NCJ Number
88831
Editor(s)
E J Imwinkelried
Date Published
1981
Length
1346 pages
Annotation
Following a series of articles on general approaches to the presentation and cross-examination of scientific evidence, this book presents sections on scientific evidence derived from instrumental techniques yielding numerical test results and those producing nonnumerical test results, as well as software techniques (pathology and psychology).
Abstract
General articles on the presentation and cross-examination of scientific evidence deal with the courts' acceptance of scientific tests, evidence law and tactics for the proponents of scientific evidence, and confronting the expert witness from both the prosecution and defense perspectives. The section on scientific evidence produced from instrumental techniques that yield numerical test results includes discussions of statistical problems relating to scientific evidence, accounting testimony in tax cases, scientific evidence in drunken driving cases, glass evidence, detection of gunshot residue on the hands, and toxicology. The discussion of instrumental techniques yielding nonnumerical test results focuses on subjectivity in interpreting instrumental test results, drug testing procedures, explosives, fingerprints, and document examination. Also considered are forensic odontology, polygraphy, forensic serology, and voice identification. The discussion of software scientific techniques covers hypnotic enhancement in suspect identification or as the basis for expert opinion, the parameters of forensic pathology, the proper use of the psychiatric expert, and eyewitness testimony. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on the possibilities and limitations of various scientific evidence. An index is provided, along with footnotes accompanying each chapter. For individual entries, see NCJ 88832-52.