Journals in Forensics

Our Forensic Science titles are essential reading for students and professionals, and cover a range of foundational and advanced topics across forensic pathology, forensic chemistry, forensic serology, forensic victimology, forensic toxicology, forensic anthropology, and forensic testing, among others

Books Journals

Forensic Chemistry

ISSN: 2468-1709
5 Year impact factor: 2.6
Impact factor: 2.6

Preferred journal of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD).Forensic Chemistry publishes high quality manuscripts focusing on the theory, research and application of any chemical science to forensic analysis. The scope of the journal includes fundamental advancements that result in a better understanding of the evidentiary significance derived from the physical and chemical analysis of materials. The scope of Forensic Chemistry will also include the application and or development of any molecular and atomic spectrochemical technique, electrochemical techniques, sensors, surface characterization techniques, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, chemometrics and statistics, and separation sciences (e.g. chromatography) that provide insight into the forensic analysis of materials.Evidential topics of interest to the journal include, but are not limited to, fingerprint analysis, drug analysis, ignitable liquid residue analysis, explosives detection and analysis, the characterization and comparison of trace evidence (glass, fibers, paints and polymers, tapes, soils and other materials), ink and paper analysis, gunshot residue analysis, synthetic pathways for drugs, toxicology and the analysis and chemistry associated with the components of fingermarks. The journal is particularly interested in receiving manuscripts that report advances in the forensic interpretation of chemical evidence.Technology Readiness Level: When submitting an article to Forensic Chemistry, all authors will be asked to self-assign a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to their article. The purpose of the TRL system is to help readers understand the level of maturity of an idea or method, to help track the evolution of readiness of a given technique or method, and to help filter published articles by the expected ease of implementation in an operation setting within a crime lab. Four TRL levels are available:TRL 1: Basic research phenomenon observed or basic theory proposed, which may find application to a proposed area of forensic chemistry. Examples include one-off instruments that make unique measurements, the study of chemical properties of explosives, and the first reporting of some basic measurements or observations from chemical analysis.TRL 2: Development of a theory or research phenomenon that has a demonstrated application to a specified area of forensic chemistry, including supporting data. Examples include the first application of an instrument or technique to a forensic application, or the application of a model or theory to simulated casework. Examples include models that predict weathering of ignitable liquids, new or improved separation or measurement capabilities, or development of chemometric tools with an aim to better describe the significance of chemical evidence.TRL 3: Application of an established technique or instrument to a specified area of forensic chemistry with measured figures of merit, some measurement of uncertainty, and developed aspects of intra-laboratory validation. TRL 3 methods should be practicable on commercially available instruments and results of the first inter-laboratory trials can also be reported as TRL 3 communications.TRL 4: Refinement, enhancement, and inter-laboratory validation of a standardized method ready for implementation in forensic laboratories. New knowledge in this area can be immediately adopted or used in casework. Examples are case reports, fully validated methods or protocols that have undergone or are currently being considered by a standard development organization, measures of error rates and database development and reporting.The assignments of the TRL will be proposed by the authors during initial submission. TRL levels will be reviewed by the editors and peer reviewers and displayed in the final article online. Collections of the four TRLs can be found here.Open Data: Forensic Chemistry encourages authors to deposit their datasets publically available on Mendeley Data (data.mendeley.com/).

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Forensic Science International

