For example: "Progress" In Fire Investigation: Moving from Witchcraft and Folklore to the Misuse of Models and the Abuse of Science[2](PDF; not as good as the title; depressing) from [3].
> how little interest there is
One challenge is the forensic expert "system" is extremely heterogeneous. In funding, honesty and integrity, professionalism, research, oversight and regulation.
> how important is this kind of evidence in most trials
And since most "trials" are plea bargains, how important in pleas?
And the US plea bargain system is its own pit of systemic dysfunction.
An introduction with links (caveat Frontline): http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/forensic-tools-wha...
Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward (2009), Summary: https://www.nap.edu/read/12589/chapter/2 This https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581003/ puts it in more recent context.
> arson spread
For example: "Progress" In Fire Investigation: Moving from Witchcraft and Folklore to the Misuse of Models and the Abuse of Science[2](PDF; not as good as the title; depressing) from [3].
> how little interest there is
One challenge is the forensic expert "system" is extremely heterogeneous. In funding, honesty and integrity, professionalism, research, oversight and regulation.
> how important is this kind of evidence in most trials
And since most "trials" are plea bargains, how important in pleas?
And the US plea bargain system is its own pit of systemic dysfunction.
[2] http://www.firescientist.com/Documents/PROGRESSIN%20FIRE%20I... [3] http://www.firescientist.com/publications.php