Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
2.9
Journals
Forensic Sciences
Special Issues
Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences
share announcement

Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences

A special issue of Forensic Sciences (ISSN 2673-6756).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 8333

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—IUCS-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
2. UCIBIO—Research Unit on Applied Molecular Biosciences, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
3. Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
4. FOREN—Forensic Science Experts, Dr. Mário Moutinho Avenue, No. 33-A, 1400-136 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: real-world evidence; implementation science; toxicology; forensic Sciences; psychoactive substances; drugs; biomedical research; scientometrics; scientific medical writing; pedagogical Innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to launch this new Special Issue of Forensic Sciences. At the foundation of any thriving society lies a delicate balance between three vital pillars: forensic science/justice, education, and health. When these domains operate in synergy, they contribute not only to justice and safety but also to the overall well-being, awareness, and resilience of a population. Forensic sciences, as a research field, has always lagged behind compared to education and health evolution. This Special Issue celebrates the landmark achievement of the journal Forensic Sciences receiving an updated CiteScore of 2.9 and being accepted for inclusion in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) of the Web of Science. This reflects the high standards of our journal, which is dedicated to advancing excellence in scientific research. I am particularly delighted as I have been a part of this journey since the very beginning. Research integrity within this critical area of our society was always our main focus. In this context, the Forensic Sciences journal and MPDI proudly offer science-based research to the justice pillar of society.

Accordingly, this Special Issue aims to continue with the major objective of collecting high-quality submissions in the research field of forensic sciences. We encourage researchers from various fields within the journal’s scope to contribute papers highlighting the latest developments in their area of expertise or to invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so. The topic of this Special Issue includes all major subspecialties of forensic sciences as we believe in a transdisciplinary approach and that there should be no boundaries between them. This Special Issue also seeks to affirm that forensic science has earned, by its own merit, recognition as an autonomous science—an organized system of knowledge that aims to understand and explain natural, social, and technological phenomena through rigorous methods, systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. Authors are welcome to send short paper proposals for this Special Issue to our Editorial Office (forensicsci@mdpi.com) prior to submission.

