Forensic Science Today

Prominent forensic experts, scientists, and forensic science educators contribute to this textbook that covers many of the diverse aspects of forensic science. This edition includes an instructor's CD-ROM.

"Forensic Science is one of the successful tools enriching science and math education by facilitating the teaching of science concepts. The real-life news accounts of forensic science aiding in the solving of actual crimes, coupled with the multitude of television programs and other media presentations extolling the successes of forensic science, have stimulated the interest of students and adults. While many instructors have started forensic programs as well as a plethora of workshops to assist teachers in preparing such courses, little has been done to solidify the process. The Third Edition of Forensic Science Today will be a definitive introductory textbook. Dr. Henry Lee, one of the foremost forensic scientists in the work, George Taft, retired Director of the Alaska Scientific Crime Laboratory and eminent forensic scientist, Kimberly Ellis, a writer and attorney, and Jeanette Hencken, an award-winning high school forensic science teacher, have contributed to this Third Edition which gives an introductory explanation of a cross sections of the forensic sciences. The authors have made changes to the text of this Third Edition in the quest to keep the material relevant, up-to-date, and accurate. The Third Edition of Forensic Science Today will look to the future to see where the forensics sciences will continue to develop. During this journey, you will join world-renowned forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee as he explains the science behind solving famous murder cases that most people only see on T.V. Importantly, you will learn new skills of science and logic, and sharpen other skills you already have, like your intuition. Our philosophy is that you should be truly engaged when learning about forensic science. Forensic Science Today reflects this philosophy and teaches forensic science in an informative and interest-sustaining manner. This book takes you through an in-depth exploration of solving crime through the application of forensic techniques. We begin with and introduction to the overall field of forensics, then follow with the basics of Crime Scene Investigation and a study of Physical Evidence and the many roles it plays in criminal investigation. Then, we will explore a myriad of forms of physical evidence. These include Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Drugs, Serology, DNA, Blood Stain Patterns, Questioned Documents, Imprints and Impressions, Toolmarks and Firearms, Fire and Arson, Chemical Evidence, and Digital Evidence. In each of these chapters, you will learn how to accurately document, preserve, collect and analyze the different types of physical evidence based on the most recent standards. Each chapter in this book begins with a set of objectives indicating what you should be able to achieve after working through the chapter. There is also a set of key terms to pay special attention to as you read through the chapter. At the end of each chapter, you will find definitions of scientific and technical words and phrases introduced in that chapter. These words and phrases are also defined in the Glossary at the back of the book. At the end of this book, you will find a comprehensive set of Resources, which lists books and websites that provide further information for more in-depth research or project work. This includes websites pertaining to crime prevention and survival. It is our hope that if your life has been touched by crime in any way, you can turn to some of these websites for help and further guidance. For the first time, there is also a companion text, Forensic Science Today Instructor's Companion, with labs, hands-on activities, suggestions for research topics, virtual and home assignments. review questions and tests all coordinated with the chapters of this text. In the real world, forensic scientists succeed when they apply a combination of knowledge, experience, skills, and intuition to the situation at hand. An open mind, creativity, and curiosity are essential tools in the field of forensic science. During our exploration of the exciting world of forensic science, we will teach you how to use these tools and apply your knowledge in new ways. We hope that someday this exploration will enable you to be the one who solves a crime using these tools"--

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Third Edition, provides current case studies that reflect the ways professional forensic scientists work, not how forensic academicians teach. The book includes the binding principles of forensic science, including the relationships between people, places, and things as demonstrated by transferred evidence, the context of those people, places, and things, and the meaningfulness of the physical evidence discovered, along with its value in the justice system. Written by two of the leading experts in forensic science today, the book approaches the field from a truly unique and exciting perspective, giving readers a new understanding and appreciation for crime scenes as recent pieces of history, each with evidence that tells a story. Straightforward organization that includes key terms, numerous feature boxes emphasizing online resources, historical events, and figures in forensic science Compelling, actual cases are included at the start of each chapter to illustrate the principles being covered Effective training, including end-of-chapter questions – paired with a clear writing style making this an invaluable resource for professors and students of forensic science Over 250 vivid, color illustrations that diagram key concepts and depict evidence encountered in the field

