This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Harry A. Milman’s Forensics IV: Guilty Until Proven Innocent is a carefully structured examination of how forensic science, when misunderstood or misapplied, can shape outcomes in the American criminal justice system. Building on his earlier volumes, Milman synthesizes legal history, scientific explanation, and real-world case studies to show how evidence intended to clarify the truth can instead mislead juries. The book begins with a clear historical framing of the presumption of innocence, situating modern courtroom practices within centuries of legal thought, and then methodically traces how that principle can be undermined in practice. Each chapter focuses on a specific forensic discipline, including eyewitness identification, fingerprints, bloodstain pattern analysis, hair comparison, bite-mark analysis, firearms examination, and DNA evidence. Milman explains how these methods entered courtrooms, how they are typically presented to juries, and where their limits lie.
Harry A. Milman’s writing is measured and precise, reflecting his scientific background. Technical concepts are introduced gradually and reinforced through repetition across chapters, creating continuity without redundancy. The tone remains steady and instructional, avoiding sensationalism while conveying urgency. Transitions between legal history, scientific explanation, and case narrative are handled smoothly, giving the book a cohesive flow despite its broad scope. Forensics IV is unique in its emphasis on systems rather than individual blame. Milman repeatedly returns to the role of institutional practices, courtroom procedures, and standards for expert testimony in shaping outcomes. His concluding recommendations focus on education, oversight, and reform, reinforcing the idea that improvement depends on structure and accountability. The result is a work that informs, contextualizes, and challenges readers to reconsider how certainty is constructed in courtrooms and how justice depends as much on process as on proof. It’s a thought-provoking book that shines a light on the flaws of the American justice system.
