An essential foundation for the practice of forensic anthropology

This text is the first of its level written in more than twenty years. It serves as a summary and guide to the core material that needs to be mastered and evaluated for the practice of forensic anthropology.

The text is divided into three parts that collectively provide a solid base in theory and methodology: Part One, "Background Setting for Forensic Anthropology," introduces the field and discusses the role of forensic anthropology in historic context. Part Two, "Towards Personal Identification," discusses initial assessments of skeletal remains; determining sex, age, ancestral background, and stature; and skeletal markers of activity and life history. Part Three, "Principal Anthropological Roles in Medical-Legal Investigation," examines trauma; the postmortem period; professionalism, ethics, and the expert witness; and genetics and DNA.

The critical and evaluative approach to the primary literature stresses the inherent biological constraints on degrees of precision and certainty, and cautions about potential pitfalls. The practical focus, coupled with theoretical basics, make "Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology" ideal for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students in biological anthropology as well as forensic scientists in allied fields of medical-legal investigation.

Defines the term "cognitive evidence" and describes the process for retrieving reliable evidence in a way that maintains integrity throughout the interviewing process Outlines guidance on developing a mindful—rather than prescriptive or rote—approaches to conducting eyewitness interviews Provides guidance for analyzing interviews and improving the interview process Presents specific procedures to interview an eyewitness for a criminal event for both victims and witnesses

Unlike other books, courses and training that expect an analyst to piece together individual instructions into a cohesive investigation, Investigating Windows Systems provides a walk-through of the analysis process, with descriptions of the thought process and analysis decisions along the way. Investigating Windows Systems will not address topics which have been covered in other books, but will expect the reader to have some ability to discover the detailed usage of tools and to perform their own research. The focus of this volume is to provide a walk-through of the analysis process, with descriptions of the thought process and the analysis decisions made along the way. A must-have guide for those in the field of digital forensic analysis and incident response.

Forensic Biomechanics and Human Injury: Criminal and Civil Applications - An Engineering Approach provides a concise, comprehensive overview of human anatomy and the biomechanical factors involved in human injury. It describes the methodologies used to compute the various forces, stresses, and energies required to injure the human body. The book covers the theoretical mathematics behind understanding how injuries occur, classifying certain types of injuries, age and biomechanical factors, impact loading, injury investigation, and the importance of expert witnesses and testimony in civil and criminal cases. It contains a significant number of sizes of all the pertinent materials in the human body, classified by age, sex, and in some instances by race, as well as stress-strain curves and tables of the strengths of these materials. Forensic Biomechanics and Human Injury provides a valuable source of information with tools to help the professional determine the nature of injuries, understand the implications of accidents, and the calculations that go into determining such things for both civil and criminal investigations.

HR Management in the Forensic Science Laboratory: A 21st Century Approach to Effective Crime Lab Leadership introduces the profession of forensic science to human resource management, and vice versa. The book includes principles of HR management that apply most readily, and most critically, to the practice of forensic science, such as laboratory operations, staffing and assignments, laboratory relations and high impact leadership. A companion website hosts workshop PowerPoint slides, a forensic HR newsletter and other important HR strategies to assist the reader.

Bloodstain evidence has become a deciding factor in the outcome of many of the world's most notorious criminal cases. As a result, substantiation of this evidence is crucial to those on either side of the courtroom aisle. The challenge is to obtain an authoritative reference that provides the latest information in a comprehensive and effective manner. Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Theory and Practice presents an in-depth investigation of this important subject matter. A multidisciplinary approach is presented throughout the book that uses scene and laboratory examinations in conjunction with forensic pathology, forensic serology, and chemical enhancement techniques. Emphasis is on a thought process based on taxonomic classification of bloodstains that takes into account their physical characteristics of size, shape, and distribution, and the specific mechanisms that produce them. Individual chapters analyze case studies, with two chapters specifically discussing the details of legal issues as they pertain to bloodstain pattern analysis. Information highlighted throughout the book includes an examination of bloodstained clothing and footwear and information on bloodstain interpretation for crime scene reconstruction. Dramatic color images of bloodletting injuries, bloodstains, and crime scenes are also presented to compliment the technical content of this resource. Features Provides 500 full color photographs - the first bloodstain pattern book presenting dramatic full color images of bloodletting injuries, bloodstains, and crime scenes Contains appendices with scientific data that includes trigonometric tables and metric equivalents, as well as crime scene and laboratory check lists, and biohazard safety precautions Discloses court decisions relating to bloodstain pattern analysis and presumptive blood testing Written by authors with many years of experience in the field, and features chapters contributed by qualified and respected forensic scientists and attorneys

