Forensic Evidence by Kiely, Terrence F.;

Short description:

Focusing on issues raised at Interpol’s 14^th Forensic Science Symposium, this volume offers a complete overview and analysis of the scientific and legal aspects of each of the forensic disciplines. It updates cases and discusses recent applications of Frye/Daubert, the admissibility of eyewitness identification, the explosion of cases and statutes addressing post-conviction DNA, the rise in attention to cold cases, and other challenges. With its broad scope and depth of analysis, this is the book that those in the forensic sciences need to have on hand to successfully prepare for what may await them in the courtroom.

Long description:

One of the greatest challenges encountered by those in the forensic sciences is anticipating what the state and federal courts will – or will not – allow as valid physical evidence. With this in mind, the author of Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law, Second Edition analyzes and explains the judicial system’s response to the applicability of forensic science in the investigation, prosecution, and defense of criminal activity.

Each chapter of this comprehensive yet accessible resource provides an overview and analysis of the scientific and legal aspects of a particular forensic discipline. An important new feature of this second edition is that each chapter focuses on discussions of recent forensics literature reviews from Interpol’s 14^th Annual Forensic Science Symposium. This latest edition also updates previously discussed cases and presents the most recent applications of the Frye and Daubert standards, the admissibility of eyewitness identification, the upsurge of cases and statutes that involve post-conviction DNA, and the increased interest in re-examining cold cases.

As challenges to forensic evidence become increasingly rigorous, so does the need for intense  preparation. Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law, Second Edition is the book that those in the forensic sciences need to have on hand to successfully prepare for what may await them in the courtroom.

This is an excellent book for American Law students with a strong interest in the interface between the criminal justice system and forensic scientific evidence…as up to date as it can be…Professor Kelly has succeeded in penning a cautionary tale for those tempted to enter the field of Forensic Science or graduates seeking to enter the police service or work as scenes of crime specialists.”
—David Harwood, Physical Sciences Educational Reviews, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2006


“This [book] is a relevant compendium of significant historical and contemporary case law concerning applied forensic science… For the…attorney…or forensic scientist, [it] is a good case law primer on forensic science. It is applicable to both scientific and evidentiary issues.”

--Gil I. Sapir, J.D., MSc, Champion


“[The author]…presents the reader with a review of the uses of forensic science in criminal cases…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.”

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

Table of Contents:

Science, Forensic Science, and Evidence. Science and the Criminal Law. Hair Analysis. Fiber Analysis/ Ballistics and Tool Marks. Soil, Grass, and Paint. Footprints and Tire Impressions. Fingerprints. Blood Spatter Analysis. DNA Analysis. Forensic Anthropology and Entomology. Epilogue. Appendix A: A Primer on Researching Forensic Science to Get to Forensic Evidence. Table of Cases. Index.