History Of Wrongful Conviction Using Forensic Science

Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc378140416” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc378140416 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378140417” Annotated Bibliography PAGEREF _Toc378140417 h 1

IntroductionForensic Science refers to the application of a broad spectrum of sciences to answer questions of interest in legal system, especially those related to crime and civil action. Wrongful convictions in legal systems using Forensic Science has been one of the most pressing issues that need to be researched on. This paper provides an annotated bibliography of various scholarly sources that provide evidence of history of wrongful conviction using forensic science.

Annotated BibliographyDowns, J. C. U. & Swienton, A. R. (2012), Ethics in Forensic Science. California: Academic

Press

This book presents various perspectives in approaching and understanding various ethical issues in justice system. It presents various case studies of cases in which individuals have been wrongfully convicted using forensic evidence. The content of this book draws upon the expertise of authors, editors and various contributors. It challenges the reader with the goal of greater understanding of the most recent ethical issues related to forensic science. However, the book discusses more on ethical code related to forensic science, rather than offering history of wrongful convictions based on forensic evidence. Regardless, the book remains one of the most relevant for the topic of study.

Huff, C. R. & Killias, M. (2010). Wrongful Conviction: International Perspectives on

Miscarriages of Justice. Washington: Temple University Press

This book analyzes the presence of wrongful convictions across various nations and their respective criminal justice systems. In chapter 3, the book discusses the risks involved in using forensic science in linking suspects to crimes. The book also provides examples of cases where individuals have been wrongfully convicted linked to crimes or exonerated on the basis of forensic evidence. This book is edited and thus, has reliable and well researched information. Though it does not deeply discuss the topic of study, it is one of the most relevant sources.

Randerson, J., & Coghlan, A. (2004, Jan 31). Forensic evidence stands accused. New Scientist,

181(2432), 6-7. http://search.proquest.com/docview/200396803?accountid=13827

This Journal article reveals cases in which flawed scientific advice given to courts in various nations led to wrongful convictions of thousands of men and women. The authors also present various concerns questioning the reliability of using fingerprints to convict individuals linked to crimes. This article has useful evidence regarding wrongful convictions based on Forensic Science that have occurred in the past. It is also a peer-reviewed journal article and thus, the information provided in it in reliable and authoritative. Therefore it is a relevant source for the topic of study.

Rattner, A. (1988). Convicted but innocent: Wrongful conviction and the criminal justice system. Law and Human Behavior, 12(3), 283-293. doi: 10.1007/BF01044385

This Journal article evaluates studies in forensic from the beginning of 20th century until 1988. It presents various cases of innocent individuals who were tried and wrongly convicted or exonerated from serious crimes in various nations, especially in United States. This is a peer reviewed journal article and thus, it contains authoritative and reliable information. Importantly, it provides useful history of cases of wrongful convictions using forensic science. Therefore, it is one of the most relevant sources for the topic of study.

Petherick, W., Turvey, B. E. & Ferguson, C. E., (2009). Forensic Criminology. California:

Academic Press

This text book is intended to educate readers regarding the nature and extent of forensic casework, particularly those who are involved in assisting administrative inquiries, investigations and legal proceedings. It presents contemporary and relevant case examples to demonstrate the application of forensic criminology. It also discusses the various causes of wrongful convictions and provides evidence using past cases. This is a scholarly source and contains reliable information. The book therefore provides strong and relevant information on the history of wrongful convictions using forensic evidence.

Pyrek, K. (2007). Forensic Science Under Siege: The Challenges of Forensic Laboratories and

the Medico-Legal Death Investigation System. California: Academic Press

In this book, Pyrek notes that the reputations of forensic science laboratories have increasingly come under fire. The book discusses various incidences of false reports, tainted evidence, scientifically flawed testimony and allegations of negligence. The issues discussed in this book are timely and the writer takes an investigatory perspective. The book is also scholarly and takes a research-driven perspective. Therefore, it has strong information, which is relevant for the topic of study.