Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science 12th Edition by Richard Saferstein, ISBN-13: 978-0134477596

A clear introduction to the technology of the modern crime laboratory for non-scientists.

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Twelfth Edition, uses clear writing, case stories, and modern technology to capture the pulse and fervor of forensic science investigations. Written for readers with no scientific background, only the most relevant scientific and technological concepts are presented. The nature of physical evidence is defined, and the limitations that technology and current knowledge impose on its individualization and characterization are examined. A major portion of the text centers on discussions of the common items of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes. Particular attention is paid to the meaning and role of probability in interpreting the evidential significance of scientifically evaluated evidence. Updated throughout, the Twelfth Edition includes a new chapter on the exciting field of forensic biometrics. With its easy-to-understand writing and straightforward presentation, this best-selling text is clear and comprehensible to a wide variety of students.

Table of Contents:

preface xi
about the author xvii
chapter 1
Introduction 3
chapter 2
The Crime Scene 31
chapter 3
Physical Evidence 61
chapter 4
Crime-Scene Reconstruction:
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 79
chapter 5
Death Investigation 103
chapter 6
Fingerprints 129
chapter 7
Forensic Biometrics 153
chapter 8
The Microscope 169
chapter 9
Firearms, Tool Marks,
and Other Impressions 187
chapter 10
Matter, Light, and Glass
Examination 223
chapter 11
Hairs and Fibers 251
chapter 12
Drugs 279
chapter 13
Forensic Toxicology 319
chapter 14
Metals, Paint, and Soil 347
chapter 15
Forensic Serology 373
chapter 16
DNA: The Indispensable Forensic
Science Tool 397
chapter 17
Forensic Aspects of Fire
and Explosion Investigation 427
chapter 18
Document Examination 459
chapter 19
Computer Forensics 477
chapter 20
Mobile Device Forensics 505
appendixes 519
index 531