Review of Interpreting Evidence, Evaluating Forensic Science in the Courtroom

Abstract

Abstract Interpreting Evidence describes through logic and probability the interpretation of scientific evidence and how it should be presented in a court of law. It accurately and understandably illustrates the use of forensic evidence in conjunction with the other evidence in a case, rather than as an independent probability or value. The authors support the concept of the forensic scientist working in conjunction with the police and either the prosecution or defense. This would facilitate an understanding of the case as a whole and the alternative explanations or hypothesis for a particular piece of evidence. The book advocates allowing evidence to be expressed as a numerical value rather than in the form of probabilities. The authors describe how this method would apply to transfer evidence (including: fingerprint, glass, fibers, and firearms); blood and DNA; as well as to behavioral and handwriting evidence.