View source for Established Fields of Expert Evidence

[[fr:Domaines_établis_de_preuve_d%27expert]]
{{Currency2|August|2021}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderOpinions}}

==General Principles==

All fields of forensics is about making associations with available information. These associations can be used by the trier-of-fact to make inferences.

==General Medical Practitioner==
* an "expert witness in family medicine permitted to give opinion evidence on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of injury of all parts of the body, including neck, back and shoulder"<ref>
{{CanLIIRxC|Awalt v Blanchard|fkkm8|2011 NSSC 111 (CanLII)}}{{perNSSC|Coady J}}{{atL|fkkm8|41}}<br>
</ref>
* "qualified as a duly qualified general medical practitioner, licensed to practice medicine in Nova Scotia, and qualified to give opinion evidence on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human beings"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hutchinson|fpm5h|2011 NSSC 361 (CanLII)|985 APR 1}}{{perNSSC|Coughlan J}}
</ref>
* "emergency medicine diagnosis and treatment"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Rothgordt|h494z|2017 BCCA 230 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Frankel JA}}{{atL|h494z|16}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Medical Specialists==
* "orthopaedic surgeon qualified as an expert to give opinion evidence in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of knee injuries"<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Jando v Kung|28prs|1994 CanLII 9076 (AB QB)|25 Alta LR (3d) 84}}{{perABQB|Nash J}}{{atL|28prs|83}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Drug Trafficking==
* [[Expert Evidence in Drug Trafficking]]

==Gangs==
Experts have been ''qualified'' in several issues related to gangs:
* workings of a motorcycle gangs <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Duguay|2dvg5|2009 QCCA 1130 (CanLII)|RJQ 1591}}{{TheCourtQCCA}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Alcantara|fqvvj|2012 ABQB 225 (CanLII)|538 AR 44}}{{perABQB|Greckol J}} - qualified to testify to a number of details on the Hells Angels MC</ref>
* meaning of tear-drop tattoo in street gang <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Abbey|259rl|2009 ONCA 624 (CanLII)|246 CCC (3d) 301}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}}</ref>
* nature and characteristics of the Hells Angels organization; the main purposes and activities of the Hells Angels organization and whether they constitute the facilitation or commission of serious criminal offences that afford a material benefit to its members.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lindsay|1j0jt|2004 CanLII 34074 (ON SC)|63 WCB (2d) 464}}{{{perONSC|Fuerst J}}</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Firearm Forensics==
* "evidence on the subject of the forensic analysis of firearms and ammunitions, including firearm identification, the identification of fired ammunition components as well as ballistics and toolmark identification"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Abdow|2g0nv|2011 ABQB 129 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Burrows J}}{{atL|2g0nv|179}}</ref>
* toolmark and firearms identification<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRx|Belic|fnlnh|2011 ONCA 671 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>
* "give expert opinion evidence on the subject of the forensic analysis of firearms and ammunitions, including firearm identification, the identification of fired ammunition components as well as ballistics and toolmark identification"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Abdow|2g0nv|2011 ABQB 129 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Burrows J}}{{atL|2g0nv|179}}
</ref>
* expert in "the theory, operation and identification of firearms", "the examination and identification of fired and unfired ammunition components", "the examination and identification of toolmarks", "the theory and operation of the comparison microscope", "the theory and practice of ballistic assessment."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Safadi|1c04l|1993 CanLII 1739 (PE SCTD)|339 APR 66}}{{perPEISC| DesRoches J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Injuries==
* "qualified as a duly qualified general medical practitioner, licensed to practice medicine in [the province], and qualified to give opinion evidence on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of human beings"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hutchinson|fpm5h|2011 NSSC 361 (CanLII)|985 APR 1}}{{perNSSC|Coughlan J}}{{atL|fpm5h|19}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}


==DNA Analysis==
Described areas of opinion evidence has included:
* "identification of bodily fluids and the forensic aspects of DNA typing."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lafferty|1p0qb|1993 CanLII 3409 (NWT SC)|80 CCC (3d) 150}}, ''per'' Vertes J - also includes detailed summary of analysis process</ref>
*DNA experts will not be able to testify as to the likelihood of accidental transfer of DNA.<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRx|Doan|fwkjh|2013 BCCA 123 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtBCCA}}
</ref>

