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Forensic Science: A Very Short Introduction
Jim Fraser
160 pages
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15 black and white illustrations
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174x111mm
978-0-19-955805-6
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Paperback
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25 February 2010
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- Examines what forensic science is, how it is used in the investigation of crime, and the principles and processes of crime scene management
- Considers how forensic science serves the criminal justice system and the challenges of communicating complex scientific evidence
- Demonstrates the techniques that are used to recover evidence and the potential range of methods available for analysis
- Highlights the importance of the discovery of DNA profiling by Sir Alec Jeffreys, the emergence of the DNA database, and the ethical issues relating to it
Forensic science is a subject of wide fascination. What happens at a crime scene? How does DNA profiling work? How can it help solve crimes that happened 20 years ago?
In forensic science, a criminal case can often hinge on a piece of evidence such as a hair, a blood trace, half a footprint, or a tyre mark. High profile cases such as the Stephen Lawrence enquiry and the Madeleine McCann case have attracted enormous media attention and enhanced this interest in recent years. However, the public understanding of forensic science is poor, and
largely based on TV shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which exploit high-tech imagery for dramatic effect.
Forensic science is a complex activity at the interface of science and law. However, it also deals with real life issues and its results are interpreted within unique situations. Complex scientific findings must be considered carefully, dispassionately, and communicated with clarity, simplicity, and precision.
In this Very Short Introduction, Jim Fraser introduces the concept of forensic science and explains how it is used in the investigation of crime. He begins at the crime scene itself, explaining the principles and processes of crime scene management. He explores how forensic scientists work; from the reconstruction of
events to laboratory examinations. He considers the techniques they use, such as fingerprinting, and goes on to highlight the immense impact DNA profiling has had. Providing examples from forensic science cases in the UK, US, and other countries, he considers the techniques and challenges faced around the world.Readership: General readers, especially those interested in crime, criminology, and forensics. Also of interest to students of criminology, social science, science, and medicine. Police officers, scenes of crime officers, and other professionals working in the area may also be interested.
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Jim Fraser, Professor of Forensic Science and Director of the University of Strathclyde's Centre for Forensic Science
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"An admirable alternative to the 'CSI' science fiction juggernaut...Fascinating." - William Darragh, Fortean Times
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1: What is forensic science?
2: Investigating crime
3: Crime scene management and forensic investigation
4: Laboratory examination - search, recovery, and analysis
5: DNA - identity, relationships, and databases
6: Prints and marks - more ways to identify people and things
7: Trace evidence
8: Drugs - identifying illicit substances
9: Science and justice
Afterword: concluding remarks and the future developments
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The specification in this catalogue, including without limitation price, format, extent, number of illustrations, and month of publication, was as accurate as possible at the time the catalogue was compiled. Occasionally, due to the nature of some contractual restrictions, we are unable to ship a specific product to a particular territory. Jacket images are provisional and liable to change before publication.
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