Scientific evidence plays a growing role in many court cases concerning the abuse and deaths of children. This book explores the early history of scientific evidence in America and then examines the nature and value of collaborations between scientists and lawyers on behalf of children. Looking closely at several of these collaborations, including forensic dentistry and x-ray technology, this book outlines patterns of successful joint efforts to prove or disprove abuse cases in courts and outlines a direction for scientists and lawyers to jointly transform courts’ handling of children’s matters, and move them in a more humane and ethical direction.

The Author: Michael Edmond Donnelly is a law professor, an assistant district attorney, and a former professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.