Forensic Science: The Basics, Fourth Edition

Forensic Science: The Basics, Fourth Edition is fully updated, building on the popularity of the prior editions. The book provides a fundamental background in forensic science, criminal investigation and court testimony. It describes how various forms of evidence are collected, preserved and analyzed scientifically, and then presented in court based on the analysis of the forensic expert. The book addresses knowledge of the natural and physical sciences, including biology and chemistry, while introducing readers to the application of science to the justice system. New topics added to this edition include coverage of the formation and work of the NIST Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSACs), new sections on forensic palynology (pollen), forensic taphonomy, the opioid crisis, forensic genetics and genealogy, recent COVID-19 fraud schemes perpetrated by cybercriminals, and a wholly new chapter on forensic psychology. Each chapter presents a set of learning objectives, a mini glossary, and acronyms. While chapter topics and coverage flow logically, each chapter can stand on its own, allowing for continuous or selected classroom reading and study. Forensic Science, Fourth Edition is an ideal introductory textbook to present forensic science principles and practices to students, including those with a basic science background without requiring prior forensic science coursework.

Table of Contents:
Contents Preface Authors Contributors PART I: Forensic Science and Investigation Chapter 1: Introduction to Forensic Science Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is Forensic Science? History and Development of Forensic Science What Is a Forensic Scientist? The United States Forensic Science System Other Forensic Science Systems The Organization of Forensic Science Laboratories Examination of the Forensic Sciences by Outside Organizations After the National Research Council’s NAS Report Scientific Working Groups Reform and Support Quality Assurance Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Chapter 2: Crime Scene Investigation Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Crime Scene as Recent History Crime Scene Investigation Process Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study Chapter 3: Nature of Evidence Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Classification of Evidence Positive and Negative Controls Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study PART II: Tools of the Trade Chapter 4: Separating Complex Mixtures Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Physical Separation of Mixtures Solid-Phase Extractions Chromatography Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Chapter 5: Light and Matter Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is Light? Light as a Wave: The Electromagnetic Spectrum Properties of Waves Energy of Light: The Photon Interactions of Light Energy and Matter Spectrophotometer Ultraviolet/Visible Spectrophotometry Infrared Spectrophotometry Mass Spectrometry Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On The Web Chapter 6: Microscopy Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Lens: How Objects Are Magnified Compound Microscope Modifications of the Compound Microscope Electron Microscopy Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Chapter 7: Detector Dogs as Forensic Tools Susan Stejskal Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Scenarios Forensic Tool: Canine Olfaction Back to the Cases Utility in Forensics Summary Test Yourself References On the Web Chapter 8: Digital Evidence, Computer Forensics, and Investigation Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Challenges Physical versus Virtual Crimes Computer Crime Criminal Law Computer Crime Investigation Wireless and Handheld Devices Digital Cell Phone and Handheld Investigation Computer Forensics Legal Proceedings Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 9: Forensic Engineering Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Engineering Profession Forensic Engineer Forensic Engineering Case Studies Accident Reconstruction Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study PART III: Patterns and Impressions Chapter 10: Fingerprints and Other Impressions Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction: A Note on Pattern Evidence Quest for a Reliable Method of Personal Identification Origin of Fingerprints Anatomy of Fingerprints Detection and Visualization of Fingerprints Comparison of Fingerprints Comparison of Single Fingerprints Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS and IAFIS) Common Questions about Fingerprints Other Impressions: Footwear and Tire Treads Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 11: Questioned Documents Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Questioned Document? Questioned Document Examiner Handwriting Analysis Erasures, Obliterations, and Alterations Typewriters, Photocopiers, and Computer Printers Paper Examination Ink Examinations Physical Matches on Torn Paper Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 12: Firearms and Toolmarks Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Firearms Identification Anatomy of a Live Round (Cartridge) Examination of Firearms Evidence Digital Imaging Systems for Ammunition Distance-of-Fire Determinations Toolmarks Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies PART IV: Forensic Biology Chapter 13: Forensic Pathology Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction How to Become a Forensic Pathologist Investigation of Death: Coroners and Medical Examiners Death Investigation Process Postmortem Interval: Time of Death Exhumations Teamwork Approach Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study Chapter 14: Anthropology and Odontology Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Human Skeleton Identification of Skeletal Remains Individualization of Human Bone Collection of Bones Forensic Odontology Summary Test It Yourself 1: Pelvic Bones and Age Test It Yourself 2: Bite Marks Test Yourself Further Reading Helpful Websites Case Studies Chapter 15: Forensic Palynology & Entomology Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Forensic Palynology: Pollen and Spores as Evidence Becoming a Forensic Entomologist PMI: The Life Cycle of the Blowfly Decomposition of a Body after Death Factors that Affect PMI Entomological Investigation and Evidence Collection Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 16: Serology Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Blood Analysis of Blood Other Biological Fluids and Stains Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Summary Appendix A: Trigonometry Calculation for Locating a Bloodstain Try it Yourself: The Genetics of Blood Typing Test Yourself Further Reading Useful Websites Case Study Chapter 17: DNA Typing Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is DNA? Collection and Preservation of DNA Evidence History of DNA Typing Current Method of DNA Typing: STRs Mitochondrial DNA CODIS Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 18: Hair Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is Hair? Hair Growth Hair Color Structure of Human Hair Human versus Nonhuman Hairs Hair Treatment and Damage Comparison of Human Hairs What Can Be Determined from the Structure of Hair? DNA Analysis of Hair Hair as a Source of Drugs Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study PART V: Forensic Chemistry Chapter 19: Illicit Drugs Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Illicit Drugs Control of Illicit Drugs in the United States Analysis of Illicit Drugs Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study Chapter 20: Forensic Toxicology Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Forensic Toxicology Becoming a Forensic Toxicologist Principles of Pharmacology Pharmacology and Toxicology of Ethyl Alcohol Absorption of Ethanol Drunk Driving Laws Field Sobriety Testing Measurement of BAC Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study Chapter 21: Fibers, Paints, and Other Polymers Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Polymer? Textile Fibers Types of Fibers Fiber Morphology Analysis of Synthetic Fibers Chemical Analysis of Fibers Interpretation of Fiber Evidence Paints and Other Coatings Types of Paint How Cars Are Painted Collection of Paint Evidence Analysis of Paint Evidentiary Value of Paint Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 22: Glass and Soil Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronym Introduction Glass Glass as Forensic Evidence Soil Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Studies Chapter 23: Fires and Explosions Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Fire? Extinguishing a Fire Incendiary Fires Investigation of a Fire Role of Accelerants Analysis of Fire Scene Evidence Analysis of Accelerants Explosions Investigation of Bombing Scenes Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Case Study PART VI: Additional Forensic Science Topics Chapter 24: Presentation of Forensic Evidence in Court Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction Admissibility of Evidence Forensic Laboratories: Accreditation, Certification and Laboratory Reporting Expert Testimony Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Chapter 25: Forensic Psychology Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Acronyms Introduction What is Forensic Psychology? Behavioral Evidence Analysis: The Truth About Profiling Treatment and Evaluation of Offenders Research Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Index

