Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry Arena

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• Price: $35.00 $31.50
• Hardback: 525 pages
• Also available in e-Book
• Published: March 2010
• ISBN: 978-1-4200890-2-8
• Publisher: CRC Press
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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

Reviews

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

Author/Editor Biography

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).