Use and usefulness of forensic science in the criminal investigation
(2019) 19th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology — Location: Ghent, Belgium (18.September.2019)
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- Abstract
- The application of forensic science is an integral part of the criminal justice process. However, in recent years, with increasing financial pressure and higher expectations regarding the results and their timeliness, its usefulness is questioned. Evaluative studies taking into account its judicial contribution mainly come to disastrous conclusions. In this study, the flow of traces through the complete process – from the collection of traces at the crime scene, their laboratory analysis, to their use in the investigation, is followed. A particular focus is set on the decision to analyse a trace, a triaging decision especially important when handling large amounts of traces with limited resources, and the actors involved in this decision-making step such as the crime scene investigators, laboratory experts and magistrates in charge of the case. It is argued that a generalist approach, considering all types of traces and their respective utilities, on a case basis leads to the highest added-value of forensic science.
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Citations
Bitzer, S. (2019). Use and usefulness of forensic science in the criminal investigation. 19th Annual Conference of the European Society of Criminology, Ghent, Belgium. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/125858