A Visualization Method for Understanding Forensic Statements

Forensic statements are lengthy and contain large amounts of complex information. Consequently, it is often difficult for readers of such reports to identify connections between disparate pieces of evidence and to properly and objectively assess their value to the case in question. Readers have no alternative but to rely on intuition and experience to make sense of the complex arguments and propositions arising from forensic evidence. This research investigates the opportunities in the convergence of linguistic approaches to extracting and reconstructing the cognitive structure, i.e. “TextWorlds”, in a statement, and the computerized operational settings for enabling effective and hopefully more accurate interpretation of forensic discourse through visualization. This will be of benefit to a wide range of stakeholders, including investigating officers, prosecuting and defence counsels, judges and jurors.