Forensic Science: An Encyclopedia of History, Methods, and Techniques

(Hardback)

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Description

Who can forget OJ's bloody gloves Or the grisly autopsy pictures of slain President John F. Kennedy The work of forensic scientists both fascinates and repels us. Now, everything you wanted to know - and maybe a bit more - about this little understood field is available in this accessible and comprehensive reference book. From dandruff to DNA, from ammunition to infrared spectrophotometry, forensic scientists employ the commonplace and the esoteric to get their man or woman. This reference work is accessible to non-experts in this fast-changing and ever-fascinating field of criminological study. Readers will learn how the latest scientific breakthroughs and the well-honed instincts of forensics experts come together to provide the clue and amass the evidence to bring America's most notorious criminals to justice. From famous firsts in forensics to accessible future developments in science, the expert team of contributors examines techniques and technologies, key cases and critical controversies, ethics and legal issues.

Reviews

"A superbly organized and presented textbook on the subject, Forensic Science is very strongly recommended for students of forensics, as well as the nonspecialist general reader with an interest in forensic science as practiced daily in virtually every community in the country." - Wisconsin Bookwatch "This volume provides an introduction to the history of forensic science and the techniques that investigators use to solve crimes... The authors of this work have a scholarly approach, emphasizing history and defining techniques. Forensic Science is a useful resource for public and academic libraries." - Booklist "Ultimately, this new encyclopedia is not only a good research tool, but also a fascinating read. Highly recommended for high school, college, and public libraries." - Reference & User Services Quarterly

Author Bio

William J. Tilstone, PhD, is executive director of the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL. Kathleen A. Savage, PhD, is business and academic program manager at Forensic Quality Services in Largo, FL. She is also academic program manager at the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL. Leigh A. Clark, MS, is crime laboratory analyst at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Jacksonville Regional Operations Center; Serology/DNA Section; Jacksonville, FL, and academic programs specialist at the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL.