Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science [Hardcover]

Expanding on ideas proposed by leading thinkers throughout the history of forensic science, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science outlines a logical framework for the examination of physical evidence in a criminalistics laboratory. The book reexamines prevailing criminalistics concepts in light of both technical and intellectual advances and provides a way of conceptualizing physical evidence from its origin through its interpretation. Conceptually, the book explains what forensic scientists do and discusses the philosophical and practical considerations that affect the conduct of their work. To be sure, some of the ideas challenge conventional wisdom on the subject, and as such, are bound to provoke discussion among members of the forensic community. Against this background, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science is a tremendously valuable reference for professionals involved in forensic science and other related fields.Introduction. The Evolution of Forensic Evidence. Overview-A Unifying Paradigm of Forensic Science. The Origin of Evidence-Divisible Matter and Transfer. The Recognition of Physical Evidence. Classification, Identification, and Individualization-Inference of Source. Association and Reconstruction-Inference of Contact. Good Field Practice-Processing a Crime Scene. Good Laboratory Practice-Establishing Validity and Reliability. Good Forensic Practice-Obligations of the Analyst. Communicating Results-Where Science Meets the Law. Ethics and Accountability-The Profession of Forensic Science.

Expanding on ideas proposed by leading thinkers throughout the history of forensic science, this book outlines a logical framework for the examination of physical evidence in a criminalistics laboratory. It reexamines prevailing criminalistics concepts in light of both technical and intellectual advances and provides a way of conceptualizing physical evidence from its origin througlc