Wrongful convictions are the result of faulty or false scientific evidence in 50% of the cases. Defense counsel is often at a great disadvantage in defending against evidence based on science. Illusory Evidence: The Psychology and Sociology of Wrongful Convictions is written for the non-scientist, to make complicated scientific information clear and concise enough for attorneys and judges to master. This is obtained by providing case studies to simplify issues in forensic psychology for the legal professional.

Forensic Science Reform: Protecting the Innocent is written for the nonscientist to help make complicated scientific information clear and concise enough for attorneys and judges to master. This volume covers physical forensic science, namely arson, shaken baby syndrome, non-accidental trauma, bite marks, DNA, ballistics, comparative bullet lead analysis, fingerprint analysis, and hair and fiber analysis, and contains valuable contributions from leading experts in the field of forensic science.

Expert witness books tend to be dry and strictly formulative in style. Most provide lists of evidence rules (in mind-numbing legalese) and tips about being clever and convincing in court. You won t find much of that in "Forensic Testimony: Science, Law and Forensic Evidence."

His book focuses on the responsibilities of witnesses going into courts to speak on their forensic technical expertise and analyses. "Forensic Testimony" does have a broad view of legal terms and vocabulary available as a glossary, but each of the 12 chapters take on the hard subjects present in today s cases, courtrooms, and news media. Information regarding junk versus established or validated forensic subjects. These topics are sharply discussed and cover subjects such as forensic fraud, forensic negligence, and incompetence. So expect the good with the bad as this book shows why the NAS 2009 report of Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States" has been singularly ignored by most forensic practitioner groups. This is a true failure of effect never seen in the history of the National Research Council researchers of the NAS (formed in 1916 to provide independent scientific advice for the US government). Full documentation of failures of individual experts and some less than scientifically validated forensics are compared to proper conduct, attitude and presentation of actual scientific data versus personal opinion. The fallacy in forensic circles that it s not real science but we still do good work is thrown against cases of criminal exonerations after erroneous convictions aided by misguided forensic experts and their court-accepted but not so validated methods.

In closing, "Forensic Testimony" should be an eye-opener for students studying criminal justice and forensic science. The old-guard forensic experts (and their progeny) are well described as they continue to preach their self-righteous claims of 100% accuracy and service to their communities as a substitute for proper validation. Prosecution lawyers and their opponents in the Criminal Defense bar will learn about how wrongful convictions are occurring throughout the US justice system when bad forensics or overreaching forensic experts participate in courts. Judges interested in education and legal research should find the book stimulating with its content of case-based critique of expert witnesses calling themselves scientists but lacking a grasp of the scientific method as support.
A multi-disciplinary forensic reference examining the strengths and weaknesses of forensic science in courtroom testimonyFocuses on forensic testimony and judicial decisions in light of all the Rules, case interpretations, and the NAS report findingsCase studies, some from the Innocence Project, assist the reader in distinguishing good testimony from bad
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Forensic Dental Evidence, Second Edition" provides the base for investigating, identifying and processing forensic dental evidence. This edition leads off with an explanation of dental nomenclature and quickly advances to the newest developments in trace dental evidence, methods for trace DNA evidence, and mass disaster cases (9/11, Bali, Thailand). Bowers covers how digital imaging of evidence has assisted in cases where incarcerated individuals have been exonerated. This volume provides the necessary tools and practical suggestions for forensic scientists and investigators charged with analysis of a crime scene. With an emphasis on the proper use of scientific methods, knowledge of analytical limitations and the necessity for team training, planning and multi-level management, "Forensic Dental Evidence, Second Edition" provides invaluable practical information. Contemporary cases and interesting historic cases, including an Egyptian mummy and Adolf Hitler, demonstrate relevant case methods.

This is a must-have resource for forensic scientists and law enforcement involved in processing crime scenes and conducting criminal investigations. This book will serve as an excellent reference for medical examiners, forensic pathologists, defense and prosecuting attorneys and crime scene investigators who need the latest in forensic information.
Contributions by internationally recognized and experienced forensic experts cover missing persons cases and mass disaster cases from around the worldContains over 200 full-color photographs of crime scene evidence, human identification cases and bitemark detailsIncludes many new exoneration cases derived from the Editor's work with the Innocence Project