Problems in DNA evidence can include the possibility of DNA transfer between people as well as confirmation bias where the testers know the identity of the suspect.<ref>
[http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1753906 Erin Murphy, "The Art in the Science of DNA" (2008) 58 Emory L.J. 489]
</ref>

There are several types of DNA sample analysis:<ref>see also [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_profiling DNA Profiling (wikipedia)]</ref>
* autosomal DNA analysis (atDNA)
* mitochondrial DNA analysis (mtDNA); and
* y-Chromosome DNA analysis (y-DNA)

There are generally two methods of DNA sampling: 
* Short Tandem Repeats (STR) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsatellite]
* single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-nucleotide_polymorphism]

; Y-STR DNA 
Y-STR profile is a patrilineal-inherited profile that is only found on male DNA. It will show the odds that a randomly selected male individual unrelated to the targeted person (usually the accused) would match the sample DNA.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|JL|hv589|2018 ONCA 756 (CanLII)|367 CCC (3d) 249}}{{perONCA|Pepall JA}}{{AtL|hv589|25}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Pierce|hprxm|2017 BCSC 2469 (CanLII)}}{{atL|hprxm|174}}<br>
</ref>

Police in Ontario have been using it as early as 2005.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Milani|fv1mf|2012 ONSC 6892 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Pierce J}}{{atsL|fv1mf|48| to 49}}
</ref>


{{reflist|2}}

==Psychology and Psychiatry==
* [[Expert Evidence in Psychology and Psychiatry]]

==Dog Tracking==

Before a judge should consider expert evidence of a specific tracking by a particular dog, the court there must be enough evidence establishing:<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Holmes|1cj6m|2002 CanLII 45114 (ON CA)|169 CCC (3d) 344}}{{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}}{{atL|1cj6m|37}}</ref>
* the reliability of the dog breed; and 
* the reliability of the specific dog.

The court should be satisfied with the evidence of the following regarding the dog:<ref>
{{ibid1|Holmes}}{{atL|1cj6m|37}}</ref>
* dog's training
* success rates 
* susceptibility to distractions, such as irrelevant scents, cats or other dogs.

The handler is expected to give sufficient detail on "the process, sequence and outcome of the tracking, preferably supported by contemporaneously or near contemporaneously compiled notes." <ref>
{{ibid1|Holmes}}{{atL|1cj6m|37}}</ref>

The trial judge should always give a warning to a jury that "such evidence should be evaluated in terms of the facts of the particular case, and that it falls into the category of evidence in respect of which special care needs to be exercised because the source of the evidence, the dog, is not able to be made subject to the usual check and balance of the court system - cross-examination."<ref>
{{ibid1|Holmes}}{{atL|1cj6m|37}}</ref>

Cases where dogs have been qualified:
* {{CanLIIR-N|Sherman|, [1997] BCJ No 2472}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Rackley|1wczw|1996 CanLII 8296 (ON SC)|1 CR (5th) 395}}{{perONSC|McKinnon J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Klymchuk|1wcwl|2001 CanLII 28406 (ON SC)|155 CCC (3d) 423}}{{perONSC|Wein J}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Nguyen|54m4|1999 BCCA 98 (CanLII)|119 BCAC 62}}{{perBCCA|Newbury JA}}

{{Reflist|2}}

===Wording===
* qualified as an expert "dogmaster dealing with the use of dogs in criminal investigations, tracking, and for identifying the location of human scent"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Rayner|1zvwv|2007 PESCTD 22 (CanLII)|811 APR 308}}{{perPEISC|Cheverie J}}{{AtL|1zvwv|72}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Computer-related Forensics==
{{seealso|Peer-to-Peer Investigation (Model Examinations)|Sexual Offences#Peer-to-Peer Investigations}}
Defined area of qualification:
* area of computer forensics involving the identification, extraction, preservation, and interpretation of storage and recovery of data from electronic media<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Wainwright|fr784|2012 BCPC 123 (CanLII)}}{{perBCPC|Wainwright J}}{{atL|fr784|69}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|Pelich|frtzq|2012 ONSC 3611 (CanLII)|103 WCB (2d) 295}}{{perONSC|Dunnet J}}{{atL|frtzq|29}}</ref>
* child exploitation investigations in relation to peer to peer file sharing networks<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Pelich|frjx4|2012 ONSC 3224 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Dunnet J}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|SDP|fsl6s|2012 SKQB 330 (CanLII)|103 WCB (2d) 1051}}{{perSKQB|Dovell J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Benson|2f40b|2010 SKQB 459 (CanLII)|SJ No 758}}{{perSKQB|Gerein J}}<br>
</ref>
* peer to peer file sharing programs including GigaTribe, Limewire, Shareaza, etc.<ref>
{{supra1|SDP}}<br>
{{supra1|Benson}}<br>
</ref>
* the use of EnCase computer forensic software <ref>
{{supra1|Benson}}<br>
</ref>
* “the operation and function of Facebook as a social media portal, and the interpretation of Facebook account records”<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Moazami|g2jv8|2013 BCSC 2398 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC-H|Bruce J}}</ref>
*  “online cloud storage and internet investigations”<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Cusick|j14jq|2019 ONCA 524 (CanLII)|146 OR (3d) 678}}{{perONCA|Juriansz JA}}{{AtL|j14jq|29}}
</ref>

