Full Description
There is increased interest in forensic science and a great deal of debate about the admissibility and reliability of—not only new methods—but also traditional scientific methods that have resulted in wrongful convictions. Many universities now offer programs in forensic science, either separately or as part of a criminal justice curriculum, in on-campus and online settings. This book offers an overview of forensic evidence, evidence collection, and analysis practices, and the uses of such evidence in casework. By doing so, it provides insight into the processes and procedures, who is considered an expert in a particular discipline, and how these factors impact the usage, reliability, and admissibility of evidence in the courts. Part I of the book outlines the concept of admissible evidence and the legal standards used by courts to determine if expert testimony is reliable enough for a jury to consider in determining guilt or innocence. Part II is about the "who" disciplines describing the admissibility and reliability of a variety of pattern identification disciplines, including DNA, fingerprints, hair comparison, ballistics (tool marks), handwriting, footwear, and digital forensics. Part III describes the admissibility and reliability issues in a variety of "how" disciplines, including fire and explosions, gunshot residue, blood pattern analysis, and medical examiner testimony. Part IV describes the uses of science by law enforcement and private companies outside the courtroom, including the advent of genetic genealogy as an investigative tool. The final part discusses the future of forensic science, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and potential changes in law, regulatory, and educational requirements.
Contents
Introduction Part I. The Use of Forensic Science in the Courtroom Chapter 1. The Concept of Admissibility Chapter 2. Judicial Rules for Admissibility of Forensic Science Evidence Chapter 3. The Problem with Bad Science Chapter 4. Science and the Law: Ships Passing in the Night Part II.The Reliability of Pattern Identifications Chapter 5. Generalization and Individualization Chapter 6. DNA Chapter 7. Hair Comparison Chapter 8. Fingerprints: Friction Ridge Analysis Chapter 9. Tool Marks and Ballistics Chapter 10. Handwriting: Questioned Document Examination Chapter 11. Digital Forensics Chapter 12. Footwear Comparison Part III.The Admissibility of "How" Testimony Chapter 13. Fire and Explosions Chapter 14. Blood Stains and Patterns Chapter 15. Gunshot Residue Chapter 16. Medical Examiner Testimony Part IV. The Use of Forensic Science Out of Court Chapter 17. Non-Criminal and Administrative Investigations Chapter 18. Criminal Investigations (narrowing the field) Part V.The Future of Forensic Science Evidence Chapter 19. Artificial Intelligence Chapter 20. Pathways to Improvement
