Forensic draft accepted.pdf (1.63 MB)
The unrealized promise of forensic science – a study of its production and use
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 22:54 authored by James M Anderson, Carl Matthies, Sarah Greathouse, Amalavoyal ChariAmalavoyal ChariIn theory, forensic science provides objective, dispassionate evidence in criminal justice proceedings often charged with emotion, cognitive biases, and the failings of human recollection. By being theoretically objective and independent from other actors and processes in the criminal justice process, forensic science has the potential to make the criminal process more reliable by reducing both wrongful convictions and unsolved crimes. But how does it work in practice? Its leading role in many wrongful convictions suggests caution. To better understand the actual role of forensic science, we collected data on the prevalence and use of forensic evidence in five jurisdictions in multiple stages of the criminal process. We also analyzed existing data on crime labs and conducted an experimental survey of prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys to measure the effect of forensic evidence on the plea-bargaining process. Our findings are sobering. While forensic evidence is regularly in homicide cases, it is(still) being analyzed in only a small fraction of cases in which it is available. In those few cases, its use is highly limited by resource constraints, resulting in long turnaround times for less serious offenses, which encourage police and prosecutors to rely on other types of evidence. When it is used, it is often tested late in the criminal process, sometimes to meet juror expectations. While an understandable reaction to limited forensic resources, this late timing may lead to both unsolved crimes and pressure to conform to pre existing theories of guilt. Despite the theoretical potential of forensic science to improve the reliability of the criminal process, the way it is actually used squanders many of its advantages. As a result, the potential of forensic evidence to improve the criminal process remains largely unrealized.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Berkeley Journal of Criminal LawISSN
1934-9629Publisher
Berkeley LawExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
26Page range
121-180Department affiliated with
- Economics Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- No
Legacy Posted Date
2021-01-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-06-25First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-01-27Usage metrics
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