| Contents Notes |
Forensic science: celebrated and vilified -- The stakeholders in forensic science: roles, perspectives, and expectations -- An introduction to the U.S. forensic laboratory system -- The U.S. forensic laboratory system under siege -- The reality of the U.S. forensic laboratory system -- An introduction to the U.S. medico-legal death investigation system -- The U.S. medico-legal death investigation system under siege -- The real story of the U.S. medico-legal death investigation system -- The courts: battlefield for the truth and a changing paradigm -- Not all science is created equal -- DNA: convicting the guilty, exonerating the innocent -- The evidence trilogy and forensic science -- The stakeholders in court: judges, juries, experts, and attorneys -- The champions of forensic science: advocacy and funding efforts -- The road to redemption: an agenda for reform -- New initiatives and the future of forensic science -- Looking out for decedents and defendants: taking a cue from health care. "The medico-legal community is under attack for reasons of vital interest to forensic practitioners. The medical investigation system as a whole, and forensic laboratories in particular, are wrestling with problems that stem from under-funding, towering case loads, a shortage of qualified personnel, and the difficulties that arise from having a reputation under fire. Forensic Science Under Siege explores the timely, far-reaching and interrelated issues involving these two medico-legal branches of service."--Jacket. |