Prof. Dr. Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forensic Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bloodstain pattern analysis
  • computer forensics
  • criminology
  • crime scene investigation
  • forensic anthropology
  • forensic archeology
  • forensic ballistics
  • forensic biomechanics
  • forensic botany
  • forensic chemistry
  • forensic entomology
  • forensic genetics
  • forensic geology
  • forensic medicine (that embraces all aspects of forensic work of a medical nature, including forensic pathology)
  • forensic microbiology
  • forensic odontology
  • forensic radiology
  • forensic toxicology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 237 KB  
Article
The Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour-Based Violence (DASH) Risk Assessment Instrument in Predicting Deadly or Persistent Domestic Abuse
by Karen M. Caulfield, Nicola S. Gray, Andrew Edwards and Robert J. Snowden
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040064 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Background: The DASH risk assessment scheme is used across the UK to identify and manage instances of domestic abuse. Recent studies have questioned whether the scheme can identify offenders who go on to commit further acts of domestic abuse, in particular serious violence, [...] Read more.
Background: The DASH risk assessment scheme is used across the UK to identify and manage instances of domestic abuse. Recent studies have questioned whether the scheme can identify offenders who go on to commit further acts of domestic abuse, in particular serious violence, and therefore whether it is fit for purpose. Methods: We therefore tested the ability of the DASH to predict future instances of deadly or persistent domestic abuse. From a database of ≈25,000 incidents, we compared DASH assessments which preceded an incident of “deadly violence” or was the first in a series of “persistent abuse”. These groups were compared to a control group where there was no further incident of domestic abuse. Results: The proportion of “high-risk” stratifications was approximately 5 times higher in the deadly violence group compared to the control group. Prediction accuracy assessed via signal detection theory showed the DASH was a moderate predictor of deadly violence (AUC = 0.67). The DASH also showed predictive accuracy in identifying persistent offenders (AUC = 0.62). While these results are encouraging and are similar in efficacy to other risk assessment schemes used in the prediction of domestic violence, the results identified that many individual items of the DASH were not predictive. The inclusion of non-predictive items within the DASH adds “noise” and error into the risk evaluation. The development of a shortened version of the DASH, removing these ineffectual items, was shown to have even higher predictive value for deadly violence (AUC = 0.80). Conclusions: We stress, however, that the role of risk assessment is not to predict violence per se, but to prevent violence via the accurate identification of dangerous perpetrators and via effective intervention and safeguarding of victims. Despite this, research such as this is imperative to evaluate if the risk assessment schemes selected by practitioners and police are fit for purpose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
10 pages, 1462 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Potential Use of Four Skull Traits for Sex Estimation
by Joe Adserias-Garriga, Heli Maijanen and Sara C. Zapico
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040060 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Background: Sex estimation is a basic step of human identification in both legal cases and archeological contexts. The highest accuracy for sex estimation is achieved when a complete skeleton is available, though there are situations, such as cremated, dismembered, and otherwise taphonomically [...] Read more.
Background: Sex estimation is a basic step of human identification in both legal cases and archeological contexts. The highest accuracy for sex estimation is achieved when a complete skeleton is available, though there are situations, such as cremated, dismembered, and otherwise taphonomically altered skeletal remains, where a complete skeleton is not available. The aim of the present preliminary study was to evaluate the usefulness of four non-metric skull traits that are considered taphonomically resilient for sex estimation and their potential application in forensic cases. Methods: Non-metric skull traits of 100 skulls from the Bass Donated Skeletal Collection were analyzed. These traits included foramen magnum shape, zygomatic arch extension with respect to the external auditory canal, sigmoid notch, and gonial angle muscle attachment. A discriminant function analysis model was used to develop specific formulae for sex estimation. Results: The foramen magnum and sigmoid notch showed no significant differences between males and females. The zygomatic arch extension (ZAE) and gonial angle morphology (GO) showed strong, significant differences between the sexes. However, gonial angle morphology has shown to be affected by edentulism. Based on the ZAE, the function obtained by the discriminant function analysis was sex = 2.469*ZAE − 1.247, with a result of zero pointing to males and result of one pointing to females, which correctly classified 79.8% of the original cases. Conclusions: This study highlights the value of four different skull traits and their potential use in forensic cases. Of all the evaluated traits, zygomatic arch extension was the best indicator for sex estimation. This anatomical region corresponds to a highly resistant skeletal structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 370 KB  
Article
Integrating AI Systems in Criminal Justice: The Forensic Expert as a Corridor Between Algorithms and Courtroom Evidence
by Ido Hefetz
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040053 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1414
Abstract
Background: Artificial intelligence is transforming forensic fingerprint analysis by introducing probabilistic demographic inference alongside traditional pattern matching. This study explores how AI integration reshapes the role of forensic experts from interpreters of physical traces to epistemic corridors who validate algorithmic outputs and translate [...] Read more.
Background: Artificial intelligence is transforming forensic fingerprint analysis by introducing probabilistic demographic inference alongside traditional pattern matching. This study explores how AI integration reshapes the role of forensic experts from interpreters of physical traces to epistemic corridors who validate algorithmic outputs and translate them into legally admissible evidence. Methods: A conceptual proof-of-concept exercise compares traditional AFIS-based workflows with AI-enhanced predictive models in a simulated burglary scenario involving partial latent fingermarks. The hypothetical design, which does not rely on empirical validation, illustrates the methodological contrasts between physical and algorithmic inference. Results: The comparison demonstrates how AI-based demographic classification can generate investigative leads when conventional matching fails. It also highlights the evolving responsibilities of forensic experts, who must acquire competencies in statistical validation, bias detection, and explainability while preserving traditional pattern-recognition expertise. Conclusions: AI should augment rather than replace expert judgment. Forensic practitioners must act as critical mediators between computational inference and courtroom testimony, ensuring that algorithmic evidence meets legal standards of transparency, contestability, and scientific rigor. The paper concludes with recommendations for validation protocols, cross-laboratory benchmarking, and structured training curricula to prepare experts for this transformed epistemic landscape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 652 KB  
Article
Conceptualizing Missingness: A Case Study in Rural Mississippi
by Sarajane Smith-Escudero, Jesse R. Goliath, Anna J. Osterholtz and D. Shane Miller
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040051 - 24 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Missing persons is an understudied area, especially within forensic anthropology when not associated with cases of mass violence or mass disaster. Affecting more than half a million persons in the United States yearly, missingness has proven to be a significant issue across the [...] Read more.
