Forensic Science

This text aims to provide a broad, scientifically rigorous introduction to Forensic Science. It covers processes from the crime scene to presentation of forensic science in court. It focuses on the chemical, biological and physical methods used in forensic examination. Techniques and procedures used in forensic science are fully covered. The book includes real-life case studies.

This book provides a clear and authoritative introduction to forensic science ¿ the application of science to the resolution of legal disputes. It describes and explains the principal features of forensic science, from the collection of physical evidence at the scene to the presentation of scientific findings in court. Although parts of the book are written with specific reference to the criminal justice system of the UK (particularly that of England and Wales), most of the book is relevant to all readers, irrespective of the legal system operated by their country.

Features

• Clear coverage of key topics in forensic science.
• Includes a guest chapter on the rapidly-developing technique of DNA profiling.
• Case studies of forensic science in practice are spread throughout the book.
• Additional material on forensic science techniques is highlighted in separate boxes.
• Chapter objectives and end-of-chapter problems enhance the reader¿s learning experience.
• A glossary provides definitions of commonly used forensic science terms.
• An attractive two-colour text design.
• The book is supported, for both students and lecturers, by a dedicated website (www.booksites.net/jackson) featuring interactive testing material and relevant web links for each chapter.

The book is aimed at first-year undergraduates studying forensic science either as a single subject or in combination with another discipline. It will also be suitable for students taking a forensic science course as a subsidiary or elective subject.  Those studying forensic science at masters level will find this book provides valuable background information.  Furthermore, professionals, such as the police and lawyers, who routinely work with forensic scientists, may also find it useful as a reference book.

Dr Andrew Jackson is a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at Staffordshire University, UK.

Dr Julie Jackson is a freelance science writer, with a background in biology.

Dr Harry Mountain, guest author of the chapter on DNA profiling, is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology at Staffordshire University, UK, with a special interest in forensic genetics.

 

Cover illustrations

Photograph of gun firing reproduced by kind permission of Philip Boyce, Senior Firearms Examiner, Forensic Alliance, UK.

Photograph of Staffordshire University Crime Scene Reconstruction House taken by Albert Bowyer and reproduced by kind permission of Staffordshire University, UK.