ISSN: 0379-0738
5 Year impact factor: 2.3
Impact factor: 2.2

An international journal dedicated to the applications of medicine and science in the administration of justice.Forensic Science International is the flagship journal in the prestigious Forensic Science International family, publishing the most innovative, cutting-edge, and influential contributions across the forensic sciences. Fields include: forensic pathology and histochemistry, chemistry, biochemistry and toxicology, biology, serology, odontology, psychiatry, anthropology, digital forensics, the physical sciences, firearms, and document examination, as well as investigations of value to public health in its broadest sense, and the important marginal area where science and medicine interact with the law.The journal publishes:Case ReportsCommentariesLetters to the EditorOriginal Research Papers (Regular Papers)Rapid CommunicationsReview ArticlesTechnical NotesForensic Science International adheres to strict ethical publication guidelines and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication. For any submission enquiries, please contact the respective Editor.The Forensic Science International journals offer comprehensive and pioneering coverage within the forensic sciences and beyond, disseminating ground-breaking discoveries, highly specialised research, and foundational science across the family of publications. The FSI portfolio comprises of:Forensic Science InternationalForensic Science International: Animals and EnvironmentsForensic Science International: Digital InvestigationForensic Science International: GeneticsForensic Science International: Genetics Supplement SeriesForensic Science International: Mind and LawForensic Science International: ReportsForensic Science International: Synergy

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Forensic Science International: Genetics

ISSN: 1872-4973
5 Year impact factor: 3.5
Impact factor: 3.2

An international journal and the premier journal in the field dedicated to forensic genetics. Official journal of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG).Forensic Science International: Genetics is the premier journal in the field of Forensic Genetics. This branch of Forensic Science can be defined as the application of genetics to human and non-human material (in the sense of a science with the purpose of studying inherited characteristics for the analysis of inter- and intra-specific variations in populations) for the resolution of legal conflicts.The scope of the journal includes:Forensic applications of human polymorphism.Testing of paternity and other family relationships, immigration cases, typing of biological stains and tissues from criminal casework, identification of human remains by DNA testing methodologies.Description of human polymorphisms of forensic interest, with special interest in DNA polymorphisms.Autosomal DNA polymorphisms, mini- and microsatellites (or short tandem repeats, STRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), X and Y chromosome polymorphisms, mtDNA polymorphisms, and any other type of DNA variation with potential forensic applications.Non-human DNA polymorphisms for crime scene investigation.Population genetics of human polymorphisms of forensic interest.Population data, especially from DNA polymorphisms of interest for the solution of forensic problems.DNA typing methodologies and strategies.Biostatistical methods in forensic genetics.Evaluation of DNA evidence in forensic problems (such as paternity or immigration cases, criminal casework, identification), classical and new statistical approaches.Standards in forensic genetics.Recommendations of regulatory bodies concerning methods, markers, interpretation or strategies or proposals for procedural or technical standards.Quality control.Quality control and quality assurance strategies, proficiency testing for DNA typing methodologies.Criminal DNA databases.Technical, legal and statistical issues.General ethical and legal issues related to forensic genetics.Forensic Science International: Genetics adheres to strict ethical publication guidelines and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication. For any submission enquiries, please contact the Editor-in-Chief.The Forensic Science International journals offer comprehensive and pioneering coverage within the forensic sciences and beyond, disseminating ground-breaking discoveries, highly specialised research, and foundational science across the family of publications. The FSI portfolio comprises of:Forensic Science InternationalForensic Science International: Animals and EnvironmentsForensic Science International: Digital InvestigationForensic Science International: GeneticsForensic Science International: Genetics Supplement SeriesForensic Science International: Mind and LawForensic Science International: ReportsForensic Science International: Synergy

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Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series