About the Author :
Kathy Mirakovits is currently the principle of Forensic Science Education Consulting, LLC, a training resource providing workshops across the United States for teachers who wish to learn the application of forensic science in a school curriculum. She is a now-retired teacher to taught forensic science and physics at Portage Northern High School in Portage, Michigan, and physics at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Michigan. She holds an MS in science education from Western Michigan University. She taught general science, physical science, chemistry, biology, earth science, and physics at the high school and two-year college level for more than 25 years. She also conducts. She has developed numerous forensic science educational products and has led workshops at the National Science Teachers Association. Kathy has served as president of the Michigan Chapter of the American Association of Physics Teachers and as a curriculum writer for the Michigan Department of Education. She was previously the high school director for the Michigan Science Teachers Association. She received the RadioShack Science Teaching Award and was a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Jay A. Siegel (Deceased) held a PhD in analytical chemistry from The George Washington University and received its Distinguished Faculty Scholar award in 2009. He worked as a forensic chemist with the Virginia Bureau of Forensic Sciences for three years before spending 25 years as a professor and director of the forensic science program in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. In 2003 he went to Indiana University–Purdue University as founder and director of the forensic and investigative sciences program in the School of Science. In 2008 he was named the chair of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. He retired in 2012 and, sadly, passed away in September 2017 at the age of 71. Dr. Siegel was the co-editor of Forensic Science Policy and Management: An International Journal and Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, Second Edition, the co-author of Fundamentals of Forensic Science, and the author of Forensic Science: A Beginner’s Guide. He testified over 200 times in federal and military courts, and was named distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in 2009.