Irwin Law Inc. is extremely pleased to announce that the Walter Owen book prize has been awarded to The Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences edited by Caitlin Pakosh! Pakosh will be joining the likes of our previous winners: Ed Ratushny (The Conduct of Public Inquiries, 2011), Ari Kaplan (Pension Law, 2009), and Edgar Gold, Aldo Chircop and Hugh Kindred (Maritime Law, 2005).
The clash of the scientific and legal cultures in the courtroom, though theoretically directed at finding the truth, is marked by tension. This guide provides criminal lawyers, defence and Crown alike, with a macroscopic view of multiple forensic science disciplines, specific to the Canadian legal system and written by Canadian experts.
Evidently, The Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences was well-received by both the forensic and legal communities in Canada. The Walter Owen Book Prize Jury affirmed, “Incontestably, this text has become the seminal introductory treatment of the principal forensic sciences; invaluably serving those committed to life in the law either above, or in, the well of a court—both criminal and civil.”
As expressed by Pakosh and previous winners, the Walter Owen Book Prize is competitive to win and an honour to receive. She went on to say, “the contributors and I are thankful that the Foundation for Legal Research has recognized The Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences as a piece of excellent legal writing that is an outstanding new contribution to Canadian legal doctrine. Creating the book took a considerable amount of time, dedication, and expertise from a diverse team of thirty-four professionals – we are grateful that our work has received such accolades.” Irwin Law’s Senior Editor Lesley Steeve echoed Pakosh’s sentiments, “I’m so pleased that a book that everyone put so much work into has been recognized by this wonderful award! Congrats to Caitlin — she truly deserves this award.”
As for our readers, you’re in luck! You can still get your copy of the highly acclaimed Lawyer’s Guide to the Forensic Sciences here. Happy reading!