Problems with the management of the quality of forensic expert reports in Poland : based on the example of psychology of handwriting

Abstract

The existing system of management of the quality of expert reports in Poland has serious flaws on key points. It lacks appropriate verification of experts who are put on the lists of expert witnesses (such lists are maintained by presidents of regional courts). It also lacks adequate supervision of forensic experts opinions in particular court cases. The authors illustrate these problems by an example of forensic experts who work in the area of psychology of handwriting. How many experts in the field of psychology of handwriting are put on the lists all over Poland? What do they state in their opinions? How do courts treat and supervise such experts' reports in particular cases? The authors place the issues in the context of controversy attributed to the methodological aspect of psychology of handwriting.