Forensic Science: A Very Short Introduction

1. Auflage 2010
ISBN: 978-0-19-955805-6
Verlag: Oxford University Press

Buch, Englisch, 160 Seiten, Format (B × H): 110 mm x 174 mm, Gewicht: 140 g

Reihe: Very Short Introductions

Forensic science is a subject of wide fascination. What happens at a crime scene? How does DNA profiling work? How can it help solve crimes that happened 20 years ago?

In forensic science, a criminal case can often hinge on a piece of evidence such as a hair, a blood trace, half a footprint, or a tyre mark. High profile cases such as the Stephen Lawrence enquiry and the Madeleine McCann case have attracted enormous media attention and enhanced this interest in recent years. However, the public understanding of forensic science is poor, and largely based on TV shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which exploit high-tech imagery for dramatic
effect.

Forensic science is a complex activity at the interface of science and law. However, it also deals with real life issues and its results are interpreted within unique situations. Complex scientific findings must be considered carefully, dispassionately, and communicated with clarity, simplicity, and precision.

In this Very Short Introduction, Jim Fraser introduces the concept of forensic science and explains how it is used in the investigation of crime. He begins at the crime scene itself, explaining the principles and processes of crime scene management. He explores how forensic scientists work; from the reconstruction of events to laboratory examinations. He considers the techniques they use, such as fingerprinting, and goes on to highlight the immense impact DNA profiling has had.
Providing examples from forensic science cases in the UK, US, and other countries, he considers the techniques and challenges faced around the world.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Zielgruppe

General readers, especially those interested in crime, criminology, and forensics. Also of interest to students of criminology, social science, science, and medicine. Police officers, scenes of crime officers, and other professionals working in the area may also be interested.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Fraser, Jim

Fachgebiete

• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizinische Fachgebiete Forensik, Rechtsmedizin, Gerichtsmedizin
• Rechtswissenschaften Strafrecht Rechtsmedizin, Forensik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1: What is forensic science?
2: Investigating crime
3: Crime scene management and forensic investigation
4: Laboratory examination - search, recovery, and analysis
5: DNA - identity, relationships, and databases
6: Prints and marks - more ways to identify people and things
7: Trace evidence
8: Drugs - identifying illicit substances
9: Science and justice
Afterword: concluding remarks and the future developments

Über Autor(innen)

Jim Fraser is Professor of Forensic Science and Director of the University of Strathclyde's Centre for Forensic Science. He was wide experience of both the practice and teaching of forensic science, and was the Head of Forensic Investigation for Kent police and Head of Forensic Biology for the Edinburgh police force.