Forensic Science: The Basics, Second Edition

As forensic science continues to play a wider role in the investigation of crimes and apprehension of criminals, those without crime scene or crime lab training must now become familiar with the techniques and language of the forensic scientist. Avoiding the complicated science and graphic violence typical of most forensic references, this book is written specifically for those without forensic science experience. While it provides a professional reference for those not steeped in the details of forensic science, the wealth of instructor material available for teachers and its pedagogical approach make this an ideal textbook for high school and introductory level courses. Following up on the tremendously popular first edition, Forensic Science: The Basics, Second Edition now adds the insight of a new co-author who is known nationally for training instructors how to teach forensic science at all levels of education. The book takes readers from the initial evidence collection process, through the evaluation procedures, right up to and including the courtroom presentation. Packed with case studies, photographs, and exercises, this book provides everything the non-scientist needs to be able to understand and utilize the vital research approaches that forensic science can offer. "Test Yourself" questions at the end of each chapter familiarize you with the language and approaches needed to understand and communicate with experienced crime scene investigators and laboratory personnel. Offering the forensic sciences at their most accessible, Forensic Science: The Basics, Second Edition is a valuable resource for detectives, journalists, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other non-science professionals who need to understand, interpret, and report on the newest advances in crime scene investigation. PowerPoint® lecture slides, test bank, and other ancillary material on CD-ROM is available with qualifying course adoption

Table of Contents:
Part I: Forensic Science and Investigation Introduction to Forensic Science Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is Forensic Science? History and Development of Forensic Science What Is a Forensic Scientist? Career Information The United States Forensic Science System Other Forensic Science Systems The Organization of Forensic Science Laboratories Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Crime Scene Investigation Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction The Crime Scene as Recent History Crime Scene Investigation Process Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web The Nature of Evidence Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Classification of Evidence Identification The DNA Typing Situation Positive and Negative Controls Summary Test Yourself Further Reading Part II: Tools of the Trade Separating Complex Mixtures Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Physical Separation of Solid Mixtures Solid Phase Extractions Chromatography Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Light and Matter Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction What Is Light? Light as a Wave: The Electromagnetic Spectrum Properties of Waves The Energy of Light: The Photon Interactions of Light Energy and Matter Mass Spectrometry Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Microscopy Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Types of Microscopes Forensic Microscopy The Lens: How Objects Are Magnified The Compound Microscope Modifications of the Compound Microscope Electron Microscopy Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Six Further Reading On the Web Part III: Patterns and Impressions Fingerprints and Other Impressions Learning Objectives Mini Glossary National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Introduction The Quest for a Reliable Method of Personal Identification The Origin of Fingerprints The 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 Mini Laboratory Activities Further Reading On the Web Questioned Documents Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Questioned Document? The Questioned Document Examiner Handwriting Analysis Fraud and Forgery 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 Firearms and Toolmarks Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Firearms Identification The Anatomy of a Live Round (Cartridge) Examination of Firearms Evidence Digital Imaging Systems for Ammunition Distance of Fire Determinations Toolmarks Summary Test Yourself Further Readings On the Web Part IV: Forensic Biology Forensic Pathology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction How to Become a Forensic Pathologist Investigation of Death: Coroners and Medical Examiners Death Investigation Process The Postmortem Interval (PMI)—Time of Death Exhumations The Teamwork Approach Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Anthropology and Odontology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction The Human Skeleton Identification of Skeletal Remains The Significance of Age The Biological Profile Individualization of Human Bone Collection of Bones Forensic Odontology Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Forensic Entomology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Becoming a Forensic Entomologist The 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 Serology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction Blood Analysis of Blood Other Biological Fluids and Stains Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Summary Appendix A Test Yourself On the Web Further Reading DNA Typing Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is DNA? Collection and Preservation of DNA Evidence DNA Typing The Polymerase Chain Reaction Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) Mitochondrial DNA CODIS: The Combined DNA Index System Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Hair Learning Objectives Miniglossary Introduction What Is Hair? Hair Growth Hair Color The Structure of Human Hair Human v. Non-Human 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 Laboratory Activities for Chapter Fifteen Further Reading On the Web Part V: Forensic Chemistry Illicit Drugs Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Illicit Drugs The Control of Illicit Drugs in the United States Classification of Illicit Drugs Analysis of Illicit Drugs Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Forensic Toxicology Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction Forensic Toxicology Principles of Pharmacology Pharmacology and Toxicology of Ethyl Alcohol Drunk Driving Laws Field Sobriety Testing Measurement of BAC Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Seventeen Further Reading On the Web Fibers, Paints, and Other Polymers Learning Objectives Miniglossary 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 The Evidentiary Value of Paint Summary Test Yourself Further Readings On the Web Glass and Soil Learning Objectives Mini Glossary Introduction Glass Glass as Forensic Evidence Analyzing Broken Glass Soil Summary Test Yourself Further Reading On the Web Fires and Explosions Learning Objectives Miniglossary Acronyms Introduction What Is a Fire? Extinguishing a Fire Incendiary Fires Investigation of a Fire The Role of Accelerants Analysis of Fire Scene Evidence Analysis of Accelerants Explosions Investigation of Bombing Scenes Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Twenty Further Reading On the Web Part VI: Legal Aspects of Forensic Science Forensic Science and the Law Learning Objectives Miniglossary Admissibility of Evidence Laboratory Reports Expert Testimony Summary Test Yourself Laboratory Activities for Chapter Twenty-one Further Reading On the Web INDEX

