Forensic Science: An Encyclopedia of History, Methods, and Techniques - Hardcover

Tilstone, William J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1576071944 ISBN 13: 9781576071946

Publisher: ABC-CLIO, 2006

Synopsis

The only A–Z reference work on forensic science, one of the most intriguing and exciting fields in criminological studies.

From dandruff to DNA, from ammunition to infrared spectrophotometry, forensic scientists employ the commonplace and the esoteric to get their man or woman. Forensic Science is the only comprehensive reference work accessible to nonexperts on this fast-changing and ever-fascinating field of criminological study. Readers will learn how the latest scientific breakthroughs and the well-honed instincts of forensics experts come together to provide the clues and amass the evidence to bring America's most notorious criminals to justice.

From famous firsts in forensics to possible future developments in the science, the expert team of contributors put together by William Tilstone, executive director of the National Forensic Science Technology Center, examines techniques and technologies, key cases, critical controversies, and ethical and legal issues.

About this title

About the Author

William J. Tilstone, PhD, is executive director of the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL.

Kathleen A. Savage, PhD, is business and academic program manager at Forensic Quality Services in Largo, FL. She is also academic program manager at the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL.

Leigh A. Clark, MS, is crime laboratory analyst at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Jacksonville Regional Operations Center; Serology/DNA Section; Jacksonville, FL, and academic programs specialist at the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL.

Reviews

The popularity of CSI and other television programs about forensics has brought patrons to the library seeking more information. This volume provides an introduction to the history of forensic science and the techniques that investigators use to solve crimes.

A lengthy introduction gives a historical overview, with see references to articles within the text. The main body of the work contains more than 300 alphabetical entries covering both scientific and legal information. These include famous cases (Bundy, Ted; Pan Am 103); legal decisions (Frye rule); techniques (Document examination, High performance liquid chromatography); and broad topics, such as Firearms, Hair, and Mass disaster victim identification. There are also entries for drugs (Methamphetamine), historical topics (Romanov family), types of crimes (Sexual offenses), and scientific ideas (Objective test, Locard's exchange principle). Cross-references help users find related material. The introduction and each of the entries have references for further reading, and there is a bibliography of books and Web sites at the volume's end. The handful of illustrations are in black and white.

The authors of this work have a scholarly approach, emphasizing history and defining techniques. Facts on File's Encyclopedia of Forensic Science (2003) provides more practical information, explaining how complex tests, such as immunodiffusion, work. It also has color illustrations and feature essays in text boxes. The two works complement each other. Both are more accessible to the general public and far less expensive than the Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences (Academic Press, 2000). Forensic Science is a useful resource for public and academic libraries. Barbara Bibel
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Edition details

• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1576071944
• ISBN 13: 9781576071946
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 308