Mathematics on Trial, a talk by Professor Ray Hill (University of Salford)
Abstract
In this talk, Ray Hill will examine the role of coincidence, probability and statistics in criminal trials.
- Do juries underestimate the true chances of coincidence?
- How should mathematical evidence be presented in court?
- What are the “prosecutor’s fallacy”, “defendant’s fallacy”, “jury observation fallacy” and “interrogator’s fallacy”?
These are some of the questions he will consider, with reference to cases involving DNA evidence, psychological profiling, and multiple sudden infant deaths. In particular, he will consider the safety of the verdicts in some high profile cases such as those of James Hanratty, OJ Simpson, Stefan Kiszko, Barry George, Sally Clark, and Harold Shipman.
No charge is made to attend meetings and non-members are welcome.
