This Second Edition of the best-selling Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics presents the practice of forensic science from a broad viewpoint. The book has been developed to serve as an introductory textbook for courses at the undergraduate level—for both majors and non-majors—to provide students with a working understanding of forensic science. The Second Edition is fully updated to cover the latest scientific methods of evidence collection, evidence analytic techniques, and the application of the analysis results to an investigation and use in court. This includes coverage of physical evidence, evidence collection, crime scene processing, pattern evidence, fingerprint evidence, questioned documents, DNA and biological evidence, drug evidence, toolmarks and fireams, arson and explosives, chemical testing, and a new chapter of computer and digital forensic evidence. Chapters address crime scene evidence, laboratory procedures, emergency technologies, as well as an adjudication of both criminal and civil cases utilizing the evidence. All coverage has been fully updated in all areas that have advanced since the publication of the last edition. Features include: Progresses from introductory concepts—of the legal system and crime scene concepts—to DNA, forensic biology, chemistry, and laboratory principles Introduces students to the scientific method and the application of it to the analysis to various types, and classifications, of forensic evidence The authors’ 90-plus years of real-world police, investigative, and forensic science laboratory experience is brought to bear on the application of forensic science to the investigation and prosecution of cases Addresses the latest developments and advances in forensic sciences, particularly in evidence collection Offers a full complement of instructor's resources to qualifying professors Includes full pedagogy—including learning objectives, key terms, end-of-chapter questions, and boxed case examples—to encourage classroom learning and retention Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics, Second Edition, will serve as an invaluable resource for students in their quest to understand the application of science, and the scientific method, to various forensic disciplines in the pursuit of law and justice through the court system. An Instructor’s Manual with Test Bank and Chapter PowerPoint® slides are available upon qualified course adoption.

Revised edition of: Introduction to forensics & criminalistics / R.E. Gaensslen, Howard A. Harris, Henry Lee, c2008.

Introduction to Forensic Sciences, Second Edition is the current edition of this bestselling introductory textbook. Dr. William Eckert, one of the world's foremost authorities in the area of forensic medicine, presents each of the distinct fields that collectively comprise the forensic sciences in a logical, relatively non-technical fashion. Each chapter is written by a well-known expert in his/her respective field, and each specialty area is thoroughly treated. When appropriate, the various methods of applying these sciences in different countries are covered. Heavily illustrated, the Second Edition has been updated to include current procedures and techniques that were not available or usefully developed when the first edition was published. Features include:

Covering a range of fundamental topics essential to modern forensic investigation, the fourth edition of the landmark text Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques presents contributions from experts in the field who discuss case studies from their own personal files. This edition has been thoroughly updated to r

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

This book is a basic textbook for use in college and university forensic science courses at the introductory level in which little or no prior knowledge of science has been assumed. Most of the book is devoted to a careful exploration of the importance of physical evidence and this new edition includes a chapter on DNA.

Introduction to Criminalistics covers the basics of Criminalistics in a textbook for a one or two semester course, with the intention of preparing the student for a future in forensic science. The role of the Criminalist is to analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence in the crime lab. These crime labs, or forensic labs, have two primary functions: identifying evidence and linking the suspect, victim, and crime scene through physical evidence. This new primer introduces the learner to the structure and organization of the crime lab and to the role of the Criminalist. It features real cases – recent and historic – to illustrate concepts. Colorful pedagogy clearly defines chapter elements and sets this text apart from next best. Topics covered include how to process a crime scene and preserve evidence, the basic principles of firearm examination, latent fingerprints, and rudimentary toxicology, or how to determine the presence or absence of drugs and poisons. Well organized and methodical, this textbook has the potential to become the standard text for applying techniques of the physical and natural sciences to examining physical evidence. Uses real cases – recent and historic – to illustrate concepts Colorful pedagogy clearly defines chapter elements and sets this text apart from next best Presents the basics of forensic sciences in a one-semester or one-year course Offers excellent preparation for professional examinations Delivers the latest in laboratory technique while acknowledging the limits of technology

Focusing on issues raised at Interpol‘s 14th Forensic Science Symposium, this volume offers a complete overview and analysis of the scientific and legal aspects of each of the forensic disciplines. It updates cases and discusses recent applications of Frye/Daubert, the admissibility of eyewitness identification, the explosion of cases and statutes addressing post-conviction DNA, the rise in attention to cold cases, and other challenges. This is the book that those in the forensic sciences need to have on hand to successfully prepare for what may await them in the courtroom.

An up-to-date treatment of DNA in forensic science, which contains an introduction to the underlying science, and lays the foundation for a discussion of the technology and methods used. It also addresses current applications of DNA techniques.; Topics covered include structure, function and variation in DNA, experimental techniques, hypervariant a

Even a seemingly trivial mistake in how physical evidence is collected and handled can jeopardise an entire criminal case. The authors present this guide to crime scene procedures, a practical handbook designed for all involved in such work.