"Soils ain't soils" : context and issues facing soil scientists in a forensic world

James Robertson

doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-9204-6_1

"Soils ain't soils" : context and issues facing soil scientists in a forensic world

James Robertson

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference Paper › Chapter

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The last decade has seen a welcome increased interest on the part of soil scientists, and related professionals, to apply their knowledge and technologies to addressing questions of forensic interest. This chapter discusses some of the challenges which face these professionals as they apply their science in the forensic space, principally arguing that soil science has the most to contribute in answering the 'what happened' question. Given the ubiquitous 'CSI hype' surrounding forensic science it is vital that soil forensic evidence is realistic and based on the sound application of science. The role of the expert witness is also discussed. Finally, the importance of underpinning standards and the need for research and importance of a partnership approach are emphasised.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Criminal and Environmental Soil Forensics
Editors	Karl Ritz, Lorna A. Dawson, David Miller
Place of Publication	Netherlands
Publisher	Springer
Pages	3-12
Number of pages	10
ISBN (Electronic)	9781402092046
ISBN (Print)	9781402092039
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9204-6_1
Publication status	Published - 2009

Keywords

DNA
forensic geology
forensic sciences
issues
soils

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10.1007/978-1-4020-9204-6_1

Cite this

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AB - The last decade has seen a welcome increased interest on the part of soil scientists, and related professionals, to apply their knowledge and technologies to addressing questions of forensic interest. This chapter discusses some of the challenges which face these professionals as they apply their science in the forensic space, principally arguing that soil science has the most to contribute in answering the 'what happened' question. Given the ubiquitous 'CSI hype' surrounding forensic science it is vital that soil forensic evidence is realistic and based on the sound application of science. The role of the expert witness is also discussed. Finally, the importance of underpinning standards and the need for research and importance of a partnership approach are emphasised.

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KW - forensic geology

KW - forensic sciences

KW - issues

KW - soils

UR - http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/uws:29848

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BT - Criminal and Environmental Soil Forensics

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A2 - Dawson, Lorna A.

A2 - Miller, David

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CY - Netherlands

ER -

"Soils ain't soils" : context and issues facing soil scientists in a forensic world

Abstract

Keywords

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