R.S. Belkin and the Establishment of Forensic Biology and Forensic Ecology

Abstract

Professor R.S. Belkin's role in the development of criminology and forensic science is widely recognized. The theory he advanced to connect criminalistics and the natural sciences was of great importance for the establishment of new forensic disciplines. During his time as head of the department of forensic science theory Professor Belkin focused on newly emerging fields of forensic research and the development of their theoretical foundations. His vision was marked by a deep understanding that ecology is a subfield of biology, but forensic ecology is not part of forensic biology. It is largely due to his talent to anticipate the emergence of new trends in response to the needs of investigative practice that these forensic disciplines were established and continue to develop.

Keywords

• r.s. belkin
• criminalistics
• forensic biology
• forensic ecology