Forensic Science Today

by Lee, Henry C.

• ISBN13: 9781930056510
• ISBN10: 1930056516
• Edition: Student
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-04-01
• Publisher: Lawyers & Judges Pub Co

Summary

Forensic Science Today takes a scientific approach to the study of Forensics. The textbook covers many of the diverse aspects of forensic science. Forensic Science Today is an exceptional choice for College, law enforcement, and upper division high school introduction to forensic science classes. Written by the world's most prominent forensic scientists and experts, Forensic Science Today is an excellent way for students to explore the fascinating world of forensic science, and an invaluable resource for instructors. This is an Introductory Textbook that, in Part One provides a comprehensive view of the many careers in forensic science, and in Part Two, an introduction to the types of evidence, and how they are collected and used in real world situations. This is an excellent, interesting and easy to read student text on an exciting career area.

Author Biography

About the Authors Dr. Henry C. Lee is one of the world's foremost forensic scientists. Dr. Lee's work has made him a landmark in modern-day criminal investigations. He has been a prominent player in many of the most challenging cases of the last 45 years. Dr. Lee has worked with law enforcement agencies in helping to solve more than 6000 cases. In recent years, his travels have taken him to England, Bosnia, China, Brunei, Bermuda, Middle East, South America and other locations around the world. Dr. Lee's testimony figured prominently in the O. J. Simpson trial, and in convictions of the "Woodchipper" murderer as well as hundreds of other murder cases. Dr. Lee has assisted local and state police in their investigations of other famous crimes, such as the murder of Jon Benet Ramsey in Boulder, Colorado, the 1993 suicide of White House Counsel Vincent Foster, the murder of Chandra Levy, the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart and the reinvestigation of the Kennedy assassination. Dr. Lee is currently the Chief Emeritus for the Scientific Services and was the Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Connecticut from 1998 to 2000 and served as Chief Criminalist for the State of Connecticut from 1979 to 2000. Dr. Lee was the driving force in establishing a modern State Police Forensic Science Laboratory in Connecticut. In 1975, Dr. Lee joined the University of New Haven, where he created the school's Forensic Sciences program. He has also taught as a professor at more than a dozen universities, law schools, and medical schools. Dr. Lee lectures throughout the country and world to police, Universities and civic organizations. He has authored hundreds of articles in professional journals and has co-authored more than thirty books, covering such area as DNA, Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation and Crime Scene Reconstruction. His recent books, Famous Crimes Revisited, Cracking Cases, Blood Evidence, and Dr. Henry Lee's Forensic Files have been well received by the public. Dr. Lee has been the recipient of medals and awards, including the 1996 Medal of Justice from the Justice Foundation, and the 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Science and Engineer Association. He has also been the recipient of the Distinguished Criminalist Award from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; the J. Donero Award from the International Association of Identification, and in 1992 was elected a distinguished Fellow of the AAFS. Dr. Lee was born in China and grew up in Taiwan. Dr. Lee first worked for the Taipei Police Department, attaining the rank of Captain. With his wife, Margaret, Dr. Lee came to the United States in 1965, and he earned his B.S. in Forensic Science from John Jay College in 1972. Dr. Lee continued his studies in biochemistry at NYU where he earned his Masters Degree in 1974 and Ph.D. in 1975. He has also received special training from the FBI Academy, ATF, RCMP, and other organizations. He is a recipient of ten honorary Doctorate Degrees from Universities in recognition of his contributions to Law and Science. Dr. and Mrs. Lee have been married for forty years and have two grown children, a daughter, Sherry, and a son, Stanley.George Taft grew up in Aquebogue, New York. He has been in the Forensic Science field for over forty years in the Texas and Alaska Crime Laboratories. George was most recently Director of the State of Alaska Crime Laboratory. He has lectured internationally, is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association for Identification and a Diplomat in the American Board of Criminalistics. George has served on the Board of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors and is currently serving on the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB). He has spoken to numerous secondary school groups in regard to forensic science. George has a degree in Chemistry from Alfred University and a degree in Anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage.Kimberly A. Taylor is a freelance writer who graduated cum laude from Wellesley College and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arizona College of Law. After practicing law for several years she now devotes herself full-time to writing. Kimberly has also written several chapters on legal ethics in the High Court Case Summaries law study guide series, and co-edited the book Toxic Mold Litigation.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	v
Foreword	ix
Introduction	xi
Part I The World of Forensic Science
Introduction to the World of Forensic Science	3	(8)
Criminalistics---An Overview	11	(6)
Crime Scene Investigation---Basic Concepts	17	(8)
Forensic Pathology	25	(8)
Forensic Toxicology	33	(6)
Forensic Anthropology	39	(6)
Forensic Entomology	45	(8)
Forensic Engineering	53	(6)
Forensic Odontology	59	(6)
Forensic Art	65	(6)
Forensic Psychology	71	(4)
Jurisprudence: Law and Forensics	75	(6)
Part II Physical Evidence: From Crime Scene to Court
Introduction to Physical Evidence	81	(14)
Fire and Arson Evidence	95	(8)
Forensic Serology	103	(6)
Bloodstain Patterns	109	(8)
DNA Evidence	117	(14)
Chemical Evidence	131	(6)
Firearm Evidence	137	(12)
Toolmark Evidence	149	(6)
Fingerprints	155	(6)
Imprints and Impressions	161	(6)
Document Examination	167	(12)
Soil and Trace Evidence	179	(4)
Hair and Fiber Evidence	183	(6)
Drug Evidence	189	(8)
Advanced Crime Scene Investigation	197	(8)
Crime Scene Reconstruction	205	(10)
Glossary	215	(12)
Resources	227	(10)
About the authors	237	(2)
Index	239