Computer activity logs include:
* System Resource Usage Monitor (SRUM) - used to determine whether activity is software vs user based in userid indicators [https://youtu.be/6Chp12sEnWk?t=2145]
* Browsing history

{{reflist|2}}
===When Qualification is ''Not'' Needed===

; Using Techonology From User's Perspective
It should not be necessary to have the expert testify as to the "basic functions" of computer storage devices. The suggestion seems to be that basic functionality of any appliance is not in need of proof.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Wonitowy|2cplh|2010 SKQB 346 (CanLII)|358 Sask R 303}}{{perSKQB|Dufour J}}{{atL|2cplh|46}} - in context of an ITO for a search warrant on a child pornography case<br> 
</ref>
Similarly, it should not be necessary to qualify an expert to speak to the use of electronic devices, social media website, and other internet applications.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Soh|g50jc|2014 NBQB 20 (CanLII)|1079 APR 328}}{{perNBQB|LaVigne J}}
</ref>

This has been extended to allow that the operation of "everyday technologies" such as social media is not something that an expert needs to explain.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Machtmes R.D. (Master Seaman)|jfzt3|2021 CM 2006 (CanLII){{atL|jfzt3#|33}}<br>
</ref>

; Contents of Devices
When any machine operates in a "predictable, reliable, and notoriously well-known manner", it is not necessary that an expert explain "how the machine or device accomplishes whatever it does."<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|Barwis|jshpr|2022 ABQB 561 (CanLII)}}{{perABKB|Labrenz J}}{{atL|jshpr|73}}
</ref>
This rule would apply equally for a phone or a GPS device.<ref>
{{ibid1|Barwis}}{{atL|jshpr|73}}
</ref>

; Text Messaging
Text messages can be authenticated even if there is no expert evidence or testimony from the sender.<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|CB|j075w|2019 ONCA 380 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|j075w|77}} ("The trial judge erred in holding, as he appears to have done, that the authenticity threshold could only be met by direct evidence from the sender or expert opinion evidence from a forensic examiner.")
</ref>

It should not be necessary to have someone testify as to the "sequence and lapsed timing of messages" in a messaging application.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Ambrose|gsb6g|2015 ONCJ 813 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Paciocco J}}{{atL|gsb6g|56}}<br>
</ref>

;Cell Towers
There may be no need to for expert qualification for the interpretation of cellphone records or description on how cell phones transmit data to towers.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hamilton|fljvz|2011 ONCA 399 (CanLII)|271 CCC (3d) 208}}{{TheCourtONCA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Singh|gm1q0|2015 ONSC 6823 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Coroza J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Browne|h5mds|2017 ONSC 5060 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Coroza J}}<br>
</ref>

;Child Exploitation
It was also found to be valid for a layperson to describe child pornography websites and the search terms and file named associated with them.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Campancioni|gsp3c|2016 ONSC 4615 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Gareau J}}<br>
</ref>
There is some suggestion that even the workings of file-sharing programs do not require expert qualification.<ref>
{{ibid1|Campancioni}}
</ref>

See also: {{CanLIIRx|Baxter|228tv|2009 ONCJ 16 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Bovard J}}

{{Reflist|2}}

===Other Issues===
Generally the time and date stamps found recorded on a device or machine is not hearsay as there is no human declarant.<Ref>
{{CanLIIR|Kosch|jnkhn|2022 ABQB 242 (CanLII)}}{{atL|jnkhn|5}}
</ref>

