ARTICLE

Abstract

Asked to comment on a collective discussion paper by Jennifer L. Mnookin et al., this Commentary identifies difficulties the authors encountered in defining or agreeing on the subject matter “forensic science” and its perceived deficiencies. They conclude that there is a need for a research culture, whereas this Commentary calls for the development of a forensic science culture through the development of forensic science education fed by research dedicated to forensic science issues. It is a call for a change of emphasis and, perhaps, of paradigm.

* Vice-Dean, Faculty of Law and Criminal Sciences; Director, School of Criminal Sciences; School of Forensic Science; University of Lausanne; Batochime; 10015 Lausanne; Switzerland; www.unil.ch/esc; pierre.margot@unil.ch.