Missing persons is an understudied area, especially within forensic anthropology when not associated with cases of mass violence or mass disaster. Affecting more than half a million persons in the United States yearly, missingness has proven to be a significant issue across the country—and globally—with no explicit preventative measures or solutions having been identified. Here we contribute to conceptualizations regarding the incidence of going missing, or missingness, utilizing frameworks of structural violence, necropolitics, and intersectionality. The concept of missingness is then applied to a case study of missing persons from Mississippi, documented in the Mississippi Repository for Missing and Unidentified Persons. Missingness was found to affect demographic groups differently, with marginalized racial and ethnic groups not only disproportionately exposed to the risk of missingness but also suffering from the worst case outcomes after having gone missing. We argue that the socioeconomic, political, and sociocultural limitations structural violence imposes upon marginalized groups may result in missingness. By rigorously theorizing missingness, we hope to draw attention to and improve an understanding of the silent epidemic of missingness, eventually resulting in the identification of specific circumstances correlated to missingness and ultimately improving prevention and recovery efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 807 KB  
Article
Age Estimation Through Osteon Histomorphometry: Analysis of Femoral Cross-Sections from Historical Autopsy Samples
by Raffaella Minella, Giada Sciâdi Steiger, Aldo Di Fazio, Francesco Introna and Enrica Macorano
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040050 - 19 Oct 2025
Viewed by 695
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Age estimation is of fundamental importance in forensic investigations. When traditional methods based on gross bone morphology or morphometric analysis cannot be applied, forensic experts must rely on multidisciplinary approaches. Histomorphometry has consistently proven to be reliable in cases of highly fragmented [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Age estimation is of fundamental importance in forensic investigations. When traditional methods based on gross bone morphology or morphometric analysis cannot be applied, forensic experts must rely on multidisciplinary approaches. Histomorphometry has consistently proven to be reliable in cases of highly fragmented or incomplete skeletal remains, particularly in older individuals. Building on the foundational study of Amprino and Bairati, this study evaluated the correlations between bone microstructural features in femoral cross-sections and the age and sex of individuals. Methods: The sample comprised 95 femoral mid-diaphyseal thin sections obtained from autopsy specimens housed at the Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bari (Italy), representing both male and female individuals aged 18 to 92 years. The numbers and densities of primary, intact secondary, and fragmentary secondary osteons, together with osteon circularity and the mean osteonal area, were measured to investigate age-related variation. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann–Whitney tests, Spearman’s rank correlation, and General Linear Models (GLMs). Results: No significant differences in histomorphometric variables were observed between males and females. However, the number of intact secondary osteons and osteon population density increased with age, while the mean osteonal area and osteon circularity decreased with age. Although some variables displayed significant correlations with age, residual analysis indicated a lack of heterogeneity in variance, which limited the development of a robust predictive model. Conclusions: The findings highlight both the potential and the limitations of histomorphometry in forensic age estimation. While certain microstructural variables correlate with age, inter-individual variability reduces predictive accuracy. Further research is needed to refine models that account for biological and biomechanical variability, particularly in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1325 KB  
Article
Digital Stratigraphy—A Pattern Analysis Framework Integrating Computer Forensics, Criminology, and Forensic Archaeology for Crime Scene Investigation
by Romil Rawat, Hitesh Rawat, Mandakini Ingle, Anjali Rawat, Anand Rajavat and Ashish Dibouliya
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040048 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 765
Abstract
Background/Objectives—Traditional forensic investigations often analyze digital, physical, and criminological evidence separately, leading to fragmented timelines and reduced accuracy in reconstructing complex events. To address these gaps, this study proposes the Digital Stratigraphy Framework (DSF), inspired by archaeological stratigraphy, to integrate heterogeneous evidence [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives—Traditional forensic investigations often analyze digital, physical, and criminological evidence separately, leading to fragmented timelines and reduced accuracy in reconstructing complex events. To address these gaps, this study proposes the Digital Stratigraphy Framework (DSF), inspired by archaeological stratigraphy, to integrate heterogeneous evidence into structured, temporally ordered layers. DSF aims to reduce asynchronous inconsistencies, minimize false associations, and enhance interpretability across digital, behavioral, geospatial, and excavation evidence. Methods—DSF employs Hierarchical Pattern Mining (HPM) to detect recurring behavioral patterns and Forensic Sequence Alignment (FSA) to synchronize evidence layers temporally and contextually. The framework was tested on the CSI-DS2025 dataset containing 25,000 multimodal, stratified records, including digital logs, geospatial data, criminological reports, and excavation notes. Evaluation used 10-fold cross-validation, Bayesian hyperparameter tuning, and structured train-validation-test splits. Metrics included accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and Stratigraphic Reconstruction Consistency (SRC), alongside ablation and runtime assessments. Results—DSF achieved 92.6% accuracy, 93.1% precision, 90.5% recall, 91.3% F1-score, and an SRC of 0.89, outperforming baseline models. False associations were reduced by 18%, confirming effective cross-layer alignment and computational efficiency. Conclusions—By applying stratigraphic principles to forensic analytics, DSF enables accurate, interpretable, and legally robust evidence reconstruction. The framework establishes a scalable foundation for real-time investigative applications and multi-modal evidence integration, offering significant improvements over traditional fragmented approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 995 KB  
Review
Dissecting Overkill: An Analysis of Jack the Ripper’s Final Act
by Francesco Orsini, Stefania De Simone, Roberta Bibbò, Giovanni Pollice, Luigi Cipolloni and Stefano Ferracuti
Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040055 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1193
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Overkill is generally defined as violence demonstrably exceeding the force required to cause death, often involving a disproportionate number of inflicted injuries. Typically linked to specific mental states, this phenomenon can serve diverse perpetrator purposes, from expressing sadistic impulses to deliberately [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Overkill is generally defined as violence demonstrably exceeding the force required to cause death, often involving a disproportionate number of inflicted injuries. Typically linked to specific mental states, this phenomenon can serve diverse perpetrator purposes, from expressing sadistic impulses to deliberately contaminating forensic evidence. This study re-examines the historical case of Mary Jane Kelly, the canonical final victim of Jack the Ripper, to offer a historical perspective on extreme violence and its influence on modern forensic frameworks. Methods: We employed a retrospective analysis, combining a systematic literature review with application of the Homicide Injury Scale to documented autopsy findings from 1888. Results: The autopsy revealed systematic post-mortem mutilation following a fatal neck laceration. Application of the Homicide Injury Scale confirmed violence exceeding lethal force. Conclusions: This case represents a foundational example of organized overkill behavior, demonstrating the value of applying modern forensic frameworks to historical cases to inform comprehensive overkill analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Forensic Sciences)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop