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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.
List of contents
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.
About the author
Keith Inman, Norah Rudin
Summary
Outlines a logical framework for the examination of physical evidence in a criminalistics laboratory. This book examines criminalistics concepts in light of both technical and intellectual advances and provides a way of conceptualizing physical evidence from its origin through its interpretation.
Additional text
"Any forensic laboratory undergoing accreditation would benefit from reading …the book. …quite readable because it is interspersed with interesting examples of actual cases. Its use of a vast array of references and historical quotes, throughout the book, speaks admirably of the depth and breadth of knowledge of the authors."- William Westenbrink, M.Sc., RCMP Forensic Laboratory, Halifax, in Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal
