Emerging and Advanced Technologies in Diverse Forensic Sciences

Book excerpt: An important contribution to the professional work performed in the areas on emerging technologies, this book provides an extensive expansion of the literature base on contemporary theories and investigative techniques used in the forensic sciences. Forensic science, as a relatively new field of research still actively identifying itself in the larger landscape of the sciences, has been sharply criticized for utilizing techniques deemed largely unscientific by subject area experts. This book presents a collective analysis and review of the existing challenges as well as directions for state-of-the-art practices found in diverse forensic settings, enabling the reader to make an informed decision about the scientific validity of forensic techniques, and emphasizes the need for a greater understanding of the use of the most appropriate methodology and procedures. The contributors address cutting-edge, developing, and even hypothetical techniques and technologies in forensics research and practice, especially as it relates to the sphere of criminal justice and law enforcement in contemporary society. A useful work for forensics professionals, and students and scholars working in the fields of politics and technology, criminal justice, forensic psychology, police psychology, law enforcement, and forensic science.