Forensic Science: A Sociological Introduction

Forensic Science provides a comprehensive overview of the sociology of forensic science, exploring the intersection of science, technology, law, and society. It covers key topics such as the integration of science into police work, the relationship between law and science, ethical and social issues raised by new forensic technology, media portrayals of forensic science, forensic policy, and the international agenda for forensic science. The new edition has been updated with new technology, international case studies, and critical appraisal of recent scholarship. It is an excellent introduction to students studying criminal investigation, policing, forensic science, and the sociology of science and technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Forensic Science offers a comprehensive exploration of the sociology of forensic science, drawing on extensive international research and case studies. It delves into the intricate intersection of science, technology, law, and society, examining the processes involved in producing forensic knowledge. The book addresses a wide range of critical topics, including:

The Integration of Science into Police Work and Criminal Investigation: Forensic Science explores how scientific advancements are integrated into police practices and criminal investigations. It examines the role of scientific evidence in law enforcement, the challenges faced in collecting and analyzing evidence, and the ethical considerations involved in using scientific technologies.

The Relationship between Law and Science: Forensic Science examines the complex relationship between law and science. It explores how scientific findings are interpreted and applied in legal proceedings, the role of scientific experts in court, and the implications of scientific advancements on legal systems and policies.

Ethical and Social Issues Raised by New Forensic Technology: Forensic Science addresses the ethical and social issues raised by emerging forensic technologies, such as DNA analysis, facial recognition, and digital forensics. It explores the potential benefits and risks associated with these technologies, the privacy concerns they raise, and the ethical dilemmas they present.

Media Portrayals of Forensic Science: Forensic Science examines the portrayal of forensic science in popular media and the impact of these portrayals on public perception and understanding of forensic science. It explores the ways in which media narratives shape public attitudes toward forensic science and the role of forensic scientists in media representations.

Forensic Policy and the International Agenda for Forensic Science: Forensic Science explores the policy frameworks and international agendas that shape the development and application of forensic science. It examines the role of governments, international organizations, and professional societies in setting standards, guidelines, and policies for forensic science.

This new edition of Forensic Science has been extensively updated to reflect the latest developments in the field, particularly in relation to new technology in DNA technology and facial recognition. Updates and additions include:

Facial Recognition Technology: Forensic Science provides a comprehensive overview of facial recognition technology, including its principles, applications, and ethical considerations. It explores the use of facial recognition in law enforcement, surveillance, and identity verification, and the potential risks and benefits associated with this technology.

Digital Forensics and Its Use in Policing: Forensic Science delves into the use of digital forensics in policing, including the collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence. It examines the techniques and tools used in digital forensics, the challenges faced in investigating cybercrime, and the ethical considerations involved in digital forensics.

Algorithms (such as probabilistic genotyping): Forensic Science discusses the use of algorithms in forensic science, including probabilistic genotyping and other genetic analysis techniques. It explores the potential applications of these algorithms in criminal investigations, forensic identification, and genetic genealogy.

Genealogical Searching: Forensic Science explores the use of genealogical searching in forensic science, including the identification of individuals through genetic genealogy. It examines the techniques and methods used in genealogical searching, the challenges faced in identifying unknown individuals, and the ethical considerations involved in this process.

Phenotyping: Forensic Science discusses the use of phenotyping in forensic science, including the identification and characterization of individuals based on their physical characteristics. It explores the techniques and methods used in phenotyping, the potential applications in criminal investigations, and the ethical considerations involved in this process.

In addition to the updates and additions, this new edition also reviews and critically appraises recent scholarship in the field, providing readers with an international comparative perspective. Engaging with sociological literature to make arguments about the ways in which forensic science is socially constituted and shapes justice, Forensic Science offers an excellent introduction to students about the location of forensic science and the ways it fits within the criminal justice system, as well as systems of professionalization and ethics. It is an important and compelling reading for students taking a range of courses, including criminal investigation, policing, forensic science, and the sociology of science and technology.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367648060
Edition number: 2 ed