==Forensic Pathology==

===Wording===
* "opinion evidence in that field including expressing an opinion as to the causes of the  injuries suffered by the deceased and the causes and times of their deaths"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Despres|1vz0x|2008 NBQB 99 (CanLII)|849 APR 299}}{{perNBQB|Grant J}}{{atL|1vz0x|13}}</ref>
* "opinion evidence with respect to the cause of injuries to the human body and the cause of death."<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|BT|ft82c|2012 NSPC 88 (CanLII)}}{{perNSPC|Derrick J}}{{atL|ft82c|20}}
</ref>
* "forensic pathology, including the cause and effect of serious injury and sudden death."<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Ejigu|gvxbc|2016 BCSC 2278 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Davies J}}{{atL|gvxbc|237}}<br>
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Serologist==

===Wording===
* "forensic biologist who was qualified as an expert in relation to the identification of bodily fluids and DNA analysis."<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|NC|1qq3d|2007 CanLII 5691 (ON SC)}}{{perONSC|Sproat J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Rayner|1zvwv|2007 PESCTD 22 (CanLII)|811 APR 308}}{{perPEISC|Cheverie J}}{{atL|1zvwv|106}} ("forensic biologist with expertise in the area of identification of bodily fluids and the analysis and interpretation of DNA profiles")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Lafferty|1p0qb|1993 CanLII 3409 (NWT SC)|80 CCC (3d) 150}}, ''per'' Vertes J ("expert evidence on the identification of bodily fluids and the forensic aspects of DNA typing")<br>
</ref>

They may need to specify whether the topic of serology concerns the identification of blood, saliva, sweat, semen, or vagina fluids.

{{reflist|2}}

==Blood Stains==

; Example Qualified Expert 
*  "field of forensic bloodstain pattern analysis and to interpret the physical events that give rise to the shape, location, size and distribution of bloodstains"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hawkins|2fdl5|2011 NSCA 6 (CanLII)|265 CCC (3d) 472}}{{perNSCA|Beveridge JA}}{{atL|2fdl5|27}}</ref> of a "crime scene in order to interpret the physical events that gave rise to its origins."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Despres|1vz0x|2008 NBQB 99 (CanLII)|849 APR 299}}{{perNBQB|Grant J}}</ref>

; Introductory Texts
For information explaining the area of expertise see:
* https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/bloodstain-pattern-analysis
* https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Principles_of_Bloodstain_Pattern_Analysi/8_fKBQAAQBAJ
* https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Flight_Characteristics_and_Stain_Pattern/F2hrAAAAMAAJ
* [https://youtu.be/9XVJ2xBZV2c Intro lecture on blood stains (youtube)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/CJCareers/videos Controlled demonstration videos (youtube)]

{{Reflist|2}}

==Forensic Toxicologist==

* "opinion evidence in relation to the absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs and alcohol and poisons in the human body, the pharmaceutical and toxicological effects of drugs, alcohol and poison in the human body, and the effects of drugs on the human body with respect to the operation of a motor vehicle"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Greenwood|27zxl|2010 ONSC 912 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Durno J}} {{atL|27zxl|18}}
</ref>
* "opinion evidence in the absorption, distribution and elimination of alcohol in the human body, in forensic toxicology and the effect of alcohol consumption on the human body."<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Lyth|g1pt8|2013 ABPC 281 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC|Skene J}}{{atL|g1pt8|34}}<br>
</ref>
* "opinion evidence about the absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs and alcohol in the human body as well as the pharmacological and toxicological effect of alcohol, drugs and poisons on the central nervous system"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|JR|1nw3b|2006 CanLII 22658 (ON SC)|40 CR (6th) 97}}{{perONSC|T Ducharme J}}{{atL|1nw3b|51}}
</ref>
* "opinion in the area of forensic toxicology, specifically the ingestion, absorption and elimination of alcohol in the human body, the calculation of blood/alcohol concentrations in the body, the theory and operation of approved instruments and the effects of alcohol upon the human body with respect to the operation of motor vehicles"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Dhanjal|2fhtt|2011 ONSC 742 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Miller J}} {{atL|2fhtt|14}}
</ref>
* "qualified to give expert evidence with respect to the pharmacological and toxicological effects of drugs, alcohol and poisons on the human body and with respect to the absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs, alcohol and poisons in the human body"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Daneluzzi|25dz7|2009 ONCJ 398 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Harris J}} {{atL|25dz7|19}}
</ref>
* "the interpretation of toxicological reports and findings"
* "the measurement of alcohols and drugs in bodily fluids and solutions, and the suitability of the samples for analysis"
* "the effect of drugs and alcohol on performance and behaviour, including on the ability of individuals to operate a motor vehicle;
* "the administration and interpretation of drug influence evaluation procedures"


