Criminalistics

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

Criminalistics is that sub-field of Forensic Science dealing with the collection, preservation, examination, and interpretation of physical evidence. Introduction to Criminalistics: The Foundation of Forensic Science 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 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. 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 colorful textbook, written by an eminent professional, 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

Criminal Investigations & Forensic Science

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.

Expanding on ideas proposed by leading thinkers throughout the history of forensic science, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science outlines a logical framework for the examination of physical evidence in a criminalistics laboratory. The book reexamines prevailing criminalistics concepts in light of both technical and intellectual advances and provides a way of conceptualizing physical evidence from its origin through its interpretation. Conceptually, the book explains what forensic scientists do and discusses the philosophical and practical considerations that affect the conduct of their work. To be sure, some of the ideas challenge conventional wisdom on the subject, and as such, are bound to provoke discussion among members of the forensic community. Against this background, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science is a tremendously valuable reference for professionals involved in forensic science and other related fields.

Criminalistics: Forensic Science, Crime and Terrorism, Second Edition introduces readers with no background in biology or chemistry, to the study of forensic science, crime analysis and application. Principle topics such as fingerprint identification, DNA, paint and glass analysis, drug toxicology, and forensic soil characterization are thoroughly explained in a reader-friendly manner. Unlike other texts available on this topic, this Second Edition is updated to include comprehensive coverage on important homeland security issues including explosives, weapons of mass destruction, and cybercrime. Key Features: * New case studies and updated sections on analysis of fingerprints and questioned documents offer recent developments and findings in this critical field. * Two new chapters on chemistry and biology equip readers with the foundation and tools necessary to understand more advanced topics. * Extensive updating of Chapter 11 “Drug Use and Abuse,” provides the latest methods of drug testing and analysis by federal and state law enforcement agencies. Instructor Resources: * Answers to end of chapter questions * Lecture Outlines * Test Bank * PowerPoint Lecture Outlines Student Resources: * Companion Website (secure) featuring: - web links - interactive glossary - interactive flashcards - chapter spotlights - crossword puzzles *Access to the student companion website can be purchased here http://www.jblearning.com/catalog/9780763789947/. Bundles: * Criminalistics with Brown Lab Manual * Criminalistics with Companion Website * Criminalistsics with with Brown Lab Manual and Companion Website * Criminalistics with Current Topics in Ethics eChapters

In recent years, a number of textbooks on forensic science have been published, most of them directed to two groups, viz. the students of forensic science, and the customers so to say, (prosecutors, police officers, judges, defense lawyers). In this book, while covering fundamental concepts, we try to go a little further and address also active workers in the field of forensic chemistry. This is mainly achieved by relatively nu merous literature references. We hope that they may assist the forensic chemist in penetrating further into the subjects covered in this volume. At the end of most chapters there are examples of actual cases handled at the Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science. Many of these cases could, no doubt, have been investigated in greater detail, but they reflect the compromises often necessary for achieving a reasonable turnover. Some parts of the book are quite strongly colored by the personal opinions of the authors. We felt that these passages will give a little more life to the text than in other treatises of a more objective, but possibly duller character. The authors welcome all constructive criticism which will help to improve the book, should there be a second edition.