Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law

Published:
August 23, 2000 by CRC Press - 368 Pages
Author(s):
Terrence F. Kiely, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA

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ISBN 9780849318962
Cat# 1896
 

Features

  • Includes most current information about important national and international websites in each chapter
  • Provides consistent reports on the most recent examples of case decisions focusing on forensic science usage by prosecutors in a wide variety of criminal prosecutions
  • Focuses on recent discussions of expert testimony foundation requirements
  • Presents in each chapter a series of recurring questions tailored to each science and geared toward highlighting the similarities and differences among the forensic sciences chosen for discussion

    • Summary

    Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law is a comprehensive analysis of the most recent state and federal court decisions addressing the use of forensic science in the investigation and trial of criminal cases. Each case provides a complete overview and analysis of the relevant scientific issues debated by the court in that particular case. These science-related discussions present the court's most recent positions on ballistics, blood analysis, forensic anthropology, and other scientific applications. Each case also provides a thorough examination of the legal aspects of its relevant science-related issues. These legal analyses focus on issues of criminal discovery, the debate over the legal requirements for utilization of an area of medical or other forensic science at trial, and the appellate court's acceptance in whole, in part, or not at all, of the scientist's factual findings and opinions in a wide variety of science-based settings.

    The author gives special attention to the latest decisions addressing the applicability of the famous Daubert case. Here, he offers a thorough analysis of what does and does not constitute acceptable science for the basis of an expert's opinion. Against this background, Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law will aid you tremendously in discerning these intricate factors, thereby boosting your understanding and analysis of science-based criminal cases on both the federal and state levels.

    Table of Contents

    SCIENCE, FORENSIC SCIENCE, AND EVIDENCE
    Science and the Legal Process
    Litigation as History
    Law and Science
    Science and the Supreme Court
    Conclusion
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    SCIENCE AND THE CRIMINAL LAW
    Introduction
    Science and the Criminal Law: Overview
    Forensic Science and Legal History
    Forensic Science and Circumstantial Evidence
    Forensic Science and Forensic Evidence
    Forensic Science, Probability, and the Law
    Forensic Science, Forensic Evidence, and the Modern Crime Scene
    Forensic Science and the Criminal Law: A Case Study
    Conclusion
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    HAIR ANALYSIS
    Introduction
    Recent Case Discussions
    Conclusion
    Endnotes
    FIBER ANALYSIS
    Introduction
    The Wayne Williams Case
    Other Fiber Analysis Cases
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    BALLISTICS AND TOOL MARKS
    Introduction
    Weapon Identification
    Angle of Shot
    Bullet Matching
    Incompetency of Counsel
    Wound Analysis and Ballistics
    Tool Mark Cases
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    SOIL, GLASS, AND PAINT ANALYSIS
    Introduction
    Glass Analysis
    Paint Analysis
    Soil Analysis
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    FOOTPRINTS AND TIRE IMPRESSIONS
    Introduction
    Footprints
    Tire Impressions
    Bite Mark Case Listing
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    FINGERPRINTS
    Introduction
    Fingerprint Cases
    Lip and Ear Print Impressions
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    BLOOD SPATTER ANALYSIS
    Introduction
    Blood Spatter Cases
    Endnotes
    DNA ANALYSIS
    Introduction
    Questions Lawyers Need to Ask and Answer
    DNA Cases
    Research Note
    Endnotes
    FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY
    Anthropology
    Forensic Anthropology Cases
    Entomology: Cases
    Endnotes
    EPILOGUE
    Appendix: A Primer on Researching Forensic Science to Get Forensic Evidence
    Forensics and Crime Scene Bibliography and Research Sources
    Forensic Information on the Internet
    Table of Cases
    Index

    Editorial Reviews

    "This textbook is a relevant compendium of significant historical and contemporary case law concerning applied forensic science. . . The major attribute of Forensic Evidence is its citations, references, informational resources and integration of diversified applicable case law. . . Kiely's book contains an abundance of practical and relevant citations to useful resource sources."
    -Gil I. Sapir

    "… the cases present the reader with an overview of the wide range of factual scenarios in which forensic science has been applied. As a primer on the uses of forensic science in criminal cases, the book is a good place to start for the student or the novice forensic scientist or attorney. … It is not just the cases that give the reader an introduction to forensic science and the criminal law; the book also contains relevant citations to sources and useful research tools. … In addition to using the book as a springboard for more comprehensive research, the case synopses give factual and legal scenarios which may now or in the future coincide with the reader's own scientific or evidentiary issues. … Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law is a reference book worth consulting by persons interested in the uses of forensic science in criminal cases."

    - Kenneth E. Melson, J.D. in Journal of Forensic Science

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