The evidence discovered at underwater crime scenes must be handled with the same attention to proper chain of custody procedures as with any other type of investigation. Improper handling of these scenes can lead to evidence being lost, unrecognizable, destroyed, contaminated, or rendered inadmissible at the time of trial. Updated and expanded, Underwater Forensic Investigation, Second Edition presents a comprehensive approach to the processing of an underwater crime scene and the steps necessary to conduct the operation. The book summarizes the history, physics, and laws applicable to underwater investigations and includes topics such as team formation, roles, deployment, and accountability. Explaining procedures that can make a true difference in the final outcome of water-related incidents, the author also debunks myths associated with submerged evidence. This second edition contains several new chapters on photography, contaminated sites, preservation of evidence, and release of the crime scene, and includes expanded information on death investigation and organizing the dive team. Nearly 100 color illustrations supplement the text. The science of water-related investigations is still in its infancy, and hence, the field needs accurate and useful sources of education. This text will assist law enforcement professionals and those in other areas of public safety in gaining the knowledge that has historically been lacking. The incorporation of the procedures presented will enable those tasked with working these scenes to develop a greater degree of professionalism, objectivity, thoroughness, and accuracy relating to the investigation of water-related incidents-increasing the chance for successful resolution of these difficult cases.

Legal Guide for Police: Constitutional Issues, 12th Edition, is a valuable tool for criminal justice students and law enforcement professionals, bringing them up-to-date with developments in the law of arrest, search and seizure, police authority to detain, questioning suspects and pretrial identification procedures, police power and its limitations, and civil liability of police officers and agencies. Including specific case examples, this revised edition provides the most current information for students and law enforcement professionals needing to develop an up-to-date understanding of the law. Authors Walker and Hemmens have included introductory and summary chapters to aid readers in understanding the context, importance, and applicability of the case law. All chapters have been updated to reflect U.S. Supreme Court decisions up to and including the 2021 term of court. Important cases added to this edition include: Caniglia v. Strom (2021) (warrantless search), Kansas v. Glover (2020) (vehicle stop), Mitchell v. Wisconsin (2019) (warrantless drawing of blood), Rivas-Villegas v. Cortesluna (qualified immunity), and Nieves v. Bartlett (2018) (retaliatory arrest). A helpful Appendix contains the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, and a Table of Cases lists every case referenced in the text.

This book approaches the analysis of forensic contact traces from a polymer science perspective. The development of characterization methods of new or unusual traces and the improvement of existing protocols is described. The book starts with a general introduction to polymers and the issues related to transfer, persistence and recovery of polymeric traces. The chapters present a distinctive feature of polymers, discussing how it can be measured, what the practical difficulties which can be encountered in the analysis, and how useful that information is for comparison or identification purposes. Practical tips for the realization of the forensic analyses are included.

This collection brings together international experts to present a comparative analysis of wrongful conviction and criminal procedure. The volume takes an interdisciplinary approach with authors drawn from a broad range of backgrounds including law, psychology, forensics and journalism. All are experts in their field with direct experience of the investigation of wrongful conviction in their own countries. Focusing on the main areas of concern in their own jurisdiction, each author discusses common themes including: the extent of the problem; the types of cases that feature in miscarriages of justice; the legal mechanism for the correction of a wrongful conviction; compensation for the wrongly convicted; public awareness and concern about the issue generally and in light of high-profile cases; and the extent to which wrongful conviction has driven criminal justice reform. The book will be essential reading for students, researchers and policy-makers interested in Comparative Law, Criminology and Psychology.

