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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Bull PA and Morgan RM (2007). Sediment fingerprints: a forensic technique using quartz sand grains — a response. Science and Justice 47: 141 –144.
Fourney R (2007). Recent progress processing biological evidence and forensic DNA profiling — a review 2004 –2007. Interpol Web site, www.interpol.int.
Home Office (2008). http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-publications/publication/ operational-policing/Review_of_Low_Template_DNA_1.pdf. Accessed 20 June 2008.
Porter L (2006). Written on the skin. Chapter 7, Reading the crime scene “The Matthew Holding Case”. Pan Macmillan, Australia. pp 284 –289.
Robertson J (1995). Forensic science in the adversarial system: current situation and possibilities for change. In: Proceedings of the National Forensic Summit (Eds. A Ross, J Robertson, P Williams and A McFerran). pp 113 –135, National Institute of Forensic Sciences, Australia.
Robertson J, Thomas CJ, Caddy B and Lewis JM (1984). Particle size analysis of soils a comparison of dry and wet sieving techniques. Forensic Science International 24: 209 –217.
Rose P (2002). Forensic speaker identification. Taylor and Francis, London and New York.
Stokes DE (1997). Pasteur's Quadrant: basic science and technology innovation. Stokes Brookings Institution, Washington DC.
Suzuki S and Katsumata Y (2007). Forensic Geology 2004 –2006. Interpol Web site, www.interpol.int.
Wanogho S, Gettinby G, Caddy B and Robertson J (1985). A statistical method for assessing soil comparisons. Journal of Forensic Sciences 30: 864 –872.
Wanogho S, Gettinby G, Caddy B and Robertson J (1987a). Some factors affecting soil sieve analysis in forensic science. 1. Dry sieving. Forensic Science International 33: 129 –137.
Wanogho S, Gettinby G, Caddy B and Robertson J (1987b). Some factors affecting soil sieve analysis in forensic science. 2. Wet sieving. Forensic Science International 33: 139 –147.
Wanogho S, Gettinby G, Caddy B and Robertson J (1989). Determination of particle size distribution of soils in forensic science using classical and modern instrumental methods. Journal of Forensic Sciences 34: 823 –835.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Robertson, J. (2009). “Soils Ain't Soils”: Context and Issues Facing Soil Scientists in a Forensic World. In: Ritz, K., Dawson, L., Miller, D. (eds) Criminal and Environmental Soil Forensics. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9204-6_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9204-6_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-9203-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-9204-6
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)