The Forensic Logician – A Book Review

 by Brian Risman, Publisher and Founder, The Law Journal UK

Can criminal investigation be quantified on a rigourous, scientific basis? Geoffrey Tøye, in The Forensic Logician, presents a compelling case for this approach.

All of us in the legal world have identified patterns of behaviour of criminals. We know that, for example, many deceased drug addicts will be found in flats with no furniture – because the furniture and other belongings would have been sold off or pawned in order to obtain the next fix. We know that certain types of behaviour can be a precursor to illegal behaviour. Some critics have condemned this ‘profiling’ of suspects, but the reality is that there is a pattern of behaviour that has to be acknowledged and addressed.

What we lack as legal professionals is a rigourous approach to analysing patterns of behaviour. Both historically and psychologically, the scenarios of crimes are remarkably consistent, no matter the particular situation. We need the ability to go beyond mere hunch and feelings. We need a methodology to engage in cool dispassionate analysis of a situation.

The Forensic Logician gives the legal environment that rigourous approach to profiling potential suspects and situations. The author, for example, was called into the investigation of the Washington DC Petrol Station Sniper a couple of years ago. His profile of the type of suspects was amazingly accurate, and helped to apprehend the duo.

This book goes into detail regarding logic, but without the intimidating mathematics. However, the rigour of the discussion of logic acts as a guide to effective thinking.

The author also makes an interesting point that the British educational system should incorporate studies in philosophy, particularly in the area of logic. In that way, we will produce a higher calibre of leadership possessing this essential skill set.

This book comes with a strong recommendation for readers to seriously consider reading – and absorbing – the material in this book.

For more information on purchasing this book, please click on the link below.

The Forensic Logician is published by Starborn Books. Please note that The Law Journal UK takes no responsibility for the contents of this book, or works by other authors.

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Brian Risman

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