Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice
Critical Issues and Directions
(Second Edition)
©2026, 338 pages
Paperback list price: $134.95
Cognella Direct Ebook: $92.95
You save $42 (31%)
Learn about all formats available for adoption
Bookstore Managers: contact orders@cognella.com to place an order
Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice: Critical Issues and Directions, now in its second edition, examines the application of scientific methods and expertise within the legal context, highlighting the utility of these practices in both investigative and adjudicative processes. It explores the realities and challenges of forensic science as opposed to the often-misrepresented myths seen in popular media, offering readers salient insights into the efficacy, efficiency, and impact of forensic analysis on case outcomes.
Featuring chapters authored by contributors from various backgrounds—academia, laboratory direction, legal profession, and research—the book addresses a variety of topics, including the impact of DNA evidence on police investigations, the utility of forensic analysis for non-violent crimes, sustainability of forensic laboratories, and advances in technology such as forensic genetic genealogy. Additional chapters address backlog issues, cognitive biases, ethical concerns in forensic science, and more.
Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice is ideal for courses in forensic science, criminology, criminal justice, and related fields. It effectively bridges theory and real-world application, providing readers with an up-to-date and well-rounded perspective on the integral role of forensic sciences within the judicial process.
Chapters and Contributors include:
Preface
Section I - The Demand for Forensic Services
Chapter 1: A Historical Review of the Demand for Forensic Services - Matthew J. Hickman and Kevin J. Strom
Chapter 2: Is There Evidence of a “CSI Effect”? - Rachel Dioso-Villa
Chapter 3: What We Know (and Don’t Know) about Forensic Evidence Backlogs - Hannah Feeney, Kevin J. Strom & Matthew J. Hickman
Section II - The Quality of Forensic Services
Chapter 4: Adopting a Research Culture in the Forensic Sciences - Barry A. J. Fisher
Chapter 5: Cognitive Bias in Forensic Casework - Carla L. MacLean
Chapter 6: A Survey of Ethical Issues in the Forensic Science - Peter Stout and Lynn Garcia
Section III - The Utility of Forensic Services
Chapter 7: The Impact of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Outcomes - Sally F. Kelty, Roberta Julian, and Robert Hayes
Chapter 8: Advances in Forensic Genetic Techniques - Ashley Rodriguez and Heather McKiernan
Chapter 9: The Role of Medicolegal Death Investigation in the Administration of Justice - Kelly Keyes
Section IV - Postconviction Issues
Chapter 10: The Problems and Challenges of Evidence Retention - John M. Collins, Jr.
Chapter 11: The Power and Limits of Forensic DNA Analysis - Jason Chute and Misty Marra
Section V - The Future Role of Forensic Science in the Administration of Justice
Chapter 12: Developing New Business Models for Forensic Laboratories - Max M. Houck and Paul J. Speaker
Chapter 13: The Future of Forensic Science Through Technological Advancements - Jeri D. Ropero-Miller and Nicole S. Jones
Index
About the Authors
Featuring chapters authored by contributors from various backgrounds—academia, laboratory direction, legal profession, and research—the book addresses a variety of topics, including the impact of DNA evidence on police investigations, the utility of forensic analysis for non-violent crimes, sustainability of forensic laboratories, and advances in technology such as forensic genetic genealogy. Additional chapters address backlog issues, cognitive biases, ethical concerns in forensic science, and more.
Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice is ideal for courses in forensic science, criminology, criminal justice, and related fields. It effectively bridges theory and real-world application, providing readers with an up-to-date and well-rounded perspective on the integral role of forensic sciences within the judicial process.
Chapters and Contributors include:
Preface
Section I - The Demand for Forensic Services
Chapter 1: A Historical Review of the Demand for Forensic Services - Matthew J. Hickman and Kevin J. Strom
Chapter 2: Is There Evidence of a “CSI Effect”? - Rachel Dioso-Villa
Chapter 3: What We Know (and Don’t Know) about Forensic Evidence Backlogs - Hannah Feeney, Kevin J. Strom & Matthew J. Hickman
Section II - The Quality of Forensic Services
Chapter 4: Adopting a Research Culture in the Forensic Sciences - Barry A. J. Fisher
Chapter 5: Cognitive Bias in Forensic Casework - Carla L. MacLean
Chapter 6: A Survey of Ethical Issues in the Forensic Science - Peter Stout and Lynn Garcia
Section III - The Utility of Forensic Services
Chapter 7: The Impact of Forensic Evidence on Criminal Justice Outcomes - Sally F. Kelty, Roberta Julian, and Robert Hayes
Chapter 8: Advances in Forensic Genetic Techniques - Ashley Rodriguez and Heather McKiernan
Chapter 9: The Role of Medicolegal Death Investigation in the Administration of Justice - Kelly Keyes
Section IV - Postconviction Issues
Chapter 10: The Problems and Challenges of Evidence Retention - John M. Collins, Jr.
Chapter 11: The Power and Limits of Forensic DNA Analysis - Jason Chute and Misty Marra
Section V - The Future Role of Forensic Science in the Administration of Justice
Chapter 12: Developing New Business Models for Forensic Laboratories - Max M. Houck and Paul J. Speaker
Chapter 13: The Future of Forensic Science Through Technological Advancements - Jeri D. Ropero-Miller and Nicole S. Jones
Index
About the Authors
Matthew Hickman is Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Forensics at Seattle University. Prior to joining the faculty at Seattle University, he was employed as a statistician at the Bureau of Justice Statistics. He holds a Ph.D. from Temple University and an M.A. from Washington State University, both in criminal justice.
Kevin Strom is Director of the Center for Policing Research and Investigation Science at RTI International. He has led projects to improve the response to violent crime through enhanced investigative practices and community partnerships, studies focused on increasing accountability and efficiencies for forensic evidence processing, and research developing more strategic applications for crime incident and 911 calls-for-service data.
Formats and Bulk Order Pricing for Confirmed Adoptions
Publisher Direct Versions — Available through the Cognella Student Store for confirmed adoptions |
||
|
$92.95
Best Value! |
Publisher Direct Ebook | Publisher Direct ebooks are available in your Cognella account immediately after purchase and provide access for 180 days. Our ebooks run on VitalSource and RedShelf with perpetual/annual options available. |
|
$119.95
Shipping Included! |
Publisher Direct Paperback | These special, discounted paperback editions are sold exclusively through the Cognella Student Store (store.cognella.com) for confirmed adoptions. They are not available through other retailers. The books are printed on demand, do not have an ISBN, and are not intended for resale, which results in savings we pass along to students. Most Publisher Direct Paperbacks also come with free, immediate access to the first 30% of the ebook and shipping included. |
Higher Education Bookstore Pricing — These suggested retail prices include a total projected mark-up of 25% |
||
|
Inclusive Access Available!
|
Ebook 978-1-7935-9938-4 |
We partner with VitalSource, Kortext, and RedShelf to provide day-one access to students through campus bookstores. Bookstores and these vendors share in the total projected mark-up. Learn more about Inclusive Access at cognella.com/inclusive-access. Contact us for details. |
| $134.95 | Paperback 979-8-8233-4519-4 |
Standard paperback version. Contact us for course adoptions; also available for individual purchase through national wholesalers and retailers — and from our website directly — see Purchase button above. |
| See more options | ||
| Other Formats Talk to a rep for details |
Other formats (perforated, hardcover, etc.) may be available. Contact us for course adoptions; specialty formats are not available for individual purchase. | |
Adopting instructors will receive PowerPoints and test banks.
