The History of Forensic-Science Evidence in Criminal Trials and the Role of Early “Successes” in Establishing its Putative Reliability
Dr. Carrie Leonetti
Associate Professor, School of Law
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Abstract:
This Article posits that the history of forensic-science evidence plays a significant role in the unquestioning manner of its modern acceptance. It traces early high-profile forensic science “successes” and the public reactions to them. It argues that the public perception of the “advances” of forensic science continue to play a role in the lack of scrutiny given to these disciplines in admissibility decisions today. It concludes that, when it comes to forensic science, history should play a different role by serving as a critical warning rather than a congratulatory buttress.
Key words: criminal courts, evidence, police, investigatory tools, crimes.