Top Research Papers on Forensic Science

A statutory regulator with powers over standards and performance, investigation, compliance and enforcement is needed for forensic science in England and Wales.

The ways in which the move to a more empirically grounded scientific culture for the forensic sciences impacts testing, error rate analyses, procedural safeguards, and the reporting of forensic results are discussed.

Abstract Using forensic soil science and forensic geology as trace evidence and searches for burials is the theme of the papers in this Special Publication. The concept and design of this volume was initially established by the International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology, which successfully brought together forensic geologists, forensic soil scientists, police officers and law enforcement agents in the investigation of crimes. In this introductory paper a brief overview is provided of the developments in interdisciplinary knowledge exchange with use of soil and g...

It is argued that referring to an “inconclusive decision” as an error is a contradiction in terms, runs counter to an analysis based on decision logic and, hence, is questionable as a concept.

In this commentary, familiar, but ambiguous, terms and concepts are defined and redefine with the hope of recapturing the essence of criminalistics, which is suggested is best termed traceology.

This review examines the evolution of the PCR from its inception in the 1980s, through to its current application in forensic science, along with a critical comparison of cycling conditions used in commercial PCR kits.

Forensic science includes any science that is conducted for use in the legal system. The need for science in the courtroom has greatly increased as a result of legal rulings and the positioning of forensic science in popular culture. The forensic science degree program provides students with an education in the use of science, mathematics, and statistics in legal proceedings. There are four options of study: Forensic Biology, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry, and the Pre-Law 3-3 Program.

This article describes three major developments in forensic evidence and the use of such evidence in the courts. The first development is the advent of DNA profiling, a scientific technique for identifying and distinguishing among individuals to a high degree of probability. While DNA evidence has been used to prove guilt, it has also demonstrated that many individuals have been wrongly convicted on the basis of other forensic evidence that turned out to be unreliable. The second development is the US Supreme Court precedent requiring judges to carefully scrutinize the reliability of scientifi...

This tutorial review aims to provide an accessible overview of chemometric methods within the context of forensic science, followed by a broad review of studies demonstrating the utility of chemometrics across various forensic disciplines.

It is suggested that the two methods can be alternately used for legal age assessment, but operators should use both methods when the estimated age is 18.5 years.

Research assessing the validity and reliability of many forensic science disciplines has been published; however, the quality of this research varies depending on the methodologies employed. This was a major point of contention with the United States' President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, who recognized the existing literature but found the majority lacking because of methodological issues. Questionable scientific methodologies have undermined the forensic science community's ability to defend the scientific foundations and examination protocols used to examine evidence in...

The competencies and attributes of forensic science professionals are a very important pillar of a Quality Management system. However, a recent international survey identified a lack of agreement on the core cognitive competencies required for working in forensic science. The survey also identified the tools for assessing competencies are not necessarily designed to measure cognitive competencies. In this Perspective, we explore further the topic of competencies and in particular, cognitive competencies and attributes with a focus on forensic science professionals. We identify the critical iss...

Gunshot residues (GSR) are routinely exploited by forensic scientists in the investigation of firearmrelated events. While many new techniques are daily reported in the literature for the analysis of GSR, there is still a significant lack of data on the transfer, persistence, and prevalence of GSR. Such fundamental knowledge is essential to fully exploit the information potential of GSR for investigation or in Court. This paper provides an overview of the relevant questions related to GSR, more particularly to infer about the trace’s origin (i.e., is it from a firearm discharge?) and the activ...

The ultimate aim of using anthropometry in forensic medicine/science is to help the law enforcement agencies in achieving 'personal identity' in case of unknown human remains.

It was concluded that further research focused on developing ways of using dermatoglyphic data in court and investigative practices can only be carried out on a significant empirical basis by creative teams which are made up of representatives of anthropology, doctors of various specialties, primarily, dermatologists, and criminal lawyers.

Today, forensic sciences focus on animal genetics considering all domestic species through the analysis of STRs and autosomal and mitochondrial DNA SNPs, but the application of these molecular markers to wildlife seems to have gradually gained a strong relevance.

Abstract The dominant conception of forensic science as a patchwork of disciplines primarily assisting the criminal justice system (defined as ‘forensics’ in this article) is in crisis, or at least shows a series of anomalies and serious limitations. While the symptoms have been largely discussed previously, we argue that many of the commonly suggested solutions may not solve the fundamental problem. As a solution, we propose the forensic science community revive the forensic science perspective from its historical roots; that is, the study of crime and its traces. This will lead to the develo...

This review described the use of genetic markers in forensic investigation and their limitations.

Abstract Forensic science is undergoing an unprecedented period of reform. Wrongful convictions and errors of impunity have been attributed largely to forensic evidence, and concerns over the scientific foundations of many forensic disciplines have been raised in key official reports. In these turbulent times, it becomes particularly interesting to understand how forensic evidence is understood by the general public. Is it idealized? Are its inherent limitations recognized? The present study seeks to contribute to this growing body of work by addressing two main questions: (1) How does the gen...

