NCJ Number
180460
Editor(s)
Annemarie S. Muth
Date Published
1999
Length
587 pages
Annotation
This book provides basic consumer information for the layperson about forensic medicine.
Abstract
The book presents information about such topics as accident reconstruction, autopsies, weapons identification, criminal identification, crime scene identification, fingerprinting, DNA testing, drug detection, evidence analysis and product tampering. It also includes statistical data, a glossary explaining forensics terminology and a directory of sources for further help and information. The book’s 55 chapters are divided into seven parts: (1) Overview--basic definitions, timeline, statistics on suspicious deaths, autopsies and death investigations in the United States and Canada; (2) Crime Scene and Laboratory Investigation--collection and preservation of evidence and laboratory procedures; (3) Forensic Medicine/Science Subspecialties; (4) Emerging Forensic Subspecialties--new technology and methods; (5) Advances in Crime Investigation; (6) The Courtroom--how evidence is admitted, the role of expert medical witnesses, DNA and previous court decisions and use of computer-aided graphics; and (7) Additional Help and Information. Tables, notes, references, resources, glossary, index