FORENSIC SCIENCE Forensic Science: Current Issues, Future Directions presents a comprehensive, international discussion of key issues within the forensic sciences. Written by accomplished and respected specialists in distinct areas of the forensic sciences, this volume examines central issues within each discipline, provides perspective on current debate and explores current and proposed research initiatives. The forensic sciences represent dynamic and evolving fields, presenting new challenges to a rapidly expanding cohort of international practitioners. This book acquaints readers with the complex issues involved and how they are being addressed. The academic treatment by experts in the fields ensures comprehensive and thorough understanding of these issues and paves the way for future research and progress. Draws on the knowledge and expertise of the prestigious American Academy of Forensic Sciences Written by key experts in the diverse disciplines of forensic science An international approach Each chapter carefully integrated throughout with key themes and issues covered in detail Includes discussion of future directions of forensic science as a discipline

"Welcome to the exciting world of forensic science! Your students are about to embark upon a journey of discovery that will take them behind the scenes of criminal investigation and prepare them-should they so choose-for a future career in forensic science. Our philosophy is that students should be truly engaged when learning about forensic science. The textbook, along with this Instructor's Companion, reflects this philosophy and teaches forensic science in an informative and interest-sustaining manner. In the textbook concepts are defined and Dr. Henry Lee explains how they are applied to solve famous murder cases that most people have only seen on T.V. This Instructor's Companion refers to many passages in the textbook for the reference of basic ideas and takes them further by exploring concepts using in-depth hands-on activities. Because forensic science is a practical science using a variety of different skills, the combination of Forensic Science Today, 3rd edition and the Instructor's Companion will allow you to teach the concepts in a hands-on manner, teaching your students many of the skills a forensic scientist uses on a daily basis. Furthermore, forensic scientists work as part of a team, so the focus in this curriculum is on the teamwork that can be conducted in the classroom. in this latest addition. The Instructor's Companion also comes with PowerPoint presentations, found on the accompanying DVD. These presentations will help the students visualize the concepts and make the class even more interesting and engaging. Finally, we have added more labs, activities and website references, and updated the test questions to reflect changes in forensics as well as written them to be easier to score"--

Forensic science includes all aspects of investigating a crime, including: chemistry, biology and physics, and also incorporates countless other specialties. Today, the service offered under the guise of "forensic science’ includes specialties from virtually all aspects of modern science, medicine, engineering, mathematics and technology. The Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, Second Edition, Four Volume Set is a reference source that will inform both the crime scene worker and the laboratory worker of each other’s protocols, procedures and limitations. Written by leading scientists in each area, every article is peer reviewed to establish clarity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. As reflected in the specialties of its Editorial Board, the contents covers the core theories, methods and techniques employed by forensic scientists – and applications of these that are used in forensic analysis. This 4-volume set represents a 30% growth in articles from the first edition, with a particular increase in coverage of DNA and digital forensics Includes an international collection of contributors The second edition features a new 21-member editorial board, half of which are internationally based Includes over 300 articles, approximately 10pp on average Each article features a) suggested readings which point readers to additional sources for more information, b) a list of related Web sites, c) a 5-10 word glossary and definition paragraph, and d) cross-references to related articles in the encyclopedia Available online via SciVerse ScienceDirect. Please visit www.info.sciencedirect.com for more information This new edition continues the reputation of the first edition, which was awarded an Honorable Mention in the prestigious Dartmouth Medal competition for 2001. This award honors the creation of reference works of outstanding quality and significance, and is sponsored by the RUSA Committee of the American Library Association

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Forensic science laboratories' reputations have increasingly come under fire. Incidents of tainted evidence, false reports, allegations of negligence, scientifically flawed testimony, or - worse yet - perjury in in-court testimony, have all served to cast a shadow over the forensic sciences. Instances of each are just a few of the quality-related charges made in the last few years. Forensic Science Under Siege is the first book to integrate and explain these problematic trends in forensic science. The issues are timely, and are approached from an investigatory, yet scholarly and research-driven, perspective. Leading experts are consulted and interviewed, including directors of highly visible forensic laboratories, as well as medical examiners and coroners who are commandeering the discussions related to these issues. Interviewees include Henry Lee, Richard Saferstein, Cyril Wecht, and many others. The ultimate consequences of all these pressures, as well as the future of forensic science, has yet to be determined. This book examines these challenges, while also exploring possible solutions (such as the formation of a forensic science consortium to address specific legislative issues). It is a must-read for all forensic scientists. Provides insight on the current state of forensic science, demands, and future direction as provided by leading experts in the field Consolidates the current state of standards and best-practices of labs across disciplines Discusses a controversial topic that must be addressed for political support and financial funding of forensic science to improve