Voice Identification and the Law

The risks of relying on identification evidence in a criminal prosecution are well known, however much of the time discussion of this topic focuses on eyewitness identification. Where the evidence which places a suspect at the scene of their crime is identification of their voice, the risks of wrongful conviction are even greater but the problems are less understood. A particular problem relates to the use of identification parades; whilst video parades for eyewitnesses are well regulated and understood, voice parades have been developed on an ad hoc basis and are rarely used.

This seminar, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, will provide an overview of the issues and offer guidance for lawyers on how to deal with them in practice. Dr Jeremy Robson (Associate Professor and Barrister, De Montfort University) will provide an overview of the law in relation to all aspects of voice identification. Dr Kirsty McDougall (Associate Professor in Phonetics, University of Cambridge) will discuss the role of the forensic phonetician and the findings of the ‘Improving Voice Identification Procedures’ (IVIP) project. IVIP has been looking at the most reliable and efficient way for the police to construct procedures where the witness has heard a suspect speak. The event will be opened by the new Head of De Montfort University Law School, Alan East.

CPD session for practitioners and investigators followed by drinks reception.

The event will be followed by a drinks and networking reception.

This is a free event but please reserve your place here

Please contact the DMU Events Office on [email protected] if you have any questions.