Likelihood ratio
Definition
A statistical expression of the strength of evidence: how much more probable the observed findings are if the prosecution's hypothesis is true than if the defence's hypothesis is true. Communicating a likelihood ratio accurately to a lay tribunal is one of the core challenges of forensic testimony.
Related terms
- Cross-examination
- Questioning of a witness by the opposing party. For an expert, cross-examination probes qualifications, methodology, the basis of opinions, limitations, inconsistencies with...
- Daubert gatekeeping
- The judicial function under Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993) and Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 702, requiring the trial judge to...
- Examination-in-chief
- The questioning of a witness by the party who called them. For an expert, this is typically limited because the substance is...
- Expert's duty to the court
- The overriding obligation, recognised in common law and many civil law systems, that the expert's evidence must be honest, independent, and complete,...
- Pre-trial conference
- A meeting between the forensic expert and instructing counsel held before the hearing to agree on scope, clarify limitations, identify likely challenges,...
Explained in
- Preparing to Testify as a Forensic ExpertA statistical expression of the strength of evidence: how much more probable the observed findings are if the prosecution's hypothesis is true than if the defe...