Defining Evidential Fetishism in Forensic Science
This paper defines evidential fetishism in forensic science as the tendency to treat physical traces as inherently meaningful, independent of interpretation, leading to evidence gaining authority as its own testimony. The analysis highlights this structural issue within forensic institutions and advocates for interpretive approaches that acknowledge uncertainty to improve epistemic responsibility.
The phenomenon of “evidence fetishism” in forensic science is defined as treating physical traces as having inherent meaning, separate from necessary interpretation. Drawing on Marxist, semiotic, Freudian, and Ginzburgian theories, the analysis explains how forensic traces gain authority in science and law. The discussion illustrates how evidence becomes its own testimony in court, arguing that this is a structural issue within forensic institutions, not individual error. This “forensic fetish” removes uncertainty by making the trace seem to “speak.” The analysis calls for a focus on interpretation in forensic science to achieve more epistemically responsible approaches that acknowledge uncertainty while maintaining rigor.
- Research Article
1
- 10.32353/khrife.1.2022.02
- Mar 31, 2022
- Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics
The main models of the system of forensic science institutions are considered, for which there are proposals in the draft of Law On Forensic Science Activity. This research purpose is to determine the main models of the system of forensic science institutions in Ukraine, as well as analysis of international experience of forensic science support to justice as for implementation of relevant modern world standards in Ukrainian legislation and their application in practice. The main system models of forensic science institutions are singled out, in particular classical (traditional), neoclassical (updated traditional), radical, mixed (partially radical) and competitive. Integration of Ukrainian system of forensic science support to justice into international community and the entry of domestic forensic science institutions into international organizations uniting foreign forensic science institutions in order to improve procedures for participation of forensic experts in legal proceedings.
- Research Article
- 10.6007/ijarbss/v15-i12/27255
- Dec 16, 2025
- International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Forensic laboratories are vital to criminal investigations and the judicial process, demanding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance?with regulatory standards. Key Total Quality Management (TQM) determinants, such as dedicated leadership, commitment to continual improvement, employee training and performance evaluation emerged as vital drivers of productivity and service quality. These key drivers are particularly significantas forensic institutions transition to digital environment. This article?creates a conceptual framework combining concepts from TQM Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Change Management Theory to explore how forensic institutions can increase productivity and handle employee resistance to change. Although, there have been comprehensive studies of the effects of TQM on manufacturing, healthcare and?the service industries, there is not much study has been given to TQM effects on forensic science institutions within post-Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) environments. The article finds a substantial gap in literature in reference to employee resistance and how does this impact on the TQM driven, quality improvements in the forensic?laboratories. The study emphasizes the need for additional empirical?research to test the framework described here via case studies and longitudinal studies that show the long-term impact of TQM on forensic productivity. Cross-national studies of forensic practice could shine further light on how resistance to change is reflected in various forensic settings, as they will?scrutinize different forensic institutions, legal jurisdictions, and cultural contexts. This way, forensic institutions may fill the gaps with effective quality management approaches, regulatory compliance,?and forensic service delivery. Furthermore, implementing TQM with digital forensic?advancements as a method of addressing the concerns of employees via improved communication will guarantee that forensic institutions could harness the full potential of quality initiatives in post-LIMS environments.
- Research Article
2
- 10.32353/khrife.2.2021.03
- Jan 30, 2022
- Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics
The law enforcement sector of our state is a separate mechanism which each element performs a clearly defined functional role that ensures social justice, protection and security of population, territorial integrity of Ukraine. These factors are an incomplete list of features that explain the importance of state activity in law enforcement or human rights. The latter brings together a large array of different actors each of which is entrusted with part of power or socially significant tasks. However, when carrying out law enforcement activities, authorized entities cannot always be able to address certain complex issues that require specific professional knowledge, skills and abilities. Therefore, for their resolving, law enforcement agencies cooperate with specially authorized entities that powers include conducting forensic examinations, in particular, forensic science institutions. In this context, it should be emphasized that ensuring effective cooperation between forensic institutions and law enforcement agencies is virtually impossible without creating appropriate administrative and legal framework for implementation of legal relations in this direction. It should be noted that in recent years, the legislator scientific circles pays more and more attention to activities of forensic science institutions and law enforcement agencies. However, this does not preclude existence of a number of organizational and legal issues in implementation of these entities of their joint activities. Thereby in the framework of the presented research we aimed to find out essence, content and features of administrative and legal bases of interaction of forensic science institutions with law enforcement agencies, make maximum use of foreign experience, and develop proposals and recommendations to improve legislation in this area.
