Encyclopaedia of Forensic Science

Sometimes called simply forensics, forensic science encompasses many different fields of science, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, medicine, pathology, phonetics, psychiatry, and toxicology. Forensic medicine is one of the largest and most important areas of forensic science. Also called legal medicine or medical Jurisprudence, it applies medical knowledge to criminal and Civil Law. Many law enforcement agencies employ a forensic pathologist, sometimes called a medical examiner, who determines the causes of sudden or unexpected death. Forensic toxicologists, who study the presence of poisons or drugs in the deceased, often help forensic pathologists. Forensic odontologists, or dentists, analyze dental evidence to identify human remains and the origin of bite marks. This three-volume set covers all topics which, either as part of an established forensic discipline or as a potentially useful emerging discipline, are of interest to those involved in the forensic process. Graduate and postgraduate students will find this book an invaluable reference source in their studies.