When we think of evidence in court cases, we often think of eyewitnesses, DNA, or police reports. However, there are certain cases where expert witnesses are needed to explain the findings and data to the members of the court to make an informed decision. These experts are typically in fields such as medicine, engineering, psychology, or other areas. It may come as a surprise to some, but expert astronomers are also called upon to provide evidence in court cases.
Over the past eight years, the author of the article has been asked to submit astronomical evidence for various court cases all over Australia. The first time they were asked, it came as a bit of a surprise, but as more requests came in, they became a more regular occurrence. They are now asked to submit evidence for roughly 1 to 2 cases per week, and sometimes they are asked to attend court and explain what the evidence means.
What Kind of Evidence is Provided
The type of evidence provided by an astronomer in court cases typically involves calculating the positions and lighting from an astronomical body such as the Sun or Moon. For example, if someone claims that the Sun was in their eyes and caused a glare, an expert is needed to say where the Sun was, its position, and how it aligned with the street and direction of travel. At certain times and in certain directions, the Sun may indeed hinder someone’s vision.
The Moon can also feature in court evidence, especially in dark locations away from city lights. An astronomer can provide evidence on how much light the Moon provided on a given night. There are also historical cases or times when people note the view or phase of the Moon as a way of defining when something happened.
The Role of Satellites in Court Cases
Space technology is changing, and so too is its impact on law and crime. Satellites are being used more and more in cases to help track things as they happen. For example, the space technology company Maxar operates some of the highest-resolution commercial satellites to image Earth. For a small cost, people can task these satellites to look at certain areas and/or times.
Satellite images have been used for a range of criminal investigations, such as people smuggling or illegal mines. They are also being used in Australia for criminal matters. In these cases, an expert is needed to explain the satellite imagery and what it may mean, or even help access it altogether.
Working as an expert witness has given the author hope, as they see the extent to which the justice system will sometimes go to get all the details right. It is also a perfect example of the importance of experts in our society. In science, we are actively encouraging people to go to sources of accurate and trustworthy information, especially in an era of rife misinformation.
The role of expert witnesses in court cases is crucial as they provide the necessary expertise and knowledge on a subject matter that may be unfamiliar to the members of the court. Astronomy is one such field where expert witnesses are called upon to provide evidence in court cases. The type of evidence provided usually involves calculating the positions and lighting from an astronomical body such as the Sun or Moon. With the increasing use of space technology in criminal investigations, the role of experts in explaining satellite imagery and data is also becoming increasingly important. Overall, the importance of experts in our society cannot be overstated as they play a key role in ensuring that justice is served.
Leave a Reply