Forensic science on trial - What is the law of the land?

Based on a plenary lecture presented at the Tenth ANZFSS meeting of Forensic science in Sydney (September 2010), this article identifies some of the difficulties arising from the confrontation of forensic science with the law: a science defined by its specialties rather than its object (the trace) and through the eyes of the law rather than those of science. This situation has historical roots that are highlighted and potential solutions for the future lie in fundamental and cultural developments within forensic science itself.