Forensic Chemistry and the Expert Witness

by ; ;
Format: Hardcover
Pub. Date: 2012-06-30
Publisher(s): Nova Science Pub Inc
List Price: $89.00

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Summary

The popular media is rife with examples of scientists delivering the telling evidence in a police investigation or court case. Often the computer will show a "positive match" or the investigator states that the "physical evidence does not lie", usually with the suspect immediately confessing the wrong doing. The reality, however, is that science is replete with errors, mistakes and misinterpretations. Courts must deal with these limitations while trying to deliver justice to all involved. Jurors, expecting to have one person who can stroll in and tell them exacting what happen, generally have to deal with multiple experts testifying to the horrible mistakes made by the other side. This book presents eight examples to illustrate the legal and court procedures in which one of the authors, a chemist, acted as an expert witness. The examples of the cases chosen include drunk driving, house fires, poison products, floods, slip and fall and false advertising. The cases are presented in a both legal and "scientific" manner intended to provide professionals (lawyers and judges), as well as the general public, insight into the practical application of science in real court cases. Included are the original scientific reports and, where possible, the judgements of the courts interpreting the data. Examples of both Canadian and American cases are used. In addition, the introductory chapter of the book and the final two chapters deal with the role of the expert witness and the laws that determine their evidence and its consideration by the court.

Table of Contents

Prefacep. vii
Evidence and the Expert Witnessp. 1
The Breath Analysis for Alcohol and Problems with Errorp. 11
The Poison Pillp. 37
House Fire #1p. 71
House Fire #2p. 97
Slip and Fallp. 125
The Phenol Spillp. 169
Thunderstorm Flooding or Hedge Your Betsp. 257
Expert Liabilityp. 287
Summing Up, Conclusions and Appraisalsp. 313
Indexp. 317
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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