Forensic Science Evidence

Introduction to Forensic Science and Evidence. The Forensic Sciences. Characteristics of the Adversarial Legal System. Forensic Science at the Investigative and Evidentiary Stages. When Forensic Science Goes Wrong. Fingerprint Science and Evidence. Collection of Fingerprint Evidence from Crime Scenes. Analysis and Interpretation of Fingerprint Evidence. Training and Performance of Fingerprint Analysts. When Fingerprints Incriminate the Wrong Person. DNA Science and Evidence. Collection of DNA Evidence from Crime Scenes. Profiling and Interpretation of DNA Evidence. Training and Performance of Analysts and Laboratories. When DNA Incriminates the Wrong Person. Forensic Scientific Evidence in the Courts. Admissibility of Forensic Evidence. Presentation of Forensic Science Evidence by Experts and Lawyers. Juror and Judge Perceptions and Understanding of Forensic Evidence. Improving Forensic Science and Evidence. Improvements at the Investigative Stage. Improvements at the Evidentiary Stage. Improvements at the Adjudicative Stage. Enhancing Legal Professionals’ Understanding. Enhancing Lay People’s Understanding. Best Practice Lessons for Lawyers.