Critical Forensic Studies

Critical Forensic Studies, published in 2021 by Routledge, a division of the Taylor & Francis Group, represents a significant academic intervention in the evolving field of forensic science. Authored by Roberta Julian, a prominent sociologist, the work was conceived to bridge the gap between technical forensic practice and the broader social implications of crime investigation. It emerged from a growing scholarly interest in how forensic evidence is constructed, interpreted, and utilized within the justice system.

The book is designed as a foundational text for students and researchers, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach that combines criminology, sociology, and science and technology studies. Julian draws on extensive fieldwork to challenge the 'CSI effect,' exploring the cultural authority of forensic science and the complexities of police-scientist relationships. Upon its release, the volume was received as a critical addition to the literature, praised for its theoretical rigor and its ability to contextualize laboratory work within the realities of contemporary governance and legal accountability.