Forensic science is often important in criminal cases, so criminal justice professionals, including lawyers and forensic scene investigators, must have a basic understanding of what is often complex science. This book explains the science underpinning forensic techniques to give those who engage with forensic science professionally, but who are not primarily scientists, a level of understanding that will enable them to use forensic science data effectively. In addition, the book places the use of forensic data in the context of criminal cases to assess the reliability and usefulness of forensi...

The paper converses the present-day and probable forthcoming applications of AI in Forensic Science, which can be employed in Blood Pattern Recognition & Analysis, Crime Scene Reconstruction, Digital Forensics, Image-processing and of course Satellite Monitoring.

In criminal cases, forensic science reports and expert testimony play an increasingly important role in adjudication. More states now follow a federal reliability standard, following Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals and Rule 702, which call upon judges to assess the reliability and validity of such scientific evidence. Little is known about what education law schools provide regarding forensic and scientific evidence, or what types of specialized training they receive on scientific methods or evidence. Whether law schools have added forensic science courses to their curricula in recent y...

From the traditional fingerprint comparison to the latest advances in forensic DNA analysis, the advantages and drawbacks of various ways of reporting forensic science results are discussed.

The advancement of technology and its developments have provided the forensic sciences with many cutting-edge tools, devices, and applications, allowing forensics a better and more accurate understanding of the crime scene, a better and optimal acquisition of data and information, and faster processing, allowing more reliable conclusions to be obtained and substantially improving the scientific investigation of crime. This article describes the technological advances, their impacts, and the challenges faced by forensic specialists in using and implementing these technologies as tools to streng...

Forensic science is the most important aspect of criminal investigation as it allows authorities to identify suspects and also helps determine when and how a crime was committed. The word "forensic science" means "about law" and logically forensic science involves the use of scientific methods for legal investigations. It helps to establish perfect evidence in law regarding the guilt of the accused. The definition of forensic science is very broad because it includes DNA analysis, fingerprints, autopsy, pathology, toxicology and many other things that help determine the cause of death and inc...

A conceptual system for communication training is outlined that includes ideas about fostering greater collaboration across different stakeholder groups, and training expert witnesses to communicate scientific evidence in ways that are accessible and accurate.

Analytical measurement plays a critical role in modern society. 'Millions of analytical measurements are made every day in thousands of laboratories around the world. There are innumerable reasons for making these measurements, for example: as a way of valuing goods for trade purposes; supporting healthcare; checking the quality of drinking water; analyzing the elemental composition of an alloy to confirm its suitability for use in aircraft construction … Virtually every aspect of society is supported in some way by analytical measurement'. It should come as no surprise then that measurement...

The forensic science degree program provides students with an education in the use of science, mathematics, and statistics in legal proceedings in legal proceedings.

The aim of the review is to present significant achievements of selected studies on the thanatomicrobiome and epinecrotic community (micro‐organisms found in the body, organs and fluids after death) and epinescrotics community ( micro-organisms found on decaying corpses) that can be used in forensic sciences.

The master’s program in Forensic Science is administered by the Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences. The program encompasses a broad knowledge of the basic areas of forensic science laboratory disciplines (biology/biochemistry; chemistry and trace evidence analysis; drug identification and toxicology; and pattern evidence) with emphasis on the integration of analytical and interpretative skills. The role of forensic laboratory sciences in justice system processes is an integrating theme. There is an opportunity for some specialization through the selection of electives.

The subject described as forensic science cannot be regarded as a homogeneous or individual discipline. It is factually a heterogeneous collection of disconnected fragments drawing on the resources of numerous and varied disciplines. These volumes, planned under the aegis of an international advisory board, are welcome inasmuch as each of the individual sections has been written or compiled by an author who can be regarded as an expert in the field about which he writes. Although differences in style and treatment may occur, the level of knowledge and expertise can be expected to be high in co...

Forensic Science: The Basics, Fourth Edition is fully updated, building on the popularity of the prior editions. The book provides a fundamental background in forensic science, criminal investigation and court testimony. It describes how various forms of evidence are collected, preserved and analyzed scientifically, and then presented in court based on the analysis of the forensic expert. The book addresses knowledge of the natural and physical sciences, including biology and chemistry, while introducing readers to the application of science to the justice system. New topics added to this edit...

This volume toxicology is represented by chapters on lead poisoning, on the analysis of urine for the presence of drugs and on the toxicology of cyanides, which maintains the policy of the earlier volumes of presenting reviews of value and interest to forensic scientists.

Peirce offers a path to address the tension between complementary reasoning systems and Bayesian way of thinking, which makes it possible to remain in a single harmonized model integrating both the clinical and Galilean dimensions.

The application of forensic science and expertise is a necessary prerequisite for the investigation of crimes at the local and national level. Without the use of forensic science and expertise, an investigation within the framework of a criminal process becomes dead and unsubstantiated. But with the globalisation of world processes, the development of technologies, the speed of information transmission, the formation of crime outside the borders of one state and its entry into the international level has become an urgent problem, which has become a challenge in countering such crime and the ne...

