The forensic science is undergoing a paradigm shift from the traditional paradigm to the features LR paradigm and the similarity scores LR paradigm, in an era of parallel three paradigms. Given the advantages and development opportunities brought by Bayesian LR paradigm, paradigm shift has become a major trend in forensic science in the global. However, paradigm shifts have not yet been fully realized on a global scale, and the development of the forensic paradigm is imbalance in various forensic discipline and in different countries and regions. The main reasons that hinder the paradigm shift of forensic science include limitation of the technology methods of new paradigm, misconceptions of some personnel about the new paradigms, insufficient abilities related the new paradigms, and legal application issues. Except for DNA evidence identification, the application of new paradigms and paradigm shift in China are relatively lagging behind. This article proposes an implementation path for the paradigm shift of forensic science in China, including scholars and practitioners conducting scientific research on new paradigms, regulatory authorities making paradigm shift strategies and plans, forensic lab developing and confirming LR methods, developing LR verbal scales, collecting data, training examiner and taking proficiency tests, decision-makers receiving relevant education, and legislators adjusting relevant regulations.

The likelihood ratio paradigm of facial similarity score is the theory and method for interpreting the evidential significance of score finding from facial comparison. Facial similarity score likelihood ratio is the latest method of Bayesian likelihood ratio paradigm for forensic science. The likelihood ratio (LR) of facial similarity score is the ratio of the occurring probability of the facial score finding quantitatively assigned based on the probability distribution data of facial scores, under a pair of conflicting propositions that usually represent the claims of the prosecution and defense parties. The propositions typically deal with the question of whether a facial image with unknown identity collected at a crime scene comes from a suspect with known identity. The face score LR expresses the relative support direction and strength of the face score finding for the propositions of the prosecution and defense parties, providing quantitative evidence value for decision-makers to determine the disputed fact of the face source. The decision maker determines the fact of the facial source proposition based on the facial score LR opinion, or the posterior probability of the facial source proposition derived from the LR and the prior odds through Bayesian law, combined with other evidence, to exclude reasonable doubt. The likelihood ratio paradigm of facial similarity score is completely different from the traditional paradigm we are accustomed to in terms of scientific logic, opinion formation, expression, understanding, and reasoning applications. It also differs from the widely used LR paradigm of DNA feature findings, which poses new requirements and challenges for forensic examiner and decision-makers.

The subjective likelihood ratio paradigm of pattern features is the theory and method for the interpretation of evidence significance of feature findings of pattern evidence. Subjective likelihood ratio (LR) of pattern features is the probability ratio of occurrence of pattern features assigned under the two opposing propositions representing the prosecution and defense respectively, based on expert knowledge or the combination of expert knowledge and data. The proposition hierarchy for evaluating the subjective LR of pattern features includes source level and active level. Subjective LR of pattern features expresses the relative support direction and intensity of the pattern features findings for the propositions of the prosecution and defense, providing qualitative evidence value for decision makers to determine disputed factual propositions. Decision makers will determine the propositions facts based on subjective LR opinions of pattern features, or based on the posterior probabilities of the propositions derived from LR through Bayes' theorem, combined with other evidence in the case, in the way to exclude reasonable doubts. The subjective LR paradigm of pattern features differs significantly from the traditional paradigm we are accustomed to in terms of scientific logic and the formation, expression, understanding, and reasoning application of opinions, and it also differs from the objective LR paradigm of DNA feature. This presents new requirements and challenges for forensic examiner and decision-makers.