Justice Denied: The Role of Forensic Science in the Miscarriage of Justice

by David Klatzow

If you are accused of a crime you did not commit, do you believe that justice will prevail in a court of law? Perhaps you should think again An innocent woman is almost sent to prison for eight years because of a mistaken fingerprint identification by so-called forensic experts; a chicken farmer is hanged for a brutal murder he did not commit due to incorrect analysis of post-mortem bruising; and a mother is sent to prison for murdering her baby daughter when a substance is falsely identified as blood These are just some of the major forensic disasters that have occurred over the past 100 years, and which are exposed in Justice Denied.Contrary to what television series like CSI and NCIS would have one believe, forensic science does not provide instant answers to impenetrable crimes; in reality, forensic science is neither clear-cut nor easy to interpret, and practitioners are not all competent as renowned forensic scientist Dr. David Klatzow proves in this book. He exposes the miscarriages of justice resulting from the faulty courtroom testimony of corrupt or incompetent forensic pathologists and unscrupulous public prosecutors who seek convictions at all costs.From the infamous Dr. Crippen case in 19th-century England to the dingo baby trial in Australia and the unsolved murder of Inge Lotz, Justice Denied reveals the incalculable damage done both to people s lives and to justice across the globe. Justice, while age-old, is not always served when bad science plays a hand."

204 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jacquelyn Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and revealing treatise on the scientific method as applied to forensic analysis. Any scientist with integrity should surely agree that all scientific theories, data and claims should be subject to peer review and external validation. So what do we think of "scientists " who avoid the process. This book raises valid questions about forensic processes and so-called experts and raises the suggestion of quality control of agencies whose findings are accepted by the courts of law.

[John Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An real eye opener!

Highlights along with many other books and projects how modern day justice systems are corrupt and most likely with less justice than was around in the stone age!!! (My words not scientific just expressing my dismay!)

The writers perspective is from forensic science that lacks real science. It is directed at how unreliable forensic science can be and often is. As he is highlighting the rotten core of the science inclusive of the whole justice system, embracing a world perspective (human nature) so there is little on the successful aspects - for me personally I like to know some success etc one that is alluded to is DNA. This book confirmed something I had seen in the suspicious DNA results, and other analysis of the Italian system in the Amanda Knox case. DNA did highlight the one and only suspect that was highly likely the murderer acting on his own (was sentenced / convicted in a separate trial) but by that time the prosecution had created a bizarre scenario that they could not let go thus found evidence to support their established theory. And even in the latest US second Bill Cosby trial the reported statements of both expert witnesses for the prosecution and the defense were strikingly without much substance without backing evidence to support statements or challenge (In that case I felt I could of "out done" them by reading the drug manufacturers own published analysis and internet research).

This book really shines the spot light on shat really is going on. For me it has become clear why reading up on real trials had wondered what really is going on - now I have my suspicions confirmed. Basically the book highlights what we already know of the media and politicians that lying or telling the truth is never the issue but saying whatever needs to be said to get the desired outcome. That is the goal for the prosecution and forsenic scientist and it is not the truth but making evidence to get the result - a conviction. If the accused is in court then the accused is guilty thus the forensic scientist needs to help that process. The book details the rationale and actual cases.
Once again a real eye opener!!

[Kimberley Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opening book to the forensic sciences used in criminal case. The mistakes made and the unreliability of it to prove guilt in a crime.

[Gary Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well researched. Found forensic pathology and serology very interesting. Background research into Drager Alcotest instrument was also very enlightening.