Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice

Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice
Author: Kevin J. Strom
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2014-04-04
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1483354857

Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways, Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice is structured around current research on how forensic evidence is being used and how it is impacting the justice system. This unique book—written by nationally known scholars in the field—includes five sections that explore the demand for forensic services, the quality of forensic services, the utility of forensic services, post-conviction forensic issues, and the future role of forensic science in the administration of justice. The authors offer policy-relevant directions for both the criminal justice and forensic fields and demonstrate how the role of the crime laboratory in the American justice system is evolving in concert with technological advances as well as changing demands and competing pressures for laboratory resources.

Fundamentals of Forensic Science

Fundamentals of Forensic Science
Author: Max M. Houck
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 688
Release: 2006-04-24
Genre: Study Aids
ISBN: 0080507085

Fundamentals of Forensic Science offers a complete look at the core topics of forensic science. It represents the most realistic view of the field by including areas that, while central to criminal investigation, fall outside the typical definition of criminalistics. These areas include pathology, entomology, anthropology, and other areas of scientific study unique to forensic textbooks. Organized by the timeline of a real case, the text begins with an introduction and history of forensic science. It then covers the methods of analysis used in most forensic examinations, addressing the biological, chemical and physical elements relevant to the field, and concluding with an examination of how forensic science intersects with law. Feature boxes throughout the text contain online resource listings, historical events in forensic science, practical issues in laboratory analysis, and topics for further reading or interest. This book is recommended for students in forensic science and professionals in the various forensic disciplines – fire, chemistry, crime scene, trace evidence, law enforcement personnel, lawyers, and defense attorneys. - Vivid, full-color illustrations that diagram key concepts and depict evidence encountered in the field - Straightforward unit organization that includes key terms, numerous feature boxes emphasizing resources on the World Wide Web, historical events in forensic science, practical issues in laboratory analysis, and topics for further reading - Effective pedagogy -including end-of-chapter questions- paired with a clear writing style makes this an invaluable resource for professors and students of forensic science

Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

Criminal Justice and Forensic Science
Author: Lisa Smith
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 236
Release: 2014-12-12
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1137310278

An accessible guide for students across a variety of disciplines who are studying forensic evidence throughout the criminal justice system. Containing up to date and classic case studies, photos and examples, it assumes no prior scientific knowledge to ensure the discussion is clear but comprehensive.

Forensic Identification and Criminal Justice

Forensic Identification and Criminal Justice
Author: Carole McCartney
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2013-01-11
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1134013302

This book provides an account of the development of forensic identification technologies and the way in which this has impacted upon the legal system. It traces the advent of forensic identification technologies, focusing on fingerprinting and forensic DNA typing, and their growing deployment within the criminal justice system. It also elucidates the ways in which these new technologies are accelerating procedural changes to investigative practices, and shows the ways in which in some areas human rights (such as privacy rights and rights against discrimination) are coming under threat. The use of forensic evidence in criminal investigations and trials is analysed in detail. This book uncovers the way in which this new reliance on forensic technologies has gained a foothold within the criminal justice system, and the risks and dangers that this can pose. The National DNA Database provides a particular focus of attention. The author seeks to move beyond an approach that has seen forensic DNA profiling as error free, situating her analysis within broader risk discourses.

Handbook of Forensic Science

Handbook of Forensic Science
Author: James Curtis Fraser
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 698
Release: 2009
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1843923122

The Handbook of Forensic Science provides an authoritative map of the landscape of forensic science within the UK criminal justice system. It sets out the essential features of the subject, covering the disciplinary, technological, organisational and legislative resources that are brought together to make up contemporary forensic science practice.

Forensic Science in Court

Forensic Science in Court
Author: Donald Shelton
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Total Pages: 198
Release: 2010-10-16
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1442201894

Forensic Science in Court explores the legal implications of forensic science—an increasingly important and complex part of the justice system. Judge Donald Shelton provides an accessible overview of the legal aissues, from the history of evidence in court, to "gatekeeper" judges determining what evidence can be allowed, to the "CSI effect" in juries. The book describes and evaluates various kinds of evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, handwriting, hair, bite marks, tool marks, firearms and bullets, fire and arson investigation, and bloodstain evidence. Assessing the strengths and limitations of each kind of evidence, the author also discusses how they can contribute to identifying the "who," "how," and "whether" questions that arise in criminal prosecutions. Author Donald Shelton draws on the depth of his experiences as courtroom prosecutor, professor, and judge, to provide a well-rounded look at these increasingly critical issues. Case studies throughout help bring the issues to life and show how forensic science has been used, both successfully and not, in real-world situations.

Forensic Science

Forensic Science
Author: Geoffrey Davies
Publisher:
Total Pages: 242
Release: 1975
Genre: Law
ISBN:

Examines major current developments in forensic science, from education and training, through professional ethics and morality, to major areas of forensic practice and research. Specific topics discussed include forensic toxicology, serology, and microscopy; detection of firearms and explosives residues; forensic drug and breath-alcohol analyses; and fingerprint science. Gives a clear perspective of the potential and limitations of physical evidence in the administration of justice.

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 348
Release: 2009-07-29
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0309142393

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Forensic Science

Forensic Science
Author: Christopher Lawless
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2022-03-07
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1000543447

Forensic Science provides a comprehensive overview of the sociology of forensic science. Drawing on a wealth of international research and case studies, it explores the intersection of science, technology, law and society and examines the production of forensic knowledge. The book explores a range of key topics such as: • The integration of science into police work and criminal investigation • The relationship between law and science • Ethical and social issues raised by new forensic technology including DNA analysis • Media portrayals of forensic science • Forensic policy and the international agenda for forensic science This new edition has been fully updated, particularly with regard to new technology in relation to the various new forms of DNA technology and facial recognition. Updates and additions include: • Facial recognition technology • Digital forensics and its use in policing • Algorithms (such as probabilistic genotyping) • Genealogical searching • Phenotyping This new edition also reviews and critically appraises recent scholarship in the field, and new international case studies have been introduced, providing readers with an international comparative perspective. Engaging with sociological literature to make arguments about the ways in which forensic science is socially constituted and shapes justice, Forensic Science provides an excellent introduction to students about the location of forensic science and the ways it fits within the criminal justice system, as well as systems of professionalisation and ethics. It is important and compelling reading for students taking a range of courses, including criminal investigation, policing, forensic science, and the sociology of science and technology.