Overview of the Act
The Act establishes the Forensic Science Regulator (the Regulator) as a statutory office holder. The Regulator can exercise functions in respect of forensic science activities for the purposes of the criminal justice system in England and Wales, and the Act includes a power for the Secretary of State to extend this remit by regulations. The Regulator is required to publish and keep under review a code of practice about forensic science activities, subject to approval by Parliament. Amongst other powers, the Regulator can investigate and take enforcement action in relation to forensic science activities carried on in a manner that risks prejudicing the course of legal proceedings.