Forensic archaeology is mostly defined as the use of archaeological methods and principles within a legal context. However, such a definition only covers one aspect of forensic archaeology and misses the full potential this discipline has to offer. This volume is unique in that it contains 57 chapters from experienced forensic archaeological practitioners working in different countries, intergovernmental organisations or NGO s. It shows that the practice of forensic archaeology varies worldwide as a result of diverse historical, educational, legal and judicial backgrounds. The chapters in this volume will be an invaluable reference to (forensic) archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, humanitarian and human rights workers, forensic scientists, police officers, professionals working in criminal justice systems and all other individuals who are interested in the potential forensic archaeology has to offer at scenes of crime or places of incident. This volume promotes the development of forensic archaeology worldwide. In addition, it proposes an interpretative framework that is grounded in archaeological theory and methodology, integrating affiliated behavioural and forensic sciences.

Forensic Toxicology, the latest release in the Advanced Forensic Science Series that grew out of recommendations from the 2009 NAS Report, Strengthening Forensic Science: A Path Forward will serve as a graduate level text for those studying and teaching forensic toxicology. It is also an excellent reference for the forensic practitioner's library or for use in their casework. Coverage includes a wide variety of methods used, along with pharmacology and drugs and professional issues they may encounter. Edited by a world-renowned, leading forensic expert, this updated edition is a long overdue solution for the forensic science community.

Forensic Odontology: Principles and Practice details the aspects necessary to become an accomplished forensic odontologist, including an illustration of the skills necessary to become an expert witness. The book is ideal for both the experienced and novice forensic odontologist, covering many fields of expertise, including civil and criminal matters. The civil side involves standard of care and personal injury matters, while the criminal side involves not only dental identification, but management of mass fatality incidents, age assessment, child and elder abuse, and bitemark analysis.

For introductory courses in Forensic Science. Forensic Science: From the Crime Scene to the Crime Lab, Second Edition, is designed to present forensic science in a straightforward and student-friendly format. Ideal for students with limited background in the sciences, topics are arranged to integrate scientific methodology with actual forensic applications. Discussions are focused on explaining state-of-the-art technology without delving into extraneous theories that may bore or overwhelm non-science students. Only the most relevant scientific and technological concepts are presented, keeping students focused on the practical knowledge they'll need in the field.

Seeking the Truth from Mobile Evidence: Basic Fundamentals, Intermediate and Advanced Overview of Current Mobile Forensic Investigations will assist those who have never collected mobile evidence and augment the work of professionals who are not currently performing advanced destructive techniques. This book is intended for any professional that is interested in pursuing work that involves mobile forensics, and is designed around the outcomes of criminal investigations that involve mobile digital evidence. Author John Bair brings to life the techniques and concepts that can assist those in the private or corporate sector. Mobile devices have always been very dynamic in nature. They have also become an integral part of our lives, and often times, a digital representation of where we are, who we communicate with and what we document around us. Because they constantly change features, allow user enabled security, and or encryption, those employed with extracting user data are often overwhelmed with the process. This book presents a complete guide to mobile device forensics, written in an easy to understand format.

Wildfire arson is often considered an impossible crime to solve. Likewise, offenders frequently consider themselves undetectable. And many agencies often do not have the specialist skills necessary to investigate those responsible for serial wildfire ignitions. As such, perpetrators continue to light fires with little to no likelihood of being caught. An ongoing series of deliberately lit wildfires can result in significant financial and environmental consequences and put life and property at risk. This Wildlife Arson Prevention Guide provides law enforcement, land management and fire agency investigators with frameworks, strategies, and tactics-that can be adopted to address deliberate wildfire ignitions in their jurisdiction. Often this crime is automatically given to law enforcement agencies to solve in isolation, whereas a collaborative approach across key agencies has proven essential in apprehending offenders. This valuable guidebook fills a void in the literature, detailing a collaborative approach through the adoption of successful best practice investigation techniques. Many may be applicable to-and better serve-smaller rural communities, while others can be adopted in more populated wildfire prone areas. The book recognises that some small rural agencies may have less capacity to address the issue and may need to modify the recommended methods; ideally, the text encourages the establishment of collaborative arrangements to work with larger or adjoining agencies, to help solve their serial wildfire arson