delivered in Court. A concerted effort is required by forensic experts to adapt to this new reality in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The forensic science profession in South Africa is currently unregulated. There is also no national body that allows for the continued development or professional interaction of forensic scientists. The above has brought about a dire need to regulate the profession, in order to achieve the specific goals listed. To attain these objectives it is envisaged that the founding of a Forensic Science Academy in South Africa is of critical importance. The creation of a Forensic Science Academy was explored as the authors believe that such an Academy will provide structure to the profession of forensic science in South Africa – as well as paving the way towards regulation of the profession. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The South African Criminal Legal System is based on Roman Dutch law. Court proceedings are led by a single presiding officer of the court. Prosecutors and defence advocates present the court with evidence in an adversarial manner. This system has inherent advantages and disadvantages and therefore the training of legal professionals in handling DNA evidence in court is important. The prosecutors resort under the National Prosecuting Authority and the defence advocates act independently or e.g. under the auspices of Legal Aid South Africa. Education curricula of legal professional do not include forensic science evidence. Principles such as evidential value in the forensic context are not addressed. Training of legal professionals with our Essential DNA Evidence™ Course has been a multiplier of forensic science knowledge in the legal profession in South Africa. We present prosecution and defence perspectives in an unbiased manner, compensating for the possible subjective interpretations of evidence that may be presented in court. Forensic evidence is subsequently carefully evaluated prior to being court presentation thus improving court efficiency, and allowing for a more focussed approach to the presentation of evidence. Approaches to the customisation of course content that adds value has been identified via evaluation of training programmes. Experience has shown that legal professionals have the ability to incorporate relatively complex scientific concepts into their legal arguments if provided with the appropriate training opportunity. Appropriate training in DNA evidence has made the court process more effective, both in terms of time and costs, and ultimately serves justice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]