ABSTRACT
Forensic science has become an integral part of the criminal justice system. Yet it is often discussed in relative isolation. This chapter adopts a holistic and systemic perspective to explore the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system. It views criminal investigations as social processes and examines how forensic science is enacted at various stages in the criminal justice process from crime scene to court, emphasising the social construction of forensic evidence. The chapter examines the decisions that are made about the use of forensic science at critical phases in a criminal investigation. These include decisions at crime scenes, in forensic fieldwork, at forensic laboratories, in police investigations, during court preparation, and in the courts. The chapter argues that from a critical forensic studies perspective, all actors in the criminal justice system need to understand their roles in the context of the wider criminal justice system and develop the ‘forensic literacy’ necessary for their roles. This broader contextual knowledge can contribute to asking the ‘right’ questions, identifying the relevant expertise, and drawing upon this expertise in a manner that enhances the likelihood that criminal investigations will contribute to ‘just’ outcomes.
