The Handy Forensic Science Answer Book

Thomas E. Svarney, Patricia Barnes-Svarney

Description

A practical, accessible, and informative guide to the science of criminal investigations.

Covering the fundamentals, science, history, and analysis of clues, The Handy Forensic Science Answer Book: Reading Clues at the Crime Scene, Crime Lab and in Court provides detailed information on crime scene investigations, techniques, laboratory finding, the latest research, and controversies. It looks at the science of law enforcement, how evidence is gathered, processed, analyzed, and viewed in the courtroom, and more. From the cause, manner, time of a death, and autopsies to blood, toxicology, DNA typing, fingerprints, ballistics, tool marks, tread impressions, and trace evidence, it takes the reader through the many sides of a death investigation. Arson, accidents, computer crimes, criminal profiling, and much, much more are also addressed.

The Handy Forensic Science Answer Book gives real-world examples and looks at what Hollywood gets right and wrong. It provides the history of the science, and it introduces the scientists behind breakthroughs. An easy-to-use and informative reference, it brings the complexity of a criminal investigation into focus and provides well-researched answers to over 950 common questions, such as …

What is the difference between cause of death and manner of death?

How did a person’s skull fit into criminal evidence in the early 1800s?

When were fingerprints first used to identify a criminal?

How is the approximate time of death of a crime scene victim determined?

What is forensic serology?

What is the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System?

Can a forensics expert look at skeletal remains and tell whether the person was obese?

How can a simple knot analyzed in the crime lab be used as evidence?

Can fingerprints be permanently changed or destroyed?

How fast does a bullet travel?

How was a chemical analysis of ink important in the conviction of Martha Stewart?

What types of data are often retrieved from a crime scene cellphone?

Can analyses similar to those used in forensics be used to uncover doping in athletics?

What is the Personality Assessment Inventory?

What are some motives that cause an arsonist to start a fire?

What state no longer allows bite marks as admissible evidence in a trial?

What is the Innocence Project?

Why are eyewitness accounts not always reliable?

Who was “Jack the Ripper”?

Providing the facts, stats, history, and science, The Handy Forensic Science Answer Book answers intriguing questions about criminal investigations. This informative book also includes a helpful bibliography, glossary of terms, and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness.

What is the origin of the word “forensic”?

“Forensic” is from the Latin forensis, meaning “of or before the forum.” It is also often interpreted as a public discussion or belonging to debate or discussion—a leftover from ancient Roman times (for more about ancient Romans and forensics, see the chapter “History of Forensic Science”).

Is there a difference between the terms “forensics” and “forensic science”?

In today’s usage, there is little difference between the terms forensics and forensic science. The term “forensic” is essentially a synonym for “legal” or “related to the courts”; plus, the word is closely related to the scientific field. This is why the terms—including in some dictionaries—are commonly used interchangeably.

Does forensic science only pertain to law enforcement and criminal cases?

No, not all forensic science is about law enforcement and prosecution of criminal cases. These ideas have been, no doubt, propagated by certain media for over a century—from books and magazine articles to modern television and movies. And although many of the advances in forensic science have benefited from criminal case methods and analyses, it also pertains to civil and legal matters, along with determining why certain non-criminal events and actions occur (such as transportation-related accidents).

Why is forensic science considered to be multidisciplinary?

Forensic science is multidisciplinary because there is no one single science that answers all forensic questions, especially in the collection and analysis of evidence. Forensic investigators and experts from many disciplines are needed to solve a forensic puzzle—from biology (for example, for an autopsy) to accounting (for example, in a white-collar-crime case). In fact, according to the American Academy of Forensic Science, “There is literally no end to the number of disciplines that become ‘forensic’ by definition.” And in the future, they predict there will even be more specialties that become part of the term “forensic.”

What are some of the scientific disciplines used in forensic science?

There is a long list of scientific disciplines that are used in forensic science. Some examples are biology, geology, pathology, genetics, chemistry, cryptanalysis, psychology, and ballistics. And within these examples are often subfields. For example, in chemistry a person may be an expert in the analysis of drugs and poisons, while another person may be an expert in the analysis of paints, tools, and other physical items.