About the Author :
Jay Siegel is currently Director of the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from George Washington University. He worked for 3 years at the Virginia Bureau of Forensic Sciences, analyzing drugs, fire residues and trace evidence. From 1980 to 2004 he was professor of forensic chemistry and Director of the forensic science program at Michigan State University in the School of Criminal Justice. Dr. Siegel has testified over 200 times as an expert witness in 12 states, Federal Court and Military Court. He is Editor in Chief of the Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences, author of Forensic Science: A Beginner’s Guide and Fundamentals of Forensic Science and has over 30 publications in forensic science journals. In February 2009, he was named Distinguished Fellow by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. In April 2009 he named the Distinguished Alumni Scholar Award by his alma mater, George Washington University. Kathy Mirakovits teaches forensic science and physics at Portage Northern High School in Portage, Michigan. She holds a Masters Degree in Science Education from Western Michigan University and a Bachelors Degree in Science Education from Miami University, and has over 10 graduate hours in Forensic Science. Kathy has also served as science department chairperson for six years at Portage Northern. She has taught at the high school level in Ohio, California and Michigan for almost 20 years, and during that time has taught general science, physical science, chemistry, biology, earth science and physics. Additionally, Kathy conducts workshops across the United States for teachers who wish to learn the application of forensic science in a school curriculum. She has developed numerous forensic science educational products for a national science supplier and has lead workshops at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) in forensic science. Kathy lead the teacher steering committee for the Forensic Science Educational Conference sponsored by the American Academy of Forensic Science at Michigan State University in August 2008. Kathy has served as President of the Michigan Chapter of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and has served as a curriculum writer for the Michigan Department of Education. Currently, Kathy serves as Director at Large for the Michigan Science Teachers Association. She has received the RadioShack Science Teaching Award and was a State Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Review :
The overall consensus is that this is an excellent, all-encompassing text, perfect for captivating the next generation of forensic sciences. —Susan M. Ballou, in Journal of Forensic Sciences Praise for the first edition: … provides both the novice and seasoned professional with a sound overview of the forensic process… interesting and educational… . —Joseph S. Buttich, DSCI, NJAG … I would recommend this book to anyone who has a real desire to understand the forensic sciences … also recommended for law enforcement personnel who need to possess a basic understanding of how forensics effect their investigations and today’s judicial process. … —Sheriff Magazine This is a nice, easily read text on general forensics … well written, well illustrated … —Journal of the American Association of Forensic Dentists