Summary

Evidence that can barely be seen with the naked eye routinely plays a crucial part in the search for—and the conviction of—some of the most dangerous criminals known to society. From the hairs of a dog to tiny fiber fragments, forensic analysts study these trace materials and interpret them for use in legal proceedings. Hairs and fibers are two of the most commonly found types of trace evidence and the focus of this book.

Trace Evidence explores the microscopic world in which the forensic scientist works by addressing the issues of what constitutes evidence; important methods of trace analysis, including spectroscopy and chromatography; human and animal hairs and what can be determined by examining them; and manufactured and natural fibers and the many ways in which they appear in textiles and are analyzed in the laboratory. Written by a well-respected author with extensive knowledge in the field, this book is essential for students fascinated by this area of forensic science.

Chapters include:

• What Is Evidence?
• Forensic Applications
• Hairs
• Fibers.

Specifications

Black-and-white photographs and line illustrations. Index. Glossary. Cross-references. Sidebars. 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.