A History of Forensic Science in 10 Publications

1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-1-394-17076-0
Verlag: John Wiley & Sons

Buch, Englisch, 320 Seiten, Format (B × H): 170 mm x 244 mm, Gewicht: 708 g

Explores the foundations of forensic science through its most influential and transformative publications

A History of Forensic Science in 10 Publications offers a unique and essential account of how forensic science has evolved into the complex, multidisciplinary field it is today. Unlike dramatized portrayals in popular media, this book provides a grounded, scholarly perspective on the real-world development of forensic practice through a detailed examination of ten pivotal publications. Author Sean Doyle, a highly respected practitioner with nearly five decades of experience in the field, charts the intellectual and scientific journey that has shaped modern forensic science—from early procedural texts to contemporary debates around interpretation, bias, and standardization.

Each chapter situates a landmark publication within its broader historical, scientific, and legal context, tracing its influence on subsequent research, professional standards, and the justice system. Doyle demonstrates how these works have sparked methodological shifts, provoked philosophical debates, prompted regulatory reforms, and led the way to current practices. The book’s clear and engaging analytical narrative offers a structured way to understand how forensic science has been, and continues to be shaped by its literature.

Filling a critical gap in scholarship by focusing on the foundational texts that have informed both practice and policy, A History of Forensic Science in 10 Publications: - Integrates historical, scientific, and legal perspectives into a unified narrative of forensic development
- Highlights lesser-known yet pivotal works that are often overlooked in current curricula and literature
- Connects foundational publications to contemporary practices such as probabilistic genotyping and forensic genealogy
- Discusses the evolving principles behind forensic interpretation, objectivity, and standardization
- Demonstrates how scientific literature has influenced legal outcomes, regulatory frameworks, and public understanding

Organized into thematic chapter groupings that guide readers through related developments and incremental research, A History of Forensic Science in 10 Publications: How They Established Current Practice is ideal for undergraduate students in forensic science, criminal justice, and criminology programs, as well as educators, legal professionals, and general readers interested in the science behind crime-solving.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Doyle, Sean

Fachgebiete

• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizinische Fachgebiete Forensik, Rechtsmedizin, Gerichtsmedizin
• Naturwissenschaften Chemie Analytische Chemie
• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Vorklinische Medizin: Grundlagenfächer Physik, Chemie, Biologie für Mediziner

Inhaltsverzeichnis

About the Author xi

Acknowledgements xiii

List of Abbreviations xv

Terms, Definitions and Explanations xix

Introduction 1

1 The Handbook 11

Name of the Publication 11

Introduction 12

Biography of the Publication 13

Professional Biography of the Author 15

Contexts 17

Science 17

History 19

The Structure of the Handbook and Relevant Content 20

Introduction 20

Part 1 ‘General’ 22

The Investigating Officer 22

Inspection of Localities 24

Equipment of the Investigating Officer p 243 26

The Expert and How to Make Use of Him 26

Impact at the Time 31

Impact Today 32

Contribution to Current Practice 32

Concluding Remarks 33

Key Takeaways 33

Notes 34

Bibliography 34

2 The Exchange Principle 37

Name of the Publication 38

Introduction 38

Biography of the Publication 39

Biography of the Author 40

Key Publications 42

Motivation for Writing 42

Contexts 42

Scientific/Technical 42

Historical 44

Social/Society 44

Structure of the Publication 45

Impact at the Time 48

Impact Today 48

Contribution to Current Practice 48

Concluding Remarks 49

Key Takeaways 49

Notes 49

Bibliography 49

3 The Ontogeny of Criminalistics – Questions and an Agenda 51

Name of the Publication 51

Introduction 52

Biography of the Publication 53

Professional Biography of the Author 53

Volmer and Kirk Establishing Criminalistics at UC Berkeley 53

Kirk’s War Years 1942–1945 54

Ultramicroanalysis 54

UC Berkeley Criminology/Criminalistics 54

Kirk’s First Book 55

Famous Case 56

Kirk Awards 56

Other Publications 57

Contexts 57

History 57

Science 58

Society 59

Structure and Relevant Contents 59

Intro

Über Autor(innen)

Sean Doyle is a forensic scientist with extensive expertise in forensic chemistry, explosives, and crime scene investigation. He began his career at the UK Laboratory of the Government Chemist and later led casework and research at the Forensic Explosives Laboratory under the UK Ministry of Defence. He now directs Linked Forensic Consultants Ltd in New Zealand. An active lecturer and member of international forensic standards committees, Doyle has made significant contributions to forensic science practice and education.