Kevin Strom & Matthew Hickman 
Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice [EPUB ebook] 
Critical Issues and Directions

Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways,
Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice 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.

Jadual kandungan

Preface

Acknowledgments

Section I. The Demand for Forensic Services

Chapter 1. A Historical Review of the Demand for Forensic Evidence – Joseph L. Peterson

Introduction

Estimating the Demand for Forensic Evidence

What Is Physical Evidence and What Can It Tell Us?

Physical Evidence Presence–Historical Indicators

Macro Forces Influencing Utilization Patterns

Crime Laboratory Census Results

Up-to-Date Utilization Patterns From the ‘Role and Impact’ Study

Conclusion

References

Chapter 2. Is There Evidence of a ‘CSI Effect’? – Rachel Dioso-Villa

Introduction

CSI′s Depictions of Forensic Science

Cultivation Theory

Typology of CSI Effects Found in Media Accounts

Evidence of the CSI Effect

The Perceived CSI Effect

Juror Expectations and Their Understanding of Forensic Science

What Can Be Done?

Conclusion

References

Chapter 3. What We Know (and Don′t Know) About Evidence Backlogs – Matthew J. Hickman and Kevin J. Strom

Introduction

What Is a ‘Backlog’?

What Are the Sources of Backlog?

What Do We ‘Know’ About the Nature and Scope of Forensic Backlog?

The Problem of Artificial Backlog

Do Backlogs Represent Justice Delayed and Justice Denied, or Simply Justice ‘Satisficed’?

References

Section II. The Quality of Forensic Services

Chapter 4. Adopting a Research Culture in the Forensic Sciences – Barry A. J. Fisher

Introduction

Why a Research Culture Does Not Currently Exist in the Forensic Sciences

Recent Developments in the Forensic Sciences

Factors Affecting the Admissibility of Forensic Science

Contemporary Challenges Facing Forensic Science

References

Chapter 5. Minimizing Contextual Bias in Forensic Casework – Reinoud D. Stoel, Charles E. H. Berger, Wim Kerkhoff, Erwin J. A. T. Mattijssen, and Itiel E. Dror

Introduction

Historical Background

Psychological Background

Levels of Contextual Information

How to Deal With Contextual Information

Outlook and Conclusion

References

Chapter 6. A Survey of Ethical Issues in the Forensic Sciences – Jay Siegel

Introduction

Discussion of Ethical Issues

Toward a National Code of Ethics in Forensic Science

Section III. The Utility of Forensic Services

Chapter 7. The Impact of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice: Evidence From Case-Processing Studies – Sally Kelty, Roberta Julian, and Robert Hayes

Introduction

The Impact of Forensic Evidence (FE) on Solvability and Case-Processing Outcomes: Evidence From the Literature

Conceptual Framework and Case-Processing Model of Critical Decisions and Leakage Points in Homicide Cases: Findings From the Effectiveness of Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice System (EFS) Project

Conclusion

Cases

References

Chapter 8. Assessing the Utility of DNA Evidence in Criminal Investigations – Michael D. White, Andrea R. Borrego, and David A. Schroeder

Introduction

Empirical Evidence on the Utility of DNA Evidence in Criminal Investigations

Explanatory Frameworks for Understanding Law Enforcement′s Use of DNA Evidence

Conclusion

References

Chapter 9. Forensic Science: The Prosecutor′s Role – Nina W. Chernoff

Introduction

The Rules That Govern Prosecutors′ Use of Forensic Evidence

Why the Rules Do Not Produce Prosecutors Who Are Honest About the Reliability of Forensic Evidence

The Need for Accuracy Advocates

Conclusion

Notes

Section IV. Post-Conviction Issues

Chapter 10. The Problems and Challenges of Evidence Retention – John M. Collins Jr.

Introduction

Personnel

Safe and Secure Facilities

Inventory and Disposition

Forensic Testing

Jurisdictional Case Management

Conclusion

References

Chapter 11. Innovation, Success, Error, and Confidence in Forensic DNA Testing – Kristen Skogerboe

Introduction

History of DNA and Its Application in Criminal Justice

The Role of DNA in Highlighting Limitations in Other Forensic Disciplines

The Intersection of Success, Innovation, and Risk of Error in DNA Testing

The Road to Testing and Exonerations: DNA From a Chemist′s Perspective

Innovation, Challenges, and Emerging Issues in Forensic DNA Testing

Achieving and Maintaining Confidence With a Research Mentality and Quality Assurance

References

Section V. The Future Role of Forensic Science in the Administration of Justice

Chapter 12. Developing New Business Models for Forensic Laboratories – Max M. Houck and Paul J. Speaker

Introduction

Economic Foundations

Metrics and Measurement

A Balanced View

Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness

Identifying the Best Business Models for Forensic Laboratories

Conclusion

References

Chapter 13. Rethinking the Role of the Crime Laboratory in Criminal Justice Decision Making – Kevin J. Strom and Matthew J. Hickman

Introduction

The Changing Role of the Crime Laboratory

Laboratory Decision Making

Promising Examples of Crime Laboratory Decision-Making Policies

Conclusion

References

Chapter 14. The Future of Forensic Science – Walter F. Rowe

Introduction

Technological Developments

Administrative Changes in Forensic Science

Forensic Science Education

Conclusion

References

Index

About the Editors

About the Contributors

Mengenai Pengarang

Matthew J. Hickman, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Seattle University. His research interests include issues in policing, quantitative research methodology, and the impact of forensic sciences on the administration of justice. He was previously a statistician at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, where he specialized in the development and analysis of national data collections on law enforcement and the forensic sciences. His work has been published in Criminology, Criminology & Public Policy, Journal of Quantitative Criminology, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Crime & Delinquency, Police Quarterly, and Policing. He co-edited a volume titled Police Integrity and Ethics and has contributed book chapters to Race, Ethnicity and Policing: New and Essential Readings, Encyclopedia of Police Science, and The Oxford Handbook on Police and Policing. Dr. Hickman is a member of the American Society of Criminology, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and the International Association of Crime Analysts.