Trails of Evidence: How Forensic Science Works

by Elizabeth A. Murray

Crime is as old as human society. So is the use of evidence, witnesses, and reason to solve crimes. The desire to identify lawbreakers and bring them to justice is so great that it has inspired countless stories, novels, plays, movies, and television series. But how accurate are the fictional portrayals of crime investigations? What happens behind the scenes when forensic scientists crack a case? The actual details are far more than a lesson in how detective dramas often get it wrong.

Genres: Science, Crime, Nonfiction, Anthropology, Biology

24 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Dr. Elizabeth A. Murray is a forensic anthropologist and also Professor of Biology at Mount St. Joseph University, where she teaches doctoral-level human gross anatomy and undergraduate-level anatomy and physiology, as well as forensic science.

"With nearly 30 years in the field, I guess I was 'forensic' before it was cool! I find forensic science to be a fascinating subject that incorporates law, ethics, psychology, history, and technology, as it aids our global community."

Qualifications & career

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are planning on a career in forensic science, this book is a good introduction. If however, you are more on the dark side, looking to become a professional criminal, this book might be your bible!

Written on reading the book. So far I've earned two facts that are really important for a potential criminal and fingerprints:
1. After about half an hour of wearing thin latex gloves, fingerprints will transmit to items touched, and
2. If your fingers are really, really clean, then they don't leave fingerprints.
Conclusion, stick little pads of nail-polish remover in the fingers of the latex gloves :-) Any criminals on here, I hope I've helped. You're welcome :-}

[Irena Pasvinter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of the different aspects of forensic science and a fascinating glimpse into what it means to be a forensic scientist. Not for the fainthearted, especially the lectures on autopsy, the science of death, body decomposition and bloodstain pattern analysis.

[Yaaresse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part history, part an explanation of criminal (and victim) justice, part true crime narrative, this 36 part course covers everything from how police interviews/interrogations work to the science (or lack thereof) behind blood splatter patterns, ballistics, and DNA testing. Probably not for those who are highly squeamish due to the detailed descriptions of both human decomposition and some very grisly crime scenes. It's all done very academically, but she neither minces words nor dumbs down the content.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good lecture series on basic forensics. It's audio was ripped from a video so it does fall a bit flat at points because it references things that are visual but all in all a good overview of the field and worth getting if you are at all interested in the subject.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and interesting

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched all 36 half-hour lectures in this video course. It is outstanding! I could listen to this lecturer every day of my life! She is polished in her presentation, organized, and highly informative! Recommended for all interested in the criminal justice or law enforcement field, and/or those who want to know more about forensic science or anthropology!