Critical Forensic Studies

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the emerging interdisciplinary field of critical forensic studies. It reviews existing research and scholarship on forensic science from a critical social science perspective, while forging a blueprint for further work in this area. Forensic science has long captured the public imagination, as evidenced by the popularity of many novels, television programmes, and true-crime podcasts. At the same time, its role in the criminal justice system has been the subject of critique from scholars and practitioners in diverse fields. In response, the international forensic science community has become more involved in the scrutiny of its own knowledge and practices in relation to criminal justice objectives.

Moving beyond a discussion of forensic science as a suite of specialised scientific disciplines that aim to provide evidence to the courts, Critical Forensic Studies offers critical insights relevant to a wide range of social actors in the criminal justice system. Core content includes:

• the history and public understandings of forensic science
• the professionalisation of forensic science
• forensic science as a social process
• crime scene examination and forensic intelligence
• experts and evidence in court
• technological advances and human rights
• interdisciplinary knowledge, practice and research

This book is essential reading for forensic and criminal justice practitioners and students across criminology, sociology, forensic science, law, and psychology.

About the Authors

Roberta Julian is Emeritus Professor of Sociology in the School of Social Sciences and founding Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies at the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Loene Howes is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Rob White is Distinguished Professor of Criminology in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Tasmania, Australia.