Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques

by Stuart H. James, Jon J. Nordby

Now revised and updated, this comprehensive work, long considered the top textbook in the forensics field, reaches far beyond the scope of those introductory texts that concentrate primarily on criminalistics. Covering a range of fundamental topics, it introduces newcomers to the field while providing the technical detail necessary to understand the field as a science. To this end the book is compatible with CRC lab manuals, including Forensic Science Laboratory Manual and Workbook, Third Edition (87193) and Crime Scene Processing and Laboratory Workbook (85425). Praise for the Previous
"The first-hand experience of the authors and the use of real case studies, including photographs, captivate the reader. Even non-forensic science students and the general public would find this book interesting reading."
―Kieran F. Lim, Physical Sciences Educational Reviews , Vol. 7, No. 1 This updated third edition New and More Extensive Teaching
An instructor’s guide with objectives, questions and answers, suggested activities, and material in electronic format is available upon qualifying course adoption.

Genres: Textbooks, Nonfiction, Crime

800 pages, Hardcover

First published February 10, 2005

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of Forensics and various techniques

[Anne Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice overview of the forensic sciences to date. A scholarly work that covers the major bases well. I deducted a star from my rating largely because of a couple of editing problems, notably things like mislabeled illustrations. On p. 85, for instance, Fig. A is obviously the wiped stain, and Fig. B the flaked one. Also, Fig. 1.6 appears not to be a comparison of bullets, but of ejector marks on a case. Undoubtedly, these sorts of errors will be eliminated by future editions of this work as forensic science practices evolve and the book requires updating.

I would recommend this book to anyone considering a career in forensic science.

[Drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely straight forward. a step by step, and almost everything involved in the field

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this class at Snow College with my good friend Cassie. We loved every minute of it. I still flip through once in a while and read from it. It's also part of my Halloween decor.

[Ashley]

#
NC
Own in hardback.

FS: "I'm grateful for Danner boots."

LS: "Although these tests will provide for more extensive genetic profiling, no DNA test will be free of human error."

[Judy Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction for the lay person. I found this very useful for background reading to inform the police procedural detective novels that I write.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who else read this for HOSA? It got me a gold medal though so I'm happy!