Goudge Inquiry
Definition
The Ontario Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology, conducted by Justice Stephen Goudge and reported in 2008. It examined wrongful convictions arising from flawed pathology reports by Dr Charles Smith, and produced wide-ranging recommendations on expert oversight, accreditation, and disclosure.
- Presided by
- Justice Stephen Goudge
- Jurisdiction
- Ontario, Canada
- Report year
- 2008
- Subject
- Flawed pediatric forensic pathology by Dr Charles Smith
Common questions
What systemic failures did the Goudge Inquiry identify?+
It found inadequate oversight and peer review of pathology opinions, overconfident testimony beyond the evidence, and a lack of accountability mechanisms that allowed flawed conclusions to go unchallenged through multiple wrongful prosecutions before being caught.
What changes did the inquiry recommend?+
Recommendations included stronger accreditation and quality-assurance standards for pediatric forensic pathologists, mandatory peer review of contentious opinions, clearer disclosure obligations to the defence, and improved oversight of expert evidence in Ontario's justice system.
Why is the Goudge Inquiry still referenced in forensic pathology training?+
It is a widely cited case study in the risks of unchecked expert authority and confirmation bias in forensic pathology, and its recommendations influenced quality-assurance reforms adopted well beyond Ontario.
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