Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice

Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice: Critical Issues and Directions, now in its second edition, examines the application of scientific methods and expertise within the legal context, highlighting the utility of these practices in both investigative and adjudicative processes. It explores the realities and challenges of forensic science as opposed to the often-misrepresented myths seen in popular media, offering readers salient insights into the efficacy, efficiency, and impact of forensic analysis on case outcomes.

Featuring chapters authored by contributors from various backgrounds-academia, laboratory direction, legal profession, and research-the book addresses a variety of topics, including the impact of DNA evidence on police investigations, the utility of forensic analysis for non-violent crimes, sustainability of forensic laboratories, and advances in technology such as forensic genetic genealogy. Additional chapters address backlog issues, cognitive biases, ethical concerns in forensic science, and more.

Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice is ideal for courses in forensic science, criminology, criminal justice, and related fields. It effectively bridges theory and real-world application, providing readers with an up-to-date and well-rounded perspective on the integral role of forensic sciences within the judicial process.

Matthew Hickman is Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Forensics at Seattle University. Prior to joining the faculty at Seattle University, he was employed as a statistician at the Bureau of Justice Statistics. He holds a Ph.D. from Temple University and an M.A. from Washington State University, both in criminal justice.

Kevin Strom is Director of the Center for Policing Research and Investigation Science at RTI International. He has led projects to improve the response to violent crime through enhanced investigative practices and community partnerships, studies focused on increasing accountability and efficiencies for forensic evidence processing, and research developing more strategic applications for crime incident and 911 calls-for-service data.