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Phoenix – Top Quality Crims (1991)

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Speaking forensically

Original classification rating: M. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

Ian Cochrane (Sean Scully) finds a vital clue. Superintendent Wallace (Peter Cummins) tells Jock Brennan (Paul Sonkkila) that he will have to drill Cochrane on how to testify to the forensic significance of the find in court, a prospect Brennan does not welcome. Indeed their ability to communicate with one another on the subject is only made possible by the intervention of Carol (Susie Edmonds), Cochrane’s partner at work and in life.

Curator’s notes

by Anne Lucas

At the time of the Russell Street bombing forensic science was in its infancy in Australia. Experts were rarely called on to give evidence on anything other than fingerprints or blood groups.

In this sequence we witness forensic scientist and metallurgist Ian Cochrane trying to explain the significance of a shard of glass he has found to the old-dog cop Brennan. Their mutual lack of comprehension is often used as a source of humour in the series and works very well, based as it is on the realities of coming to grips with new technology and the necessity of explaining science in layman’s words. Even today, as the science progresses dramatically, these problems persist and are exacerbated by the sometimes wildly improbable storylines of recent series that have made forensic science a dramatic genre on its own.

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All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.

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