; Forensic Aloholic Specialist
* "Forensic Alcohol Specialist and he was qualified as an expert to provide opinion evidence in regards to the absorption, distribution and intake of alcohol in the body"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Steven Vance Rasmussen|fvxvn|2013 NBPC 2 (CanLII)}}{{perNBPC|Duffie J}} {{atL|fvxvn|21}}
</ref>
* "forensic alcohol specialist employed with the RCMP forensic laboratory in Halifax was qualified as an expert in the effects of alcohol on the human body and in absorption and elimination rates of alcohol from the human body"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Stevens|1s06z|2007 NSSC 148 (CanLII)|814 APR 201}}{{perNSSC|Murphy JJ}}{{atL|1s06z|18}}
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Footprint Analysis==
Footprint analysis has been controversial and not always accepted.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Dimitrov|1g3ws|2003 CanLII 50104 (ON CA)|181 CCC (3d) 554}}{{perONCA|Weiler and Hillese JJA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Nielsen and Stolar|1npjt|1984 CanLII 40 (MB CA)|16 CCC (3d) 39}}{{perMBCA|Huband JA}} (2:1)<br>
See also {{UKCase|R v T|, [2010] EWCA Crim 2439}} [http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2010/2439.pdf] for consideration on utility of analysis</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Fingerprints==
* "comparison, identification and analysis of fingerprints, which indicates the examination of scenes of crime for latent fingerprints, the use of Automated Fingerprint Identification System (A.F.I.S.) and the search and comparison of fingerprint files in order to establish identity"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Qureshi|fkpvf|2011 ABPC 92 (CanLII)|508 AR 128}}{{perABPC|Malin J}}{{atL|fkpvf|30}}</ref>
* a Forensic Identification Specialist qualified as an "expert in the identification, comparison and individualization of fingerprints."<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Bornyk|g1kzw|2013 BCSC 1927 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Funt J}}
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}
==[[Arson (Offence)|Arson]]-related Forensics==
* "determination of origin, cause and circumstances of the fire"<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Fournel|fqh7q|2012 ONSC 375 (CanLII)|OJ No 1051}}{{perONSC|Hennessy J}}<br>
see also {{CanLIIR-N|Alpine|, 2008 BCPC 508}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRx|O'Brien|5ftv|2002 YKTC 45 (CanLII)}}, ''per'' Lilles CJ<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Jonkman|fvfwq|2012 SKQB 511 (CanLII)|410 Sask R 171}}{{perSKQB|Schwann J}} "expert in fire investigation, cause and origin"</ref>
* "determining the cause and origin of a ... fire, in understanding burn patterns, the location of the "seat" of a fire, and its movement during the course of a burn" <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Payette|29m1q|2010 MBQB 73 (CanLII)|253 Man R (2d) 181}}{{perMBQB|Duval J}}</ref>
* "forensic chemistry in the field of accelerant analysis, identification and analysis"<ref>
{{CanLIIRPC|Elliott v Royal Insurance Company of Canada|1mxh0|1995 CanLII 4495 (NS SC)|403 APR 365}}{{perNSSC|A Boudreau J}}
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Other Sciences==
* "facial mapping"<ref>
{{UKCase|R v Clarke|, [1995] 2 Cr. App. R. 425 (CA)}}</ref>
* "ear print" identification<ref>
{{UKCase|R v Dallagher|, [2003] 1 Cr. App. R. 195}}</ref>
* Crime scene analysis including staging <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Clark|1g88j|2004 CanLII 12038 (ON CA)|182 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perONCA|Moldaver JA}}</ref>
* identification based on gait of walk.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Aitken|fqtff|2012 BCCA 134 (CanLII)|319 BCAC 125}}{{perBCCA|Hall JA}}{{atL|fqtff|63}}</ref>
* handwriting evidence permitted despite experts inconclusive evidence<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Garniss|fnnp6|2011 ONSC 6559 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Ray J}}</ref>
* forgery 
* Forensic entomology
* “the function, effect, examination, diagnosis and repair of electrical work, problems and hazards” in relation to an Occupational Health and Safety prosecution<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Farnham|gt8ss|2016 SKCA 111 (CanLII)|12 WWR 635}}{{perSKCA|Ryan-Froslie JA}}
</ref>
* evidence on the "cultural mores within particular communities."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Shafia|gvdw4|2016 ONCA 812 (CanLII)|341 CCC (3d) 354}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|gvdw4|240}}<br>
</ref>

