Comics could help explain science in court, study finds
Comics explaining the complexities of forensic science in simple terms could improve understanding for jurors in court cases, research conducted at UWE Bristol suggests.
The study involving almost 100 volunteers participating as ‘jurors’ in mock trials found that access to comics designed to aid comprehension of forensic science led to greater detail in jury discussions about evidence and increased confidence in reasoning and conclusions.
Izzy Baxter, a student studying for an MSc Science Communication at UWE Bristol, undertook an analysis of data from mock trials organised by researchers at the University of Dundee.
The research involved conducting an analysis of the discussions of two groups of jurors: one group which received only an oral expert witness testimony, and a second group which had access to the expert witness testimony and comics explaining forensic science concepts.
In the group that read the comics, jurors made more explicit references to scientific concepts and demonstrated a better ability to connect forensic science to their final decision. In contrast, in the groups that received only the oral explanation, more misinterpretations of the evidence emerged, with misunderstandings related to the meaning of probability and margins of error, whereas the comics helped clarify these concepts. Additionally, discussions in the groups with comics were more balanced and participatory, with greater interaction among jurors.
Scientific literature suggests that understanding of science in courtrooms is often quite limited.
Dr Andy Ridgway, Senior Lecturer in Science Communication at UWE Bristol and one of the study’s authors, said the analysis was designed to explore whether comics could be a possible solution in helping explain key forensic techniques and aiding the legal process.
He said: “The decisions being taken by members of juries are just so vitally important and often they’re shaped by their understanding of the forensic evidence that’s being presented.
“Jurors often have little to no science background and frequently lack prior knowledge of the forensic techniques they are expected to assess in making their decision.”
The full academic paper has been published in the Journal of Science Communication.
Related news
11 April 2025
UWE Bristol academics among emerging scientific leaders to receive share of £7.6m funding for health research
Two UWE Bristol researchers are among the recipients of a £7.6 million investment from the Academy of Medical Sciences aimed at tackling urgent health challenges.
09 April 2025
New research to support a thriving health and care workforce is launched
A national research partnership will explore ways to support wellbeing and sustainability in the NHS and social care same day and urgent care workforce.
08 April 2025
Associate Professor named among newest members of UK Young Academy of emerging leaders
The Royal Society has named UWE Bristol’s Dr Alexandros Stratakos, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator in Sustainable Agri-Food Production, as one of the emerging leaders across the UK who are the newest members of the UK Young Academy.
03 April 2025
Interdisciplinary studio bridging the gap between creative industries and technology opens at UWE Bristol
A new £3.6m laboratory has opened at UWE Bristol which will provide a unique arts, humanities and technologies multi-disciplinary space for researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses across the West of England.
28 February 2025
Paramedics in GP surgeries may ease workload but not NHS costs, study finds
Paramedics working in GP surgeries help reduce GP workload but do not contribute to cost savings to the NHS, according to the first major study of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of paramedic compared with GP consultations.
06 February 2025
Opinion: ‘We’re ensuring people have access to diverse images for healthcare’
Flicking through the pages of academic medical textbooks back in 2022, our team spotted a surprising omission: a stark absence of images of health conditions on darker skin tones.
03 February 2025
Groundbreaking UWE Bristol project based on children’s lived experiences of racism in the UK set to transform police training
UWE Bristol researchers have worked with over 1,000 primary-aged children to explore everyday experiences of racism to inform future police training.
30 January 2025
Women exercising in gyms face barriers including body image and harassment, study finds
Women exercising in gyms often feel judged for their appearance and performance, leading to a persistent sense of inadequacy, according to a new study.
22 January 2025
Can DIY greening solutions transform your street and combat climate change?
Do-it-yourself (DIY) greening kits could help safeguard the country's most vulnerable communities from the impacts of a rapidly changing environment, according to a new project supported by UWE Bristol.
14 January 2025
UWE Bristol secures British Council grant to strengthen educational ties with three leading Nigerian universities
UWE Bristol has secured a British Council Transnational Education (TNE) grant to work collaboratively with three of Nigeria’s foremost universities.
03 January 2025
Big leap forward for environmentally friendly ‘e-textiles’ technology
Research led by UWE Bristol and the University of Southampton has shown wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) can be both sustainable and biodegradable.
19 December 2024
UWE Bristol academic appointed honorary professor at prestigious Danish university
A UWE Bristol researcher has been appointed an honorary professor at a prestigious university in Denmark.
You may also be interested in
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.
Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.
Research with impact
Our research is all about changing people's lives for the better, locally and globally.
Science Communication Unit (SCU)
The SCU is internationally renowned for its diverse and innovative activities, designed to engage the public with science.