ABSTRACT
This concludes our exploration of forensic science, ending with where it always starts-with human behavior and intention. Although human nature is unlikely to change in the near future, we have seen a glimpse of where forensic science appears to be heading. Scientifically and technically, we can expect instruments and automation to play an increasing role in day-to-day laboratory practice. At the crime scene itself, we are nearing a time when instrumentation may become more critical at the point of collection. As with all things forensic, we have to remember that it is not just the science that drives progress; rather, it is the judicial acceptance of that science that is required before any new practices become widespread. As we noted at the very beginning of the book, the forensic scientist serves two masters: the adversarial legal system and science where the scientific method reigns. It is that tension that makes forensic science challenging and unique.
