Summary
The highly publicized O.J. Simpson trial helped spark an interest in the application of science to criminal investigations, leading to popular TV shows, books, and movies on the topic. Enrollment in forensic science educational programs soared, and new academic programs sprouted everywhere.
Science versus Crime provides an insider’s look at how crimes are solved with the help of forensic science. Offering students a peek at the many investigations that have revolutionized this field of study, this new book explores the pioneers of forensic science, how evidence is collected and analyzed, the science of DNA, fingerprinting, and more. Written by a well-respected forensic scientist with extensive experience in this field, this fascinating volume covers the important cases and procedures that govern scientific evidence: testimony, admissibility hearings, and how the law and scientific evidence intersect in a courtroom. Science versus Crime is an essential book for middle- and high-school students, providing them with a thorough understanding of what forensic science is and how it can assist in crime fighting.
Chapters include:
- Forensic Science: In and Out of the Laboratory
- History and Pioneers
- What Is Evidence?
- Microscopy
- Spectroscopy
- Chromatography
- Forensic DNA
- Fingerprints
- Firearms Examination
- Testimony and Report Writing.
Specifications
Black-and-white photographs and line illustrations. Index. Appendix. Glossary. Cross-references. Sidebars. Chronology. Further reading. Web sites. Tables.
About the Author(s)
Max M. Houck is the director of the Forensic Science Initiative (FSI) at West Virginia University. The FSI provides resources and training to the nation's forensic laboratories. He is also the director of forensic business development in the College of Business and Economics at WVU. Houck is the author of several books and coedits the journal Forensic Science Policy and Management.