- Front Matter
12
- 10.1186/2041-2223-2-4
- Jan 1, 2011
- Investigative Genetics
The demise of the United Kingdom's forensic science service (FSS): loss of world-leading engine of innovation and development in the forensic sciences
- Abstract
1
- 10.1016/j.toxac.2022.06.026
- Aug 14, 2022
- Toxicologie Analytique et Clinique
Review of five years of comprehensive NPS analytics and insights into the substance identification workflow of the ADEBAR project
- Research Article
- 10.20297/jsci.2018.12.1.16
- Feb 6, 2018
- The Korean Academy of Scientific Criminal Investigation
미국과 유럽의 법과학계는 증거의 구체적인 데이터를 근거로 신뢰도 및 타당성을 위한 법과학 증거 정량화 연구를 지속하고 있으며, 법과학계의 전통적인 비교방법인 감정인의 주관적 판단에 의한 인적 오류의 문제를 직시하고, 국가 및 감정기관의 지원을 통해 법과학 분과그룹들이 공동으로 법과학 증거의 정량화를 위한 연구를 이어가고 있다. 본 연구에서는 법과학 표준화를 선도적으로 이끌어가고 있는 미국의 법과학 표준화 연구배경, 기구의 설치 및 임무, 조직 간의 유기적, 상호보완적 관계에 대해서 고찰하여 법시장 개방과 더불어 법과학 표준화가 시급한 국내 법과학 연구기관과 감정기관이 나아가야 할 길과 연구기관 모델을 제시하고자 하였다. 증거의 절차 및 감정서 도출에 이르는 세부항목 지침서를 체계적으로 구성하고 있는 미국의 법과학분과위원회(OSAC), 세부분과위원회(subcommittee) 작업을 수행하는 감정, 연구를 수행하는 조직이 필요하다. 또한 감정서를 검토하는 과정에는 사법기관, 학술계 및 정부출연연구소의 전문가로 구성된 검토위원회를 구성하여 서로 보완적이고 상대적인 검정 절차를 수행함으로써 감정 절차를 신속, 정확하게 실행하여 다른 연구소 및 기관으로의 재감정 및 검증되지 않은 민간 감정인에게 의뢰함으로써 발생하는 손실을 방지하고 감정 신뢰도 확보에 기여할 수 있을 것이다.The U.S. and European forensic sciences have been continuing to quantify the reliability and relevancy of research based on the tangible data of crime-related evidence. The forensic examination of the traditional comparative method of the forensic community, to face the problem of human error due to the subjective judgment of the examiners. So, through the support of State and forensic institutions, the detailed portion of the forensic research Group has collectively been conducting research for the quantification of forensic evidence. In this study, we have researched the U.S. forensic standardization research background, installation, established goals, and complementary relationships between organizations in OSAC (organization of Scientific Area committees). We would like to present a rational model with a direction to be presented to the forensic research institutes that require the standardization of forensic science at the beginning of the full opening of the Korean law market. In order to systematically manage the procedures of reasonable evidence and to derive an examination and standardized guidelines, OSAC, a Working Group (subcommittee) requires a structure for standardized research along with forensic tasks. For the scientific results of the forensic examination, the Review committee shall constitute a law enforcement, an academic system, and a professional. Therefore, The aim is to speed up the processing of forensic examination processes and minimize human errors by performing complementary and relative verification procedures. And it is also the prevention of chronic losses from the redundancies between forensic laboratories and the possible losses from referral to unverified private forensic supplier, and It can also contribute to the reliability of the forensic examination procedures.
