Pioneers in Forensic Science: Innovations and Issues in Practice PDF
Preview Pioneers in Forensic Science: Innovations and Issues in Practice
Pioneers in Forensic Science Innovations and Issues in Practice http://taylorandfrancis.com Pioneers in Forensic Science Innovations and Issues in Practice Kelly M. Pyrek CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300 Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742 © 2018 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, an Informa business No claim to original U.S. Government works Printed on acid-free paper International Standard Book Number-13: 978-1-4987-8529-7 (Hardback) This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or the consequences of their use. 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Visit the Taylor & Francis Web site at http://www.taylorandfrancis.com and the CRC Press Web site at http://www.crcpress.com For Judi and Tony. http://taylorandfrancis.com Contents Preface ix Acknowledgments xi About the Author xiii Chapter 1 The Forensic Science Experts: Pioneers, Masters, and Students 1 Paying Homage to the Masters 6 Carrying on the Kirk Legacy 8 References 23 Chapter 2 Flaws and Fraud: The Accusations against Forensic Science 25 The Report Heard ’Round the World 26 Purported Errors and Fraud Committed by Forensic Examiners 30 Purported Bias on the Part of Forensic Practitioners 33 Addressing Pseudoscience 45 Lack of Research in Forensic Science 49 The DNA Standard 58 Reaction to the 2009 NAS Report 60 References 66 Chapter 3 Quality Improvement in Forensic Laboratories 69 Education and Training of Forensic Laboratory Personnel 81 Certification of Forensic Laboratory Personnel 94 Proficiency Testing of Forensic Laboratory Personnel 95 Accreditation of Forensic Laboratories 99 Ethics of Forensic Laboratory Personnel 104 An Identity Crisis? 111 Breaches in Ethics and Wrongful Convictions 114 References 119 vii viii Contents Chapter 4 Quality Improvement in Forensic Medicine Facilities 121 Grooming and Growing Professionals: Certification and Accreditation of Medicolegal Death Investigation Offices 122 Standards and Accreditation in the Medicolegal Death Investigation System 138 References 159 Chapter 5 Celebrity and the Forensic Scientist 161 Life Imitates Art 162 Lights, Camera,… Courtroom 168 The CSI Effect 190 Rise of the Scientific Celebrity 202 References 204 Chapter 6 The Future of Forensic Science 207 Creating Federal Oversight and Quality Assurance 210 Addressing Bias, Increasing Reliability, and Fostering Independence 218 Enhancing and Facilitating Research 226 The Forensic Science Research Agenda 230 Technical Merit Standards 243 Research Funding 248 The Search for Standards and Creating a Culture of Science 251 Statistics in Forensic Science Reform 255 Education and Training 258 Privatization as a Response to Forensic Science Issues 264 Likelihood of Progress in the Future 268 References 272 Index 277 Preface This book is a celebration of the expertise and contributions of leading members of the forensic science community, explored through the framework and context of the chal- lenges faced by the profession. The inherent danger of such an endeavor is failing to be inclusive of every individual of merit; while no book can possibly include every practi- tioner, I have tried to include some of the more visible persons as a representation of the various disciplines and perspectives. The pursuit of reform in forensic science has been an arduous journey. This book aims to refresh the reader on past attempts at course correction, present efforts at quality improvement, and future imperatives that require reconciliation of failures and triumphs within the medicolegal system. While the old guard has practiced according to the techniques handed down by the masters, the next generation needs to synthesize the best of two worlds—the tried-and- true concepts and protocols, blended with the new agenda to improve reliability, raise standards, and enhance the field that drives the U.S. justice system. The spirit of this book is unabashedly supportive of forensic science, tempered by the realistic understanding that every profession requires reexamination as science, technol- ogy, and techniques evolve, and that progress can only be made when past, present, and future coexist as teacher and student. I hope you’ll join me on this journey of remember- ing all that makes forensic science an exceptional enterprise, and all that serves to pro- voke change and stimulate continued dialogue. ix
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