Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science

This best-selling text, written for the non-scientist, is appropriate for a wide variety of students, including criminal justice, law enforcement, law, and more!

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 11e, strives to make the technology of the modern crime laboratory clear and comprehensible to the non-scientist. The nature of physical evidence is defined, and the limitations that technology and current knowledge impose on its individualization and characterization are examined. By combining case stories with applicable technology, Criminalistics endeavors to capture the pulse and fervor of forensic science investigations. A major portion of the text centers on discussions of the common items of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes. These chapters include descriptions of forensic analysis, as well as updated techniques for the proper collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes. Particular attention is paid to the meaning and role of probability in interpreting the evidential significance of scientifically evaluated evidence.

Teaching and Learning

Written by a well-known authority in forensic science, this text introduces the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science. It provides:

• Clear and comprehensible writing for the non-scientific student: Makes text appropriate for a wide variety of students, including criminal justice, law enforcement, and more
• Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of forensics and its role in criminal investigation: Captures the pulse and intensity of forensic science investigations and the attention of the busiest student
• Outstanding pedagogical features: Supports both teaching and learning

preface
about the author 

Chapter 1   Introduction 
Chapter 2   The Crime Scene 
Chapter 3   Physical Evidence 
Chapter 4   Crime Scene Reconstruction: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Chapter 5   Death Investigation 
Chapter 6   Fingerprints  
Chapter 7  The Microscope 
Chapter 8   Firearms, Tool Marks, and Other Impressions
Chapter 9  Matter, Light, and Glass Examination
Chapter 10 Hairs and Fibers
Chapter 11 Drugs
Chapter 12 Forensic Toxicology
Chapter 13 Metals, Paint, and Soil
Chapter 14 Forensic Serology
Chapter 15 DNA: The Indispensable Forensic Science Tool 
Chapter 16 Forensic Aspects Of Fire And Explosion Investigation
Chapter 17 Document Examination
Chapter 18 Computer Forensics 
Chapter 19 Mobile Forensics