Chapter 1 - Forensic science: Celebrated and vilified

Abstract

Forensic science is making its mark on the worlds of science, the law, and medicine in ways that are being comprehended and appreciated. Concurrently, the power of forensic science to deliver a conviction or an acquittal in the court of law is being questioned, challenged, and scrutinized as never before. Forensic science is simultaneously celebrated and vilified to the point where the constant torrent of kudos and the criticism blur to create a confusing, muddled picture. To forensic practitioners, forensic science is a straightforward application of scientific principles to arrive at a logical, appropriate, and verifiable conclusion. Forensic practitioners have historically contributed to the perception that the reconstruction of a criminal event from limited evidence can only be achieved by a few talented individuals with a special aptitude for such work. The pressure exerted on forensic science and its practitioners in forensic laboratories and in medicolegal offices is immense. No other science is responsible for playing a role in the determination of an individual's guilt or innocence. Because the stakes are so high, the expectations of forensic science are enormous and the scrutiny is razor sharp and appropriately microscopic in nature. The forensic science community's concerns include improving its capacity, an issue that relates to manpower and equipment. The bottom line is that the forensic science community needs additional attention and improved resources to address its deficits and advance its ability to contribute to the criminal justice process.