Handbook of Forensic Science

Forensic science has become increasingly important within contemporary criminal justice, from criminal investigation through to courtroom deliberations, and an increasing number of agencies and individuals are having to engage with its contribution to contemporary justice. This Handbook aims to provide an authoritative map of the landscape of forensic science within the criminal justice system of the UK. It sets out the essential features of the subject, covering the disciplinary, technological, organizational and legislative resources that are brought together to make up contemporary forensic science practice. It is the first full-length publication which reviews forensic science in a wider political, economic, social, technological and legal context, identifying emerging themes on the current status and potential future of forensic science as part of the criminal justice system. With contributions from many of the leading authorities in the field it will be essential reading for both students and practitioners.

Preface 1. The contemporary landscape of forensic science, Jim Fraser and Robin Williams Part 1: Forensic Science Practice Introduction, Jim Fraser and Robin Williams Section 1: Identifying individuals 2. The current status of DNA profiling in the UK, Peter Gill and Tim Clayton 3. Fingerprints, Christophe Champod and Paul Chamberlain 4. Forensic anthropology and human identification from the skeleton, Martin Evison Section 2: Identifying and comparing materials 5. Drugs of abuse, Niamh Nic Daeid and Hilary Buchanan 6. Body fluids in sexual offences, Julie Allard 7. Trace evidence, Max M. Houck 8. Marks, Terry Napier Section 3: Reconstructing events 9. Bloodstain pattern analysis, Adrian Wain and Adrian Linacre 10. Fire investigation policies and practices in the UK, James Munday and Mick Gardiner Part 2: Forensic Science as Investigative Support Introduction, Jim Fraser and Robin Williams 11. Forensic resources and criminal investigations, Amanda Cooper and Lucy Mason 12. DNA databases, Bob Bramley 13. Using forensic science in major crime inquiries, David Barclay 14. Forensic science in UK policing: strategies, tactics and effectiveness, Nick Tilley and Michael Townsley Part 3: Reasoning and the evaluation of scientific evidence Introduction, Jim Fraser and Robin Williams 15. Statistics and forensic science, Colin Aitken 16. Understanding forensic science opinions, Graham Jackson 17. The science of proof: forensic sceince evidence in English criminal trials, Paul Roberts Part 4: Themes and Debates in Contemporary Forensic Science 18. Forensic science and the internationalisation of policing, Tim Wilson 19. Forensic science, ethics and criminal justice, Sheila Willis 20. Professional standards, public protection and the administration of justice, Alan Kershaw 21. The development and enhancement of forensic expertise: higher education and in-service training, Claude Roux and James Robertson 22. The future(s) of forensic investigations, Robin Williams and Jim Fraser

Jim Fraser is Professor of Forensic Science and Director of the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Forensic Science, Chair of the European Academy of Forensic Science and Associate Director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research. Robin Williams is Professor Emeritus in the School of Applied Social Sciences at Durham University, Professor in the School of Applied Sciences at Northumbria University, and co-author (with Paul Johnson) of Genetic Policing (Willan Publishing, 2008).