Forensic Evidence in Court: Evaluation and Scientific Opinion

Craig Adam (Author)

Edition: 1st

Language: English

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Publication Date: July 12, 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1119054436

Description: The interpretation and evaluation of scientific evidence and its presentation in a court of law are central to the role of the forensic scientist as an expert witness and to the interests of justice. This book provides a thorough discussion of these principles and practices by utilizing real cases for illustration. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and master’s level students of forensic science or related disciplines, as well as practitioners engaged in continuing professional development.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section introduces the issues surrounding the admissibility and reliability of scientific evidence presented to courts. In the second section, fundamental principles of interpretation and evaluation are explained, including discussions on formal statistical methods based on Bayesian inference. Subsequent chapters delve into the evaluation and presentation of evidence within specific types or classes of scientific evidence, from DNA analysis to document examination. Each chapter covers the science underlying the analysis and interpretation of forensic materials before presenting cases that highlight various approaches taken in providing expert scientific opinions.

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