Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways, Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice is structured around current research on how forensic evidence is being used and how it is impacting the justice system. This unique book—written by nationally known scholars in the field—includes five sections that explore the demand for forensic services, the quality of forensic services, the utility of forensic services, post-conviction forensic issues, and the future role of forensic science in the administration of justice. The authors offer policy-relevant directions for both the criminal justice and forensic fields and demonstrate how the role of the crime laboratory in the American justice system is evolving in concert with technological advances as well as changing demands and competing pressures for laboratory resources.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments Section I. The Demand for Forensic Services Chapter 1. A Historical Review of the Demand for Forensic Evidence - Joseph L. Peterson Introduction Estimating the Demand for Forensic Evidence What Is Physical Evidence and What Can It Tell Us? Physical Evidence Presence--Historical Indicators Macro Forces Influencing Utilization Patterns Crime Laboratory Census Results Up-to-Date Utilization Patterns From the "Role and Impact" Study Conclusion References Chapter 2. Is There Evidence of a "CSI Effect"? - Rachel Dioso-Villa Introduction CSI′s Depictions of Forensic Science Cultivation Theory Typology of CSI Effects Found in Media Accounts Evidence of the CSI Effect The Perceived CSI Effect Juror Expectations and Their Understanding of Forensic Science What Can Be Done? Conclusion References Chapter 3. What We Know (and Don′t Know) About Evidence Backlogs - Matthew J. Hickman and Kevin J. Strom Introduction What Is a "Backlog"? What Are the Sources of Backlog? What Do We "Know" About the Nature and Scope of Forensic Backlog? The Problem of Artificial Backlog Do Backlogs Represent Justice Delayed and Justice Denied, or Simply Justice "Satisficed"? References Section II. The Quality of Forensic Services Chapter 4. Adopting a Research Culture in the Forensic Sciences - Barry A. J. Fisher Introduction Why a Research Culture Does Not Currently Exist in the Forensic Sciences Recent Developments in the Forensic Sciences Factors Affecting the Admissibility of Forensic Science Contemporary Challenges Facing Forensic Science References Chapter 5. Minimizing Contextual Bias in Forensic Casework - Reinoud D. Stoel, Charles E. H. Berger, Wim Kerkhoff, Erwin J. A. T. Mattijssen, and Itiel E. Dror Introduction Historical Background Psychological Background Levels of Contextual Information How to Deal With Contextual Information Outlook and Conclusion References Chapter 6. A Survey of Ethical Issues in the Forensic Sciences - Jay Siegel Introduction Discussion of Ethical Issues Toward a National Code of Ethics in Forensic Science Section III. The Utility of Forensic Services Chapter 7. The Impact of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice: Evidence From Case-Processing Studies - Sally Kelty, Roberta Julian, and Robert Hayes Introduction The Impact of Forensic Evidence (FE) on Solvability and Case-Processing Outcomes: Evidence From the Literature Conceptual Framework and Case-Processing Model of Critical Decisions and Leakage Points in Homicide Cases: Findings From the Effectiveness of Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice System (EFS) Project Conclusion Cases References Chapter 8. Assessing the Utility of DNA Evidence in Criminal Investigations - Michael D. White, Andrea R. Borrego, and David A. Schroeder Introduction Empirical Evidence on the Utility of DNA Evidence in Criminal Investigations Explanatory Frameworks for Understanding Law Enforcement′s Use of DNA Evidence Conclusion References Chapter 9. Forensic Science: The Prosecutor′s Role - Nina W. Chernoff Introduction The Rules That Govern Prosecutors′ Use of Forensic Evidence Why the Rules Do Not Produce Prosecutors Who Are Honest About the Reliability of Forensic Evidence The Need for Accuracy Advocates Conclusion Notes Section IV. Post-Conviction Issues Chapter 10. The Problems and Challenges of Evidence Retention - John M. Collins Jr. Introduction Personnel Safe and Secure Facilities Inventory and Disposition Forensic Testing Jurisdictional Case Management Conclusion References Chapter 11. Innovation, Success, Error, and Confidence in Forensic DNA Testing - Kristen Skogerboe Introduction History of DNA and Its Application in Criminal Justice The Role of DNA in Highlighting Limitations in Other Forensic Disciplines The Intersection of Success, Innovation, and Risk of Error in DNA Testing The Road to Testing and Exonerations: DNA From a Chemist′s Perspective Innovation, Challenges, and Emerging Issues in Forensic DNA Testing Achieving and Maintaining Confidence With a Research Mentality and Quality Assurance References Section V. The Future Role of Forensic Science in the Administration of Justice Chapter 12. Developing New Business Models for Forensic Laboratories - Max M. Houck and Paul J. Speaker Introduction Economic Foundations Metrics and Measurement A Balanced View Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness Identifying the Best Business Models for Forensic Laboratories Conclusion References Chapter 13. Rethinking the Role of the Crime Laboratory in Criminal Justice Decision Making - Kevin J. Strom and Matthew J. Hickman Introduction The Changing Role of the Crime Laboratory Laboratory Decision Making Promising Examples of Crime Laboratory Decision-Making Policies Conclusion References Chapter 14. The Future of Forensic Science - Walter F. Rowe Introduction Technological Developments Administrative Changes in Forensic Science Forensic Science Education Conclusion References Index About the Editors About the Contributors