Toronto criminal lawyer Melanie Webb will co-chair the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) upcoming panel, "Forensic Science and the Law: An Uneasy Coexistence."

Join Webb, principal of Melanie J. Webb Barrister, at this panel discussion, which will explore the uneasy relationship between forensic science and the law and gain a better understanding of the use of forensic evidence in the courts.

This unique and insightful program — presented by the OBA Criminal Justice Section in conjunction with the Child and Youth Law Program — will discuss the treatment of forensic evidence by lawyers and the courts, including:

• The historical context of the treatment of forensic science in the courts

• The role of the trial judge as “gatekeeper”

• How should counsel assess the validity of the science?

• The distinction between “hard science” and “soft science” and examples of controversial areas masquerading as “hard science”

• The practical aspects of dealing with forensic science and the obligations of counsel regarding disclosure, working with and cross-examining experts, and the importance of framing the issues for the role of trier of fact

Speakers include the Hon. Stephen T. Goudge, Assistant Crown Attorney Donna Kellway, and lawyers Caitlin Pakosh and Jonathan Shime.

The panel takes place on Oct. 9 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Twenty Toronto Street Conferences and Events, 20 Toronto St., 2nd Floor. The panel discussion will also be available as a webcast.

For more information or to register, click here.