Forensic science supports the legal profession by scientifically ascertaining facts for use in resolving disputes. The principles of forensic science are the principles of science as constrained by the law. This dissertation addresses the problem that there is no clear statement of science or the scientific method upon which to base, or to assess, the examinations of forensic science. / The law imposes three requirements on its deliberations and thus on forensic science: evidential proof is necessary in legal decisions, such proof must be compatible with the nature of legal decisions and that proof must meet the requirement of evidentiary reliability. Developing proof is an iterative process of constructing, testing and evaluating a theory relating to the issues in dispute. This cyclic process operates at three levels: the case theory, a hypothesis to test the theory and testing procedures to assess whether the hypothesis is false. / The process of proof forms the structure of the scientific method. The distinctive essence of the scientific method is the criteria used to assess its credibility. These criteria include: objectivity, testability and reproducibility. Using the scientific method, forensic scientists conduct two types of examination--classification and individuation--for the purposes of identifying objects and explaining events. In order to draw a conclusion of value to the court, forensic science must have a valid theory, appropriate to the situation, and evidential facts, relevant to the case. This can be summarized in a six-part syllogism:(UNFORMATTED TABLE OR EQUATION FOLLOWS) / The criteria of forensic science are examination specific. Schooled in the concept of proof and the philosophy of science, and equipped with a set of guidelines elucidating the scientific principles relating to forensic science, a judge can rule on the admissibility of a scientific examination and a forensic scientist can assess the reliability of his examination. This dissertation provides such a set of guidelines. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-03, Section: A, page: 1329. / Major Professor: Leroy C. Gould. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1996.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77676 |
| Contributors | Nute, H. Dale., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 288 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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