This is the first major work to cover the disparate scientific disciplines that compose the field of forensic sciences in a manner that ensures both breadth and depth. The medical, chemical, biological, physical, and mathematical sciences are covered, as well as forensic jurisprudence. In order to achieve a strong international perspective, an international group of experts from 22 countries have contributed to the encyclopedia. Among the topics covered in the encyclopedia are the medicolegal causes of death, crime scene investigation, DNA databanks and analysis, alcohol and drug analysis, fire investigation, psychological autopsies, and ethics. Although the focus of the encyclopedia is the analysis of evidence, considerable space is devoted to investigative aspects, including collection and preservation of evidence and the interpretation of analytical findings as well as their presentation in court. The material in the encyclopedia is arranged as a series of entries in alphabetical order. Some entries comprise a single article, and entries on more diverse subjects consist of several articles that address various aspects of the topic. In the latter case, the articles are arranged in a logical sequence within an entry.