- Research Article
- 10.32353/khrife.2.2025.04
- Aug 9, 2025
- Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics
Leading role of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine in forensic science management is analyzed, with emphasis on the features of coordination, subordination, planning and information mechanisms, as well as ability to respond to pressing issues and challenges of the present time. It is determined that this activity has a scientific and practical orientation and depends on the departmental affiliation of forensic expertise institutions of Ukraine. A wide range of functional capabilities of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, which vary in form and content, is outlined, in particular, it is noted that expert support of justice is one of its main legislatively enshrined tasks. The purpose of the article is to examine the role of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine as a central coordinating body in the formation of an effective system of forensic support of justice. The main challenges and prospects for improving forensic support of justice in the context of reforming the judicial system and ensuring compliance with international standards in this area are outlined. To achieve the set goal, a set of methods (logical analysis, comparative law, system, statistical analysis, content analysis, etc.) was used. The main areas of activity of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine as a management and coordination body in the field of criminal activity of forensic institutions were identified, in particular: development and implementation of effective state policy in the field of management of forensic activities; optimization of management methods of state forensic institutions and non-state expert organizations; increasing the requirements for judicial activity and its organization; increasing efficiency of activities of judicial institutions of Ukraine, etc.
- Research Article
1
- 10.32353/acfs.3.2021.02
- Oct 3, 2021
- Archives of Criminology and Forensic Sciences
The article reveals the content of international research cooperation of science forensic institutions of Ukraine other countries across the world. One of the main areas of work of forensic science institutions of Ukraine is compliance with European standards for forensic examinations and forensic researches. Because of this current trend at the present stage is to expand participation of forensic science institutions in international cooperation, increase their role in the further development of theory and practice of forensic science and criminalistics. It is concluded that improvement of forensic activity in Ukraine and international cooperation in the field of expert support of justice is one of the leading activities of National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute» of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.
 The international agreements/memoranda with the partner institutions of NSC « Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius FSI» are indicated, in which provisions the main strategic directions of research cooperation in the field of forensic science and criminalistics are determined. It is concluded that in-depth research of problematic aspects of forensic practice, use of the latest and most advanced technology in conducting forensic examinations and forensic researches is the guarantee for to improving efficiency of forensic science institutions of Ukraine and in the near future will open new horizons for forensic science and criminalistics.
- Research Article
- 10.25143/socr.23.2022.2.083-095
- Jan 1, 2022
- SOCRATES. Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Juridiskās fakultātes elektroniskais juridisko zinātnisko rakstu žurnāls / SOCRATES. Rīga Stradiņš University Faculty of Law Electronic Scientific Journal of Law
The issue of using modern foreign experience of preventive activity in criminological work of forensic science institutions of Ukraine has been considered in this study. Peculiarities of the main organisational forms of forensic science activity have been analysed through specialised (forensic science) institutions and through specific specialists, namely: forensic experts (for example, practice of the institute of sworn experts: specialists who took the oath or received a license for forensic examination). Analysis of international standards used in forensic science activity has been carried out. Necessity position of legislative introduction of international standards in process of forensic examination has been revealed and substantiated. The main emphasis is on highlighting problems of cooperation of forensic institutions of Ukraine with foreign experts in preventing terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure. The research aim is to study the use of modern foreign experience in preventive activities in criminological work of forensic expert institutions of Ukraine. The result of the study provides evaluation of the problems of cooperation of forensic institutions of Ukraine with foreign experts in preventing terrorist attacks on critical infrastructure. Based on this evaluation, a proposal is put forward for the improvement of normative regulations. Keywords: forensic science, forensic expert, international standards, prevention, critical infrastructure facilities
- Research Article
1
- 10.32353/acfs.1.2020.11
- Jun 16, 2020
- Archives of Criminology and Forensic Sciences
The article stipulates that national forensic examination can not exist in isolation, only within a single state, it is essential for forensic institutions to promote international cooperation in order to exchange experience, take into consideration modern achievements of science and technology, create specialized areas for expert research. It is stressed that forensic institutions of Ukraine have chosen the path of joining the communities of international forensic institutions, making it possible to improve staffing. The author noted that the purpose of the community of European forensic institutions is to promote: science and research in the field of forensic science; international cooperation in the field of forensic activities; quality of expert research and competence of forensic experts; education and training of forensic experts; developments in forensic science. 
