Forensic Science: A Very Short IntroductionForensic 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. |
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Contents
1 What is forensic science? | 1 |
2 Investigating crime | 7 |
3 Crime scene management and forensic investigation | 17 |
search recovery and analysis | 33 |
identity relationships and databases | 51 |
more ways to identify people and things | 69 |
7 Trace evidence | 89 |
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alleles Amphetamine analysis areas of forensic basis blood bloodstain pattern analysis bloodstains body fluids burglary cannabis cells Chapter characteristics chemical clothing colour common comparison Comparison microscope consider contains court crime scene management criminal justice detailed DNA databases DNA profiling drugs elimination encountered ensure evaluation evidence types examination example expert witnesses father fibres fingerprints footwear Forensic Chemistry forensic evidence forensic science forensic science laboratory forensic scientists frequencies glass fragments Graham Priest hair heroin homicide homozygous identify individual inquiry inquisitorial systems interpretation investigation involved issues judgements match materials MDMA methods microscope minutiae offender packaging paint particular pattern physical police polythene potential presumptive tests procedures prosecution prosecutor's fallacy questions recovered reference refractive index relevant scientific semen sequence sexual shoe marks significance specialist stain standard substances surface suspect synthetic Table techniques trace evidence transfer typical vaginal victim visual wide range