Forensic Science and certainty

In an article in the Guardian 14 September Prof David Wilson makes some good points about the use of the forensic science service and criminal justice. But he might have widended out to some sociological themes . Not only does the english criminal justice system demand certainty - not allowing even Scotland's 'not proven' verdict - but in life many people crave certainty. An aspect of the risk society is the attempt to eliminate risk, even of being wrong. Hence we get it wrong - the courts and the experts.

A mature society would be more tolerant of uncertainty.