Book excerpt: Over the last half century, the science and practice of forensic science has undergone dramatic changes. Since the early 1960s the technological developments and their application to forensic science have been immense. Not only that, the application of science within a legal context and framework has developed enormously, as has the evaluation of the analytical results obtained. This unique text looks at the changes and challenges within forensic science over the last fifty years through a continuous diary of development witnessed by the editorials and relevant correspondence delivered through the UK Forensic Science Societies’ journal Science and Justice (formally the Journal of the Forensic Science Society). The editorials are divided into sections relating to the developments of forensic practice, the advancement of science, education, legal aspects, forensic science and medicine, the international dimension of forensic science and the interpretation and evaluation of evidence. The text and first two sections are set in context by an introductory chapter written by Professor Brian Caddy examining the future of forensic science. • A key text that traces the historical development of forensic science through reflective editorials published in the journal Science and Justice, and the Journal of the Forensic Science Society • Includes introductory chapter by Professor Brian Caddy • Divided into themed sections to reflect current commentary and debate