Offers a diverse, interdisciplinary, and eye-opening view of the future direction of forensic science This one-of-a-kind book is a collection of content from the Past and Current Presidents of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences—providing readers with all of their forensic science experience, knowledge, insight, and wisdom. It envisions where forensic science will be a decade from now and the impact of these emerging advances on the law (along with our place in it), emphasizing theoretical advances, innovative leads from the laboratory, and emerging technologies. Filled with information from some of the greatest forensic minds of their generation, The Future of Forensic Science covers all of the eleven sections that comprise the AAFS. It discusses new directions in forensic anthropology, and looks at the future of such disciplines as criminalistics, forensic engineering science, forensic psychiatry and behavioral science, forensic toxicology, and forensic document examination. It also touches on the current and future state of digital and multimedia sciences. Contains contributions from an eminent group of forensic science experts Presents a valuable repository of forensic science experience, knowledge, insight, and wisdom Offers an insightful interdisciplinary look at the future of forensic science and how it is changing forensic science for the better Timed to coincide with the NIST forensic science initiative and the OSAC process The Future of Forensic Science is a must-have book for practicing forensic science professionals, academics, and advanced undergraduate and graduate students in forensic science. This book is published as part of the AAFS series ‘Forensic Science in Focus’.

Co-published with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Forensic Science presents comprehensive international discussion of key issues and future directions within the forensic sciences. Written by accomplished and respected specialists in approximately eleven distinct areas of the forensic sciences, the volume will examine central issues within each discipline, provide perspective on current debate and explore current and proposed research initiatives. It will also provide the forensically involved international community with current in-depth perspective on the key issues in the contemporary practice of the forensic sciences.

Forensic science laboratories' reputations have increasingly come under fire. Incidents of tainted evidence, false reports, allegations of negligence, scientifically flawed testimony, or - worse yet - perjury in in-court testimony, have all served to cast a shadow over the forensic sciences. Instances of each are just a few of the quality-related charges made in the last few years. Forensic Science Under Siege is the first book to integrate and explain these problematic trends in forensic science. The issues are timely, and are approached from an investigatory, yet scholarly and research-driven, perspective. Leading experts are consulted and interviewed, including directors of highly visible forensic laboratories, as well as medical examiners and coroners who are commandeering the discussions related to these issues. Interviewees include Henry Lee, Richard Saferstein, Cyril Wecht, and many others. The ultimate consequences of all these pressures, as well as the future of forensic science, has yet to be determined. This book examines these challenges, while also exploring possible solutions (such as the formation of a forensic science consortium to address specific legislative issues). It is a must-read for all forensic scientists. - Provides insight on the current state of forensic science, demands, and future direction as provided by leading experts in the field - Consolidates the current state of standards and best-practices of labs across disciplines - Discusses a controversial topic that must be addressed for political support and financial funding of forensic science to improve

"A report from National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence"--Cover.

Written by highly respected forensic scientists and legal practitioners, Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques, Second Edition covers the latest theories and practices in areas such as DNA testing, toxicology, chemistry of explosives and arson, and vehicle accident reconstruction. This second edition offers a cutting-edge presentation of criminalistics and related laboratory subjects, including many exciting new features. What's New in the Second Edition New chapter on forensic entomology New chapter on forensic nursing Simplified DNA chapter More coverage of the chemistry of explosives and ignitable liquids Additional information on crime reconstruction Revised to include more investigation in computer forensics Complete revisions of engineering chapters New appendices showing basic principles of physics, math, and chemistry in forensic science More questions and answers in the Instructor's Guide Updated references and cases throughout An extensive glossary of terms

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.

Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways, Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice, by Kevin J. Strom and Matthew J. Hickman, 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.

"Forensic Science is one of the successful tools enriching science and math education by facilitating the teaching of science concepts. The real-life news accounts of forensic science aiding in the solving of actual crimes, coupled with the multitude of television programs and other media presentations extolling the successes of forensic science, have stimulated the interest of students and adults. While many instructors have started forensic programs as well as a plethora of workshops to assist teachers in preparing such courses, little has been done to solidify the process. The Third Edition of Forensic Science Today will be a definitive introductory textbook. Dr. Henry Lee, one of the foremost forensic scientists in the work, George Taft, retired Director of the Alaska Scientific Crime Laboratory and eminent forensic scientist, Kimberly Ellis, a writer and attorney, and Jeanette Hencken, an award-winning high school forensic science teacher, have contributed to this Third Edition which gives an introductory explanation of a cross sections of the forensic sciences. The authors have made changes to the text of this Third Edition in the quest to keep the material relevant, up-to-date, and accurate. The Third Edition of Forensic Science Today will look to the future to see where the forensics sciences will continue to develop. During this journey, you will join world-renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee as he explains the science behind solving famous murder cases that most people only see on T.V. Importantly, you will learn new skills of science and logic, and sharpen other skills you already have, like your intuition. Our philosophy is that you should be truly engaged when learning about forensic science. Forensic Science Today reflects this philosophy and teaches forensic science in an informative and interest-sustaining manner. This book takes you through an in-depth exploration of solving crime through the application of forensic techniques. We begin with and introduction to the overall field of forensics, then follow with the basics of Crime Scene Investigation and a study of Physical Evidence and the many roles it plays in criminal investigation. Then, we will explore a myriad of forms of physical evidence. These include Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Drugs, Serology, DNA, Blood Stain Patterns, Questioned Documents, Imprints and Impressions, Toolmarks and Firearms, Fire and Arson, Chemical Evidence, and Digital Evidence. In each of these chapters, you will learn how to accurately document, preserve, collect and analyze the different types of physical evidence based on the most recent standards. Each chapter in this book begins with a set of objectives indicating what you should be able to achieve after working through the chapter. There is also a set of key terms to pay special attention to as you read through the chapter. At the end of each chapter, you will find definitions of scientific and technical words and phrases introduced in that chapter. These words and phrases are also defined in the Glossary at the back of the book. At the end of this book, you will find a comprehensive set of Resources, which lists books and websites that provide further information for more in-depth research or project work. This includes websites pertaining to crime prevention and survival. It is our hope that if your life has been touched by crime in any way, you can turn to some of these websites for help and further guidance. For the first time, there is also a companion text, Forensic Science Today Instructor's Companion, with labs, hands-on activities, suggestions for research topics, virtual and home assignments. review questions and tests all coordinated with the chapters of this text. In the real world, forensic scientists succeed when they apply a combination of knowledge, experience, skills, and intuition to the situation at hand. An open mind, creativity, and curiosity are essential tools in the field of forensic science. During our exploration of the exciting world of forensic science, we will teach you how to use these tools and apply your knowledge in new ways. We hope that someday this exploration will enable you to be the one who solves a crime using these tools"--

As forensic human identification receives increased global attention, practitioners, policy makers, and students need an appropriate resource that describes current methods and modalities that have shaped today‘s policies and protocols. A supplemental follow-up to Forensic Human Identification: An Introduction, Advances in Forensic Human Identifica