Forensic Science: A Very Short Introduction

Product Description

Forensic science is a subject of wide fascination What happens at a crime scene? How does DNA profiling work? How can it help solve crimes that happened 20 years ago? In forensic science a criminal case can often hinge on a piece of evidence such as a hair a blood trace half a footprint or a tyre mark High profile cases such as the Stephen Lawrence enquiry & the Madeleine Mc Cann case have attracted enormous media attention & enhanced this interest in recent years However the public understanding of forensic science is poor & largely based on TV shows such as CSI Crime Scene Investigation which exploit high-tech imagery for dramatic effect Forensic science is a complex activity at the interface of science & law However it also deals with real life issues & its results are interpreted within unique situations Complex scientific findings must be considered carefully dispassionately & communicated with clarity simplicity & precision In this Very Short Introduction Jim Fraser introduces the concept of forensic science & explains how it is used in the investigation of crime He begins at the crime scene itself explaining the principles & processes of crime scene management He explores how forensic scientists work; from the reconstruction of events to laboratory examinations He considers the techniques they use such as fingerprinting & goes on to highlight the immense impact DNA profiling has had Providing examples from forensic science cases in the UK US & other countries he considers the techniques & challenges faced around the world ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable