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CRIMINALISTICS - AN INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE

NCJ Number
41649
Author(s)
R SAFERSTEIN
Date Published
1977
Length
447 pages
Annotation
INTENDED FOR READERS WITH LITTLE OR NO BACKGROUND IN FORENSIC SCIENCES, THIS TEXT PRESENTS THE TECHNIQUES, SKILLS, AND LIMITATIONS OF THE MODERN CRIME LABORATORY AND EXAMINES THE NATURE OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE.
Abstract
THIS TEXT OFFERS A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF FORENSIC SCIENCE WITHOUT REQUIRING ANY BACKGROUND OR INTERESTS IN SCIENCE. A MAJOR PORTION OF THE TEXT CENTERS ON DISCUSSIONS OF THE COMMON ITEMS OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE ENCOUNTERED AT CRIME SCENES. THESE CHAPTERS INCLUDE UPDATED TECHNIQUES DESCRIBING FORENSIC ANALYSIS, AS WELL AS PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES RELATING TO THE PROPER COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE AT CRIME SCENES. PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS PAID TO THE MEANING AND ROLE OF PROBABILITY IN INTERPRETING THE EVIDENTIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SCIENTIFICALLY EVALUATED EVIDENCE. THE TEXT ALSO COVERS THE BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL CONCEPTS UNDERLYING THE EXAMINATION OF CRIME SCENE EVIDENCE AND EXPLAINS THE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR'S ROLE. END OF CHAPTER QUESTIONS AND NUMEROUS CASE STUDIES ARE ALSO INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)..DMC