It will demonstrate that the UK model of forensic regulation has proven only partially effective at minimizing the risks associated with forensic science, while ensuring that the criminal justice system can continue to secure high quality forensic scientific evidence that is robust, reliable, and sustainable.

Forensic science includes any science that is conducted for use in the legal system. The need for science in the courtroom has greatly increased as a result of legal rulings and the positioning of forensic science in popular culture. The forensic science degree program provides students with an education in the use of science, mathematics, and statistics in legal proceedings. There are four options of study: Forensic Biology, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry, and the Pre-Law 3-3 Program.

Legal and Forensic Medicine is the application of medical knowledge and methodology for the resolution of legal questions and problems for individuals and society.

Examining forensic conclusion data, from across many forensic domains, highlights the underlying cognitive issues and offers a better understanding of the issues and challenges and enables the development of ways to minimize these inconsistencies and move forward.

Forensic sciences provides an understanding of the integration of forensic disciplines with the investigation of criminal activity, while providing an overview of the analytical methods, procedures, equipment, and data used by forensic specialists.

Loyola's Forensic Science program became the 17th undergraduate program in the U.S. and Canada to be accredited by FEPAC, making Loyola's program only one of 35 forensic science programs in the nation to be accredited by FEPAC.

The United States Supreme Court has long recognized the value of scientific evidence – especially when compared to other types of evidence such as eyewitness identifications, confessions, and informant testimony. For example, in Escobedo v. Illinois, the Court observed: “We have learned the lesson of history, ancient and modern, that a system of criminal law enforcement which comes to depend on the –confession— will, in the long run, be less reliable and more subject to abuses than a system which depends on extrinsic evidence independently secured through skillful investigation.” Similarly, in...

Forensic Science Midterm Review: Locard Exchange Principle, trace evidence, Kastle-Meyer Test, Luminol Test for the presence of blood and more.

The only A–Z reference work on forensic science, one of the most intriguing and exciting fields in criminological studies. From dandruff to DNA, from ammunition to infrared spectrophotometry, forensic scientists employ the commonplace and the esoteric to get their man or woman.Forensic Scienceis the only comprehensive reference work accessible to nonexperts on this fast-changing and ever-fascinating field of criminological study. Readers will learn how the latest scientific breakthroughs and the well-honed instincts of forensics experts come together to provide the clues and amass the evidenc...

From Poe's Dupin and Doyle's Holmes to the television hitsQuincyandCSI, the public's fascination with science employed to solve crimes continues and grows. But this understanding of how science works in the forensic laboratory is filtered through the fictional worlds of books and television-how is science really used to fight crime? What techniques are used to catch criminals and free the innocent? Forensic scientists work with police, investigators, medical personnel, attorneys, and others to uphold justice, but their methods are often misunderstood, overestimated, underestimated, revered, or...

programmes such as Silent Witness and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the role of the forensic experts is depicted as exciting, adventurous, maybe even a bit dangerous. In real life, of course, this is several degrees away from the truth. However, as anyone who has attend a school careers evening recently can confirm, this glamorous media image is proving to be one of the primary inspirations for young people to seek out more information on forensic science from biomedical scientists attending such events. Of course, forensic investigations are not the preserve of any one discipline; there are...

The United States Supreme Court has long recognized the value of scientific evidence - especially when compared to other types of evidence such as eyewitness identifications, confessions, and informant testimony. For example, in Escobedo v. Illinois, the Court observed: “We have learned the lesson of history, ancient and modern, that a system of criminal law enforcement which comes to depend on the ‘confession’ will, in the long run, be less reliable and more subject to abuses than a system which depends on extrinsic evidence independently secured through skillful investigation.” Similarly, in...

The only A–Z reference work on forensic science, one of the most intriguing and exciting fields in criminological studies. From dandruff to DNA, from ammunition to infrared spectrophotometry, forensic scientists employ the commonplace and the esoteric to get their man or woman.Forensic Scienceis the only comprehensive reference work accessible to nonexperts on this fast-changing and ever-fascinating field of criminological study. Readers will learn how the latest scientific breakthroughs and the well-honed instincts of forensics experts come together to provide the clues and amass the evidenc...

The review explores how the polymorphic enzymes such as CYP family of enzymes, Red cell enzymes, phosphoglucomutase can be used to establish individuality and to determine biological stains' origin and discussion about how polymorphisms in blood group systems, such as ABO are employed for the identification of individuals and the determination of biological relationships, including paternity testing.

Forensic science is a crucial element of the criminal justice system. Forensic scientists examine and analyse evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion. This study comprises a crime scene investigation, which is a scene where the case investigator and crime scene personnel work together to define and secure areas that may contain evidence; examine and document the scene; collect physical evidence; preserve, pack, and submit the evidence to the ...