Objectivity in Investigation: A Challenge for Lawyers

It appears incomprehensible to counsel that the investigator can take the often subjective information reported and conduct an objective investigation. Such a reaction should not surprise us because the idea of objectivity is relatively foreign to trial law.

No matter what the underlying truth, lawyers (both the prosecution and defense) highlight the information that best serves their position, and attempt to diminish or ignore that which works against them. Law professors refer to science as a smorgasbord, where the lawyers can step up to the table and take from science what they want.