{{Reflist|2}}

==Credibility of Witnesses==
A judge should not simply accept an expert's opinion on credibility.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Marquard|1frx2|1993 CanLII 37 (SCC)|[1993] 4 SCR 223}}{{perSCC-H|McLachlin J}} ("A judge or jury which simply accepts an expert's opinion on the credibility of a witness would be abandoning its duty to itself determine the credibility of the witness")<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Other Social Science==
* the meaning of the "code of silence" and its effect on witness's willingness to tell the truth.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Boswell|fkzhp|2011 ONCA 283 (CanLII)|277 CCC (3d) 156}}{{perONCA|Cronk JA}}</ref>
* determining a community standard, typically in reference to an obscenity charge<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|gd2lq|1980 CanLII 2864 (ON CA)|52 CCC (2d) 257}}{{perONCA|Brooke JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Prairie Schooner News Ltd. and Powers|gd9lz|1970 CanLII 1059 (MB CA)|1 CCC (2d) 251}}{{perMBCA|Freedman JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Great West News Ltd., Mantell and Mitchell|gdfw3|1970 CanLII 1064 (MB CA)|[1970] 4 CCC 307}}{{perMBCA|Freedman JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Red Hot Video Ltd|22kjc|1985 CanLII 633 (BC SC)|18 CCC (3d) 1}}{{perBCSC|Nemetz J}}
</ref>
* interpreting Patois<ref>
e.g. Referenced in {{CanLIIRP|Masters|g84ld|2014 ONCA 556 (CanLII)|313 CCC (3d) 275}}{{perONCA|Tulloch JA}}
</ref>

General expert evidence on false confessions has been excluded as it was not necessary, while opinion specific to the case has been permitted.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Bonisteel|20lp2|2008 BCCA 344 (CanLII)|236 CCC (3d) 170}}{{perBCCA|Levine JA}}{{atsL|20lp2|66|}}, {{atsL-np|20lp2|69|}} - suggests that a proper jury instruction will suffice
</ref> 

{{reflist|2}}

==Legal Topics==
* expert in laws of certain US states on a specific topic<ref>
e.g. {{CanLIIRx|Murray|g73b4|2014 ABPC 112 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC|LeGrandeur J}} - laws relating to wildlife in Alaska
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Non-scientific Areas==
* "brokering residential mortgages, including NIQ mortgages"<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Nguyen|g2n5j|2014 BCSC 55 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Joyce J}}{{atL|g2n5j|35}}</ref>
* "translating the content of intercepted calls from the recording to a transcript"<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Chan|ggd57|2014 BCSC 2560 (CanLII)|BCJ No 3329}}{{perBCSC|Gropper J}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Sanghera|fs2b0|2012 BCSC 995 (CanLII)|BCJ No 1483}}{{perBCSC|Holmes J}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bidesi|ggb6h|2015 BCSC 206 (CanLII)|[2015] BCJ No. 235}}{{perBCSC|Butler J}}<Br>
{{CanLIIR|Nguyen|h3tlh|2017 BCSC 833 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Greyell J}}<Br>
{{CanLIIRx|Abdullahi|jd3cf|2021 ONCA 82 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|Brown JA}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Failed Qualifications==
Similar issues have been ''disqualified'':
* A police officer was refused qualification as an expert is risk assessment of an offender in a sentencing hearing. <ref>
{{CanLIIRx|Shehaib|fqmt4|2012 ONCJ 144 (CanLII)}}{{perONCJ|Wake J}}</ref>
* profiling of a sexual abuse victim.<ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Olscamp|1wctg|1994 CanLII 7553 (ON SC)|95 CCC (3d) 466}}{{perONSC|Charron J}}</ref>
* expert on evidence suggesting "staging" of a crime to divert attention<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Stobbe|fqvw5|2012 MBQB 78 (CanLII)|277 Man R (2d) 112}}{{perMBQB|Martin J}}</ref>
* embedded false subjective memories in children.<ref>
{{CanLIIRx|TH|h4864|2017 ONCA 485 (CanLII)}}{{perONCA|MacPherson JA}}
</ref>
{{Reflist|2}}