ISSN: 1875-1768
5 Year impact factor: 0.4
Impact factor: 0.5

An international journal dedicated to supplements and proceedings in forensic genetics.Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series is the prime publication venue for the proceedings of a scientific symposium or a selection of invited articles dedicated to forensic genetics.The journal is affiliated with the International Society for Forensic Genetics and with Forensic Science International: Genetics , the premier journal in the field.All subscribers to Forensic Science International: Genetics automatically receive this publication.Forensic Science International: Genetics is the premier journal in the field of Forensic Genetics. This branch of Forensic Science can be defined as the application of genetics to human and non-human material (in the sense of a science with the purpose of studying inherited characteristics for the analysis of inter- and intra-specific variations in populations) for the resolution of legal conflicts.The scope of the journal includes:Forensic applications of human polymorphism.Testing of paternity and other family relationships, immigration cases, typing of biological stains and tissues from criminal casework, identification of human remains by DNA testing methodologies.Description of human polymorphisms of forensic interest, with special interest in DNA polymorphisms.Autosomal DNA polymorphisms, mini- and microsatellites (or short tandem repeats, STRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), X and Y chromosome polymorphisms, mtDNA polymorphisms, and any other type of DNA variation with potential forensic applications.Non-human DNA polymorphisms for crime scene investigation.Population genetics of human polymorphisms of forensic interest.Population data, especially from DNA polymorphisms of interest for the solution of forensic problems.DNA typing methodologies and strategies.Biostatistical methods in forensic genetics.Evaluation of DNA evidence in forensic problems (such as paternity or immigration cases, criminal casework, identification), classical and new statistical approaches.Standards in forensic genetics.Recommendations of regulatory bodies concerning methods, markers, interpretation or strategies or proposals for procedural or technical standards.Quality control.Quality control and quality assurance strategies, proficiency testing for DNA typing methodologies.Criminal DNA databases.Technical, legal and statistical issues.General ethical and legal issues related to forensic geneticsForensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series adheres to strict ethical publication guidelines and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication. For any submission enquiries, please contact the Editor-in-Chief.The Forensic Science International journals offer comprehensive and pioneering coverage within the forensic sciences and beyond, disseminating ground-breaking discoveries, highly specialised research, and foundational science across the family of publications. The FSI portfolio comprises of:Forensic Science InternationalForensic Science International: Animals and EnvironmentsForensic Science International: Digital InvestigationForensic Science International: GeneticsForensic Science International: Genetics Supplement SeriesForensic Science International: Mind and LawForensic Science International: ReportsForensic Science International: Synergy

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International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

ISSN: 0160-2527
5 Year impact factor: 1.9
Impact factor: 1.4

The International Journal of Law and Psychiatry is intended to provide a multi-disciplinary forum for the exchange of ideas and information among professionals concerned with the interface of law and psychiatry. There is a growing awareness of the need for exploring the fundamental goals of both the legal and psychiatric systems and the social implications of their interaction. The journal seeks to enhance understanding and cooperation in the field through the varied approaches represented, not only by law and psychiatry, but also by the social sciences and related disciplines. The Editors and Publisher wish to encourage a dialogue among the experts from different countries whose diverse legal cultures afford interesting and challenging alternatives to existing theories and practices. Priority will therefore be given to articles which are oriented to a comparative or international perspective. The journal will publish significant conceptual contributions on contemporary issues as well as serve in the rapid dissemination of important and relevant research findings.The views expressed in this journal do not necessarily reflect those of the editors.Benefits to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services.Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require any further information or help, please visit our Support Center

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International Journal of Paleopathology

ISSN: 1879-9817
5 Year impact factor: 1.3
Impact factor: 1.3

The Official Journal of the Paleopathology AssociationPaleopathology is the study and application of methods and techniques for investigating diseases and related conditions from skeletal and soft tissue remains. The International Journal of Paleopathology (IJPP) will publish original and significant articles on human and animal (including hominids) disease, based upon the study of physical remains, including osseous, dental, and preserved soft tissues at a range of methodological levels, from direct observation to molecular, chemical, histological and radiographic analysis. Discussion of ways in which these methods can be applied to the reconstruction of health, disease and life histories in the past is central to the discipline, so the journal would also encourage papers covering interpretive and theoretical issues, and those that place the study of disease at the centre of a bioarchaeological or biocultural approach. Papers dealing with historical evidence relating to disease in the past (rather than history of medicine) will also be published. The journal will also accept significant studies that applied previously developed techniques to new materials, setting the research in the context of current debates on past human and animal health.Membership Benefits: Members of the Paleopathology Association receive online access to the International Journal of Paleopathology for free as a member benefit.

