The forensic´s scientist craft: toward an integrative theory. Part 2: meso- and macroapproach

Abstract

ABSTRACTSeveral authors have suggested theoretical approaches that support the practices of forensic scientists, including adherence to the evidential paradigm and the centrality of the concept of trace, both included in the Sydney Declaration. The objective of this paper was to continue the construction of an integrated theoretical model, which incorporates the epistemological, methodological and practical dimensions of the forensic scientist’s work. Therefore, these new discussions found in the literature will be incorporated, as well as some established traditional concepts. A synthesis theory was elaborated from basic concepts and practices related to the following procedures performed by forensic scientists: a) use of laws derived from other sciences to assert causes associated with state changes observed in a trace; b) use of inferences and experimentation for the reconstruction of the criminal event and detection of trace arrangement patterns in criminal scenarios. The formulation of a coherent, hierarchical and systematic framework provides subsidies for facing some challenges in forensic science, such as: evaluating the role of cognitive bias in certain phases of the forensic scientist’s work; the determination of a coherent curriculum that aggregates the essential competences for forensic analysis and the improvement of the predictive potential of forensic science in intelligence studies.KEYWORDS: Forensic sciencetheory synthesisSydney Declarationepistemologylogical reasoningevidential paradigm Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Notes1. In fact, Alphonse Bertillon used this aphorism to support his analyzes of identification through photography. However, in his work ‘Anthropometric Identification’ (1893), Bertillon himself attributed these words to the famous anatomist Louis Peisse (1803–1880) inserted as an epigraph by Paul Richer (1849–1933) in his ‘Traité d’Anatomie Artistique’ (1890).2. The term is a way of recognizing the pioneering work of Frances Glessner Lee (1878–1962), an American scientist who dedicated herself to forensic science, promoting scientific meetings, discussions and research. His most famous accomplishment was the reconstitution of real crime scenes, through dioramas, known as ‘Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death’.Additional informationFundingThis research did not receive any funding.