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The communication of forensic science in the criminal justice system: A review of theory and proposed directions for research
Citation
Howes, LM, The communication of forensic science in the criminal justice system: A review of theory and proposed directions for research, Science and Justice, 55, (2) pp. 145-154. ISSN 1355-0306 (2015) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2014 Forensic Science Society
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2014.11.002
Abstract
Clear communication about forensic science is essential to the effectiveness and perceived trustworthiness of the
criminal justice system. Communication can be seen as a meaning-making process that involves different components
such as the sender of a message, the message itself, the channel in which a message is sent, and the
receiver of the message. Research conducted to date on the communication between forensic scientists and
non-scientists in the criminal justice systemhas focused on different components of the communication process
as objects of study. The purpose of this paper is to bring together communication theory and past research on the
communication of forensic science to contribute to a deeper understanding of it, and to provide a coherent view
of it overall. The paper first outlines the broader context of communication theory and science communication as
a backdrop to forensic science communication. Then it presents a conceptual framework as a way to organise
past research and, using the framework, reviews recent examples of empirical research and commentary on
the communication of forensic science. Finally the paper identifies aspects of the communication of forensic
science that may be addressed by future research to enhance the effectiveness of communication between
scientists and non-scientists in this multidisciplinary arena.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | Forensic science; expert opinion; science communication; deficit model, communication, literature review |
Research Division: | Human Society |
Research Group: | Criminology |
Research Field: | Police administration, procedures and practice |
Objective Division: | Law, Politics and Community Services |
Objective Group: | Justice and the law |
Objective Field: | Criminal justice |
UTAS Author: | Howes, LM (Dr Loene Howes) |
ID Code: | 104267 |
Year Published: | 2015 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 15 |
Deposited By: | School of Social Sciences |
Deposited On: | 2015-11-05 |
Last Modified: | 2016-09-05 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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