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Journal of Criminal Justice

ISSN: 0047-2352
5 Year impact factor: 3.3
Impact factor: 3.3

The Journal of Criminal Justice is an international journal intended to fill the present need for the dissemination of new information, ideas and methods, to both practitioners and academicians in the criminal justice area. The Journal is concerned with all aspects of the criminal justice system in terms of their relationships to each other. Although materials are presented relating to crime and the individual elements of the criminal justice system, the emphasis of the Journal is to tie together the functioning of these elements and to illustrate the effects of their interactions. Articles that reflect the application of new disciplines or analytical methodologies to the problems of criminal justice are of special interest.Since the purpose of the Journal is to provide a forum for the dissemination of new ideas, new information, and the application of new methods to the problems and functions of the criminal justice system, the Journal emphasizes innovation and creative thought of the highest quality.

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Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine

ISSN: 1752-928X
5 Year impact factor: 1.4
Impact factor: 1.2

An International journal of Forensic and Legal MedicineThe Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine publishes topical articles on aspects of forensic and legal medicine. Specifically, the Journal supports research that explores the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals, whether adult or child, in contact with the judicial system. It is a fully peer-review hybrid journal with a broad international perspective. It is the official journal for the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians.The Journal accepts submissions of original research, review articles, and pertinent case studies, editorials, and commentaries in relevant areas of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Context of Practice, and Education and Training. All aspects of the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals in contact with the judicial system are examined and the journal has a broad international perspective.Topics covered in the journal include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following, particularly within the clinical setting:Forensic medicine training, forensic medicine national systemsHealthcare in police and prison custody, death in custody and restraint injuriesDeath investigation and causes of deathSuicide, para-suicide and deliberate self-harmChild abuse and neglectInterpersonal violence, assault and injury, personal injury, elder abuse, domestic violenceSexual assaultHuman rights when involving refugee and asylum medicineTraffic and transportation medicineDrug and alcohol misuse, drink and drug drivingMedical law and medical negligenceMass disasterTortureExtra-judicial deathsHuman rightsThe Journal adheres to strict publication ethical guidelines, and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication.

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Next Research

ISSN: 3050-4759

Next Research is a peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal, publishing research spanning all scientific technical and medical communities.The journal is part of the Next family, a new suite of multidisciplinary journals from Elsevier spanning all branches of science. Managed by our dedicated team of in-house Editors, Next Research offers authors speed, consistency, innovation, flexibility, and ease of submission.Next Research is an inclusive venue for scientifically accurate manuscripts that meet the ethical and scientific publishing standards. It publishes all research topics across the fields of health sciences, physical sciences, life sciences and social sciences. Next Research publishes experimental, computational, and theoretical work, in traditional formats such as Original Research Articles, Communications and Reviews, as well as novel formats and video content.The journal provides authors with rigorous peer review ensuring articles adhere to a high technical standard, with rapid decisions and a highly visible platform for scientists to share their research.We believe that all rigorous research should be shared.

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Science & Justice

ISSN: 1355-0306
5 Year impact factor: 1.9
Impact factor: 1.9

Official Journal of the The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.Science & Justice aims to advance the international study, application and standing of forensic science, facilitating the co-operation of all persons interested in forensic science throughout the world.Science & Justice publishes learned and original, high-quality contributions on any aspect of forensic and crime science, including articles focused on advancing the teaching and learning, training and/or professional practice of forensic science. We therefore encourage submissions from all those working within academic, research and practitioner arenas. Articles should also contextualise their work and its application for the benefit of our diverse audience and criminal justice systems across the globe. Submissions must comply with our strict ethical and legal standards. The journal publishes material in the following types of submission:Original Research PapersShort Communications (for example, Preliminary Studies and Proof-of-Concept articles where datasets are limited)Review ArticlesTechnical NotesCase StudiesProfessional Practice ReportsRapid CommunicationsCommentaries (including Professional Commentaries)Correspondence.

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Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health

Journals in Forensics

Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Science International

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

International Journal of Paleopathology

Journal of Criminal Justice

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine

Next Research

Science & Justice