Strengthening forensic science in the United States : a path forward /

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Bibliographic Details
Imprint:	Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, 2009.
Description:	1 online resource (xx, 328 pages)
Language:	English
Subject:	Forensic sciences -- United States. Criminal investigation -- United States. Evidence, Criminal -- United States. Criminal investigation. Evidence, Criminal. Forensic sciences. Forensic Sciences -- trends. Coroners and Medical Examiners -- trends. United States. United States.
Format:	E-Resource Book
URL for this record:	http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/11246320

Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:	National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Science Community. National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Science, Technology, and Law. National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics.
ISBN:	0309131316 9780309131315 9780309131353 0309131359 9780309131315 0309131316
Notes:	Includes bibliographical references and index. Print version record.
Summary:	Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.
Other form:	Print version: Strengthening forensic science in the United States. Washington, D.C. : National Academies Press, ©2009 9780309131353

Table of Contents:

Introduction
The forensic science community and the need for integrated governance
The admission of forensic science evidence in litigation law and science
The principles of science and interpreting scientific data
Descriptions of some forensic science disciplines
Improving methods, practice, and performance in forensic science
Strengthening oversight of forensic science practice
Education and training in forensic science
Medical examiner and coroner systems : current and future needs
Automated fingerprint identification systems
Homeland Security and the forensic science disciplines.

Strengthening forensic science in the United States : a path forward /

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