The Coming Paradigm Shift in Forensic Identification Science

Science, Vol. 309, p. 892, August 2005

4 Pages Posted: 26 Feb 2007

Abstract

Converging legal and scientific forces are pushing the traditional forensic identification sciences toward fundamental change. The assumption of discernible uniqueness that resides at the core of these fields is weakened by evidence of errors in proficiency testing and in actual cases. Changes in the law pertaining to the admissibility of expert evidence in court, together with the emergence of DNA typing as a model for a scientifically defensible approach to questions of shared identity, are driving the older forensic sciences toward a new scientific paradigm.

Keywords: forensic science, scientific evidence, forensics

Suggested Citation

Saks, Michael J. and Koehler, Jonathan J., The Coming Paradigm Shift in Forensic Identification Science. Science, Vol. 309, p. 892, August 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=962968

Michael J. Saks (Contact Author)

Arizona State University (ASU) - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law ( email )

111 E. Taylor Street
MC-9520
Phoenix, AZ 85004
United States

Jonathan J. Koehler

Northwestern University - Pritzker School of Law ( email )

375 E. Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
United States

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