 It is emphasized that the realization of integration of forensic activities, as a result, always aims at harmonizing and improving expert legislation, deepening the theoretical foundations of forensic science, developing of common guidelines for different types of examinations, obtaining international recognition of expert opinion in general, further developing of forensic science, improving professional skills of the staff of forensic institutions.
 It is proved that as a result of the analysis of foreign experience of forensic institutions staffing the following directions of its possible implementation in Ukraine were suggested, such as: development of the European model of ensuring maximum independence and competition of forensic experts; intensification and expansion of participation in the international network of forensic institutions; focus on the training of forensic experts from the «children’s university» on the basis of higher education institutions, which also provide for appropriate internship programs; practice of experts training according to corresponding program under the guidance of a mentor from among highly qualified forensic experts; application of the combined extraordinary certification of forensic experts in case of reasonable doubts as to the required level of professional training, etc.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1016/j.forsciint.2007.04.150
- May 17, 2007
- Forensic Science International
Forensic medicine in Lithuania: Challenges and trends
- Research Article
15
- 10.1007/s007690050361
- May 31, 1999
- Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Forensic examination results play an increasingly important role in bringing many criminal investigations to a successful conclusion. The quality of the results of examinations performed in forensic science laboratories has always been the concern of the individual forensic scientist. The interpretations and results are presented in court to non-experts. Therefore, it is essential to ensure and maintain the highest standards of achievements and accuracy in forensic science. Many factors are important contributors to quality assurance in forensic science. Some unique subjects affect not only the mode of inquiry but also the way in which information is presented to the court, i.e. exhibits collection and sample handling, investigation, examination techniques, report writing and court testimony.
- Research Article
82
- 10.1098/rstb.2014.0264
- Aug 5, 2015
- Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
In this paper, the importance of modern technology in forensic investigations is discussed. Recent technological developments are creating new possibilities to perform robust scientific measurements and studies outside the controlled laboratory environment. The benefits of real-time, on-site forensic investigations are manifold and such technology has the potential to strongly increase the speed and efficacy of the criminal justice system. However, such benefits are only realized when quality can be guaranteed at all times and findings can be used as forensic evidence in court. At the Netherlands Forensic Institute, innovation efforts are currently undertaken to develop integrated forensic platform solutions that allow for the forensic investigation of human biological traces, the chemical identification of illicit drugs and the study of large amounts of digital evidence. These platforms enable field investigations, yield robust and validated evidence and allow for forensic intelligence and targeted use of expert capacity at the forensic institutes. This technological revolution in forensic science could ultimately lead to a paradigm shift in which a new role of the forensic expert emerges as developer and custodian of integrated forensic platforms.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.00990.x
- Feb 24, 2009
- Journal of Forensic Sciences
Journal of Forensic SciencesVolume 54, Issue 2 p. 501-501 Authors’ Response Dan E. Krane Ph.D., Dan E. Krane Ph.D. Wright State University, Dayton, OHE-mail: Dan.Krane@wright.eduSearch for more papers by this authorSimon Ford Ph.D., Simon Ford Ph.D. Lexigen Science and Law Consultants, Inc., San Francisco, CASearch for more papers by this authorJason R. Gilder Ph.D., Jason R. Gilder Ph.D. Forensic Bioinformatics, Inc., Fairborn, OHSearch for more papers by this authorKeith Inman M.Crim., Keith Inman M.Crim. Forensic Analytical Sciences, Inc., Hayward, CASearch for more papers by this authorAllan Jamieson Ph.D., Allan Jamieson Ph.D. The Forensic Institute, Glasgow, UKSearch for more papers by this authorRoger Koppl Ph.D., Roger Koppl Ph.D. Institute for Forensic Science Administration, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJSearch for more papers by this authorIrving L. Kornfield Ph.D., Irving L. Kornfield Ph.D. University of Maine, Orono, MESearch for more papers by this authorD. Michael Risinger J.D., D. Michael Risinger J.D. Seton Hall University School of Law, South Orange, NJSearch for more papers by this authorNorah Rudin Ph.D., Norah Rudin Ph.D. Mountain View, CASearch for more papers by this authorMarc Scott Taylor, Marc Scott Taylor Technical Associates, Inc., Ventura, CASearch for more papers by this authorWilliam C. Thompson J.D., Ph.D., William C. Thompson J.D., Ph.D. Department of Criminology, Law and Society, University of California, Irvine, CASearch for more papers by this author Dan E. Krane Ph.D., Dan E. Krane Ph.D. Wright State University, Dayton, OHE-mail: Dan.Krane@wright.eduSearch for more papers by this authorSimon Ford Ph.D., Simon Ford Ph.D. Lexigen Science and Law Consultants, Inc., San Francisco, CASearch for more papers by this authorJason R. Gilder Ph.D., Jason R. Gilder Ph.D. Forensic Bioinformatics, Inc., Fairborn, OHSearch for more papers by this authorKeith Inman M.Crim., Keith Inman M.Crim. Forensic Analytical Sciences, Inc., Hayward, CASearch for more papers by this authorAllan Jamieson Ph.D., Allan Jamieson Ph.D. The Forensic Institute, Glasgow, UKSearch for more papers by this authorRoger Koppl Ph.D., Roger Koppl Ph.D. Institute for Forensic Science Administration, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJSearch for more papers by this authorIrving L. Kornfield Ph.D., Irving L. Kornfield Ph.D. University of Maine, Orono, MESearch for more papers by this authorD. Michael Risinger J.D., D. Michael Risinger J.D. Seton Hall University School of Law, South Orange, NJSearch for more papers by this authorNorah Rudin Ph.D., Norah Rudin Ph.D. Mountain View, CASearch for more papers by this authorMarc Scott Taylor, Marc Scott Taylor Technical Associates, Inc., Ventura, CASearch for more papers by this authorWilliam C. Thompson J.D., Ph.D., William C. Thompson J.D., Ph.D. Department of Criminology, Law and Society, University of California, Irvine, CASearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 February 2009 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.00990.xCitations: 2Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume54, Issue2March 2009Pages 501-501 RelatedInformation
- Research Article
4
- 10.32353/khrife.2018.19
- Dec 26, 2018
- Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics
The article shows the role of international cooperation in the field of forensic expert activity. On development of forensic expert institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and the expansion of the possibilities for forensic examinations have a positive effect their activity in the implementation of international contacts: the organization of joint international scientific and practical conferences, seminars, internship of specialists with the purpose of sharing work experience, training of forensic experts, familiarization with the organization of activities and advanced methods of conducting forensic examinations and expert studies, allows a specialist there constantly to be aware of the latest achievements of science and to use the experience of their colleagues from other countries. Currently, work is underway to conduct joint scientific developments, training of highly qualified scientific personnel, but this is not specified in Art. 24 of the Law about forensic science, and therefore we propose this article be amended as follows: "State specialized institutions that perform forensic examinations are entitled establish international scientific ties with the institutions of forensic science, criminalistics and so on other states for the purpose of joint research and development, exchange of scientific and methodological information and printed publications, use of common international information funds, data banks, training, retraining and advanced training of forensic experts, international conferences, symposia, seminars, joint publications in forensic science and criminalistics, training of highly qualified scientific personnel". In connection with the further development of international cooperation, it is desirable in the staffing of forensic institutions to provide for such a structural unit as the International Relations Department. In 2018, KhRIFE obtained the Accreditation Certificate for compliance with the requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 17025. The collection of scientific proceedings "Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics" is included in the international scientometric database Index Copernicus. The development of international cooperation in the field of forensic science will contribute to enhancing the scientific and methodological potential of forensic expert institutions, developing new directions and types of forensic expert activity, and increasing the effectiveness of the fight against crime.