Forensic Identification and Criminal Justice

Introduction 1. Forensic identification: the legal framework. Police investigations and forensic identity evidence. Fingerprints and DNA sampling: the legal framework 2. Forensic identification: the criminal investigation. DNA and police investigations. The DNA Expansion Programme. DNA and criminal detection rates. Forensic science and criminal investigation: a case for caution?. Conclusion: forensic identification and the criminal process 3. Forensic identification: the criminal trial. The criminal trial: fairness or truth?. Identity 'matches': acceptance of fingerprint and DNA evidence. The criminal trial: certainty and rectitude. Conclusion: forensic identification and the criminal trial. Forensic identification and criminal justice 4. The development of forensic identity databases. The development of forensic identity databases. Fingerprint databasing. A sceptical approach to forensic identity databases. Forensic identity databases: some new risks. Forensic identity databases: current problems, future risks. Conclusion: the endangerment of innocence in the pursuit of security 5. Forensic identification in other jurisdictions. Europe Pan-European developments. Interpol USA Canada New Zealand and Australia. Conclusion: England and Wales - leading the way? 6. The future of forensic identification: issues and prospects. Fingerprints and DNA in the 'fight against crime'. Future applications for forensic identification technologies. Forensic identification: human rights and civil liberties. Forensic identity databases: issues and prospects. The 'infallibility' of forensic identification. The information society: heading for 'information overload'?. Conclusion: Cause for optimism, pessimism, or scepticism?