What are some scientific fields that are “nonforensic”?

Although many methods and techniques used in forensics are from various scientific fields, there are some sciences that are not as applicable. For example, the term “forensic astronomy” has often been used to describe people who use astronomy to determine ancient constellations. But it is not as well recognized or widely needed as other scientific fields involved in forensic science.

Why are various facets of forensic science often necessary in terms of crime and accidents?

There are several reasons why various facets of forensic science are often needed, especially in terms of crime and accidents. For example, there is often a lack of eyewitnesses at a crime scene or accident—and if there are such witnesses, many people are unreliable in terms of giving evidence. This is usually because people may be partial to a certain aspect of the crime or person who commits a crime, or they are subjective in what they witness. Another reason for needing forensic science is historical—it can often be used to solve “cold cases” that occurred years before.

Why is scientific evidence the best tool to use in forensic science?

Because scientific evidence from forensic methods and analyses cannot “lie,” the results are most often impartial and objective—unlike many eyewitness’ reports or interpretations of events. In most cases, this makes forensic science the best tool to resolve criminal, civil, or other legal matters.
Introduction

1. Overview

2. History of Forensic Science

3. The Crime Site and Investigation Teams

4. Looking for Biological Evidence

5. Looking for Physical Evidence

6. Analyzing a Body

7. Analyzing Older Remains

8. Trace Evidence

9. Patent, Latent, and Plastic Prints

10. DNA Analysis

11. Toolmarks, Firearms, and Ballistics

12. Examining Explosives

13. Questioned Documents and Cryptanalysis

14. Computer, Accounting, and Other Forensic Investigations

15. Forensic Psychology

16. The Legal Process

17. Controversies in Forensic Science

18. Famous (and Infamous) Crimes and Forensic Science

19. The Media and Forensic Science

Glossary

Resources

Further Reading

Index

Sujets

• Forensic Science
• Droit et juridique
• Fingerprints
• Fingerprint (disambiguation)
• Genetic testing
• DNA profiling
• One of the Boys
• Ballistics
• Law

Informations

• Publié par: Visible Ink Press
• Date de parution: 01 septembre 2018
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781578596812
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 13 Mo

Extrait

Acknowledgments
If there is anything we ve learned from writing this book it is that the men and women (and yes, even K-9 companions, rescue dogs, and other wild and domestic animals) that deal with any aspect of forensic science are an amazing group. It takes a great deal of patience, knowledge, determination, and discipline to examine, investigate, and interpret what occurs in a crime or accident-much of it done to keep peace in our world.
As always, we d like to thank Roger J necke, our wonderful publisher, who asked us to write what turned out to be a multi-discipline science book. We also thank our editor-without-compare, Kevin Hile, for all his help and suggestions. We d also like to thank Larry Baker and Shoshana Hurwitz for their proofreading and indexing work. A big thanks to Agnes Birnbaum, our good friend and (patient) agent, who understands not only why and how we write, but that we also need to talk about our cats more often than not, too! You re the best, Agnes. And, of course, thanks to our family and friends (you know who you are), who understand why we sometimes disappear periodically when we re writing.
Finally, and overall, we salute those people who try to understand the intricacies of forensic science, no matter what branch or discipline. To those people-and to those in forensics and law enforcement who have helped us (and others) understand and get through a bunch of traumatic experiences during our time on this planet-we thank you. Keep up the good work.
Table of Contents
A CKNOWLEDGMENTS
P HOTO S OURCES
I NTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
Defining Forensic Science
Terms in Forensic Science and Law
Disciplines within Forensic Studies
THE HISTORY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
The Early Years in Forensic Science (Before 1800 B.C.E .)
The 1800s to Early 1900s in Forensic Science
The Late 1900s to Present in Forensic Science
AT THE CRIME SCENE: THE CRIME SITE AND INVESTIGATION TEAMS
The Crime Scene
Seeking Crime Scene Evidence
Official People at a Crime Scene
Others at a Crime Scene
AT THE CRIME SCENE: LOOKING FOR BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE
What Is Evidence?
Time of Death Evidence at the Crime Scene
Hairs, Bloodstains, and Other Body Fluids as Evidence
DNA as Evidence
Nature as Biological Evidence
AT THE CRIME SCENE: LOOKING FOR PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Prints from Fingers, Palms, and Bare Feet
Tire Tracks and Shoe Prints
Firearms Identification, Ballistics, and Toolmark Evidence
Powder Stippling, Powder Tattooing, and Gunshot Residue (GSR)
Glass Evidence
Dealing with Explosives and Hazards
Securing the Evidence
IN THE CRIME LAB: ANALYZING A BODY
The Crime Lab
The Autopsy in General
Details of an Autopsy-Body Fluids
Details of an Autopsy-Gastric Juices and Body Organs
Details of an Autopsy-Toxicology
Details of an Autopsy-Contusions, Bruises, and Gunshot Wounds
Details of an Autopsy-Bones
Details of an Autopsy-Teeth and Dental Records
Details of an Autopsy-Bite Marks
Details of an Autopsy-Nails and Hair
After the Autopsy
IN THE CRIME LAB: ANALYZING OLDER REMAINS
Forensic Anthropology and Archeology
Ancient Bones
Examining Human Remains
Examining Older Human Skeletal Remains
Interpreting More Remains
Facial Recognition and Reconstruction
IN THE CRIME LAB: TRACE EVIDENCE
Defining Trace Evidence
Hairs as Trace Evidence from a Crime Scene
Fibers and Clothes
Soils and Geology
Plastic Bags
Glass
Paint and Building Materials
Gunshot Residue on Objects
Shoes and Tire Prints
Other Physical Trace Evidence
IN THE CRIME LAB: PATENT, LATENT, AND PLASTIC PRINTS
Defining Prints
Defining Patent, Latent, and Plastic Prints
The Details of Fingerprints
Details of Shoe and Tire Prints
IN THE CRIME LAB: DNA ANALYSIS
Defining DNA
Obtaining DNS
DNA Testing
DNA Profiling and Phenotyping
DNA Databases
Some Cases in DNA Analysis
IN THE CRIME LAB: TOOLMARKS, FIREARMS, AND BALLISTICS
Defining Toolmarks
Defining Firearms
Examining Ammunition in the Crime Lab
Ballistics and the Crime Scene
Firearms and the Crime Lab
Keeping Track of Firearms and Ammunition
IN THE CRIME LAB: EXAMINING EXPLOSIVES
Bombs and Explosives Defined
Examining Explosives in the Lab
More about Bombs and Explosives
IN THE CRIME LAB: QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS AND CRYPTANALYSIS
Defining Questioned Documents
Forensic Accounting
Analyzing Paper and Ink
Examining Handwritten Documents
Cryptography and Cryptanalysis
OTHER FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS
Digital/Computer Forensic Investigations
Biometrics and Forensic Investigations
Accident Scene Investigations
Government Investigations of Transportation and Safety Issues
Forensics and Personal Injury Investigations
Forensics and Arson Investigations
Food Forensic Investigations
Forensics and Athletic Investigations
Bioforensics and Bioterrorism
LesserKnown Forensic Investigations
THE CRIMINAL MIND
Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry
Definitions in Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry
Interpreting the Criminal Mind
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Terms from the Court System
Admissible Evidence
Forensics and the Expert Witness
CONTROVERSIES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
Fingerprint and Lie Detector Problems
Controversies and Hair Analysis
Bite Mark Controversies
Controversies and DNA Analysis
Criminal Behavioral Issues
Other Controversies
FAMOUS (AND NOT-SO-FAMOUS) CRIMES AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
Looking Back: Historic Occurrences Interpreted with Modern Forensics
Details and More Famous Crimes
Famous Serial Killers
Famous Bombings
THE MEDIA AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
Forensic Science in the Movies and on Television
Forensic Science in Nonfiction Magazines and Journals
Nonfiction Forensic Science Books
Forensic Science in Fiction Books
RESOURCES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
Forensic Science Websites: Information for Students
General Interest Forensic Science Websites
Forensic Science Websites: U.S. and International Professional Organizations
Forensic Science Websites: U.S. Government
Forensic Science Websites: International
Other Forensic Websites
Careers and Education in Forensic Science

F URTHER R EADING
G LOSSARY
I NDEX
Photo Sources
Aude (Wikicommons): p. 33 .
Bachrach Studios: p. 98 .
Bibliot que Nationale de France: p. 286 .
Ebyabe (Wikicommons): p. 332 .
Enzoklop (Wikicommons): p. 187 .
Executive Office of the President of the United States: p. 210 .
Federal Bureau of Investigation: p. 171 .
Florida Memory Project: p. 311 .
Olaf Growald: p. 217 .
Jplozai (Wikicommons): p. 339 .
Library of Congress: pp. 23 , 325 .
Karl Mumm: p. 134 .
National Geographic Society: p. 25 .
National Portrait Gallery, London, England: pp. 21 , 190 .
Mark Pellegrini: p. 235 .
PLoS Genetics: p. 185 .
Polytec GmbH: p. 207 .
Ribelle2289 (Wikicommons): p. 110 .
Shutterstock: pp. 3 , 5 , 6 , 10 , 11 , 15 , 36 , 40 , 43 , 45 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 64 , 67 , 69 , 74 , 77 , 78 , 80 , 83 , 85 , 88 , 92 , 94 , 97 , 100 , 102 , 104 , 107 , 108 , 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 , 127 , 129 , 132 , 142 , 144 , 147 , 148 , 151 , 153 , 154 , 157 , 163 , 166 , 176 , 180 , 182 , 194 , 196 , 201 , 202 , 205 , 213 , 214 , 219 , 225 , 227 , 231 , 239 , 241 , 243 , 246 , 248 , 250 , 253 , 255 , 258 , 260 , 265 , 276 , 277 , 280 , 281 , 290 , 292 , 300 , 319 , 345 .
Strand Magazine : p. 326 .
Karen T. Taylor: p. 139 .
University of New Haven: p. 31 .
University of Virginia Fine Arts Library: p. 26 .
U.S. Department of Defense: p. 315 .
White House Historical Association: p. 297 .
Public domain: pp. 18 (top and bottom), 19 , 28 , 89 , 136 , 191 , 199 , 230 , 267 , 271 , 302 , 304 , 308 , 309 .
Introduction
We live in a world in which humans are most often surrounded by other humans. And among all those contacts, there are people who are not as above board as others. Those people and their nefarious ways are the reasons why forensic science has made its way into our culture-and why the field continues to grow and advance.
Most of us have been exposed to certain facets of forensic science. While working on this book, we, the authors, had several forensic events that occurred, including being the first at an accident scene; watching law enforcement go through the scene of an unattended death; and entering a house that had been burglarized. All of them were frightening, but the people involved in law enforcement and forensics were considerate, thorough, and above all, very professional. Their methods and techniques were nothing like what many people see on television or in the movies. (In fact, at the burglary scene, we got an earful about how real life forensic science works versus CSI-type shows-and there s a world of difference!)
After writing this book, and after those events, we learned about the difficulties-and the many successes-people encounter in the fields that make up forensic science. We learned (firsthand) many facets of forensics, including how easy it is to contaminate a crime scene, how not every investigation results in a lead, and even how every eyewitness of a crime scene can tell a very different story as to what occurred.
The Handy Forensic Science Answer Book examines this fascinating and complex world of trying to understand accidents, crime, and the criminal. It explains how forensic science came into being and improved over time. It offers a look at how autopsies are carried out (of recent and less recent remains), how forensic investigators seek biological and physical evidence at an accident or crime scene, and the how and why behind all pieces of what is found at a crime scene or accident-from prints and DNA evidence to toolmarks, weapons, and explosive interpretations. It examines the lesser-known investigations, such as documents and cryptanalysis, along with forensic geology and meteorology. It puts everything together, explaining how such forensic information is used in