Forensic science has become increasingly important within contemporary criminal justice, from criminal investigation through to courtroom deliberations, and an increasing number of agencies and individuals are having to engage with its contribution to contemporary justice.
This Handbook aims to provide an authoritative map of the landscape of forensic science within the criminal justice system of the UK. It sets out the essential features of the subject, covering the disciplinary, technological, organizational and legislative resources that are brought together to make up contemporary forensic science practice.
It is the first full-length publication which reviews forensic science in a wider political, economic, social, technological and legal context, identifying emerging themes on the current status and potential future of forensic science as part of the criminal justice system. With contributions from many of the leading authorities in the field it will be essential reading for both students and practitioners.
Preface 1. The Contemporary Landscape of Forensic Science Part 1: Forensic Science Practice Introduction Section 1: Identifying Individuals 2. The Current Status of DNA Profiling in the UK 3. Fingerprints 4. Forensic Anthropology and Human Identification from the Skeleton Section 2: Identifying and Comparing Materials 5. Drugs of Abuse 6. Body Fluids in Sexual Offences 7. Trace Evidence 8. MarksSection 3: Reconstructing Events 9. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 10. Fire Investigation Policies and Practices in the UK Part 2: Forensic Science as Investigative Support Introduction 11. Forensic Resources and Criminal Investigations 12. DNA Databases 13. Using Forensic Science in Major Crime Inquiries 14. Forensic Science in UK Policing: Strategies, Tactics and Effectiveness Part 3: Reasoning and the Evaluation of Scientific Evidence Introduction 15. Statistics and Forensic Science 16. Understanding Forensic Science Opinions 17. The Science of Proof: Forensic Sceince Evidence in English Criminal Trials Part 4: Themes and Debates in Contemporary Forensic Science 18. Forensic Science and the Internationalisation of Policing 19. Forensic Science, Ethics and Criminal Justice 20. Professional Standards, Public Protection and the Administration of Justice 21. The Development and Enhancement of Forensic Expertise: Higher Education and in-service Training 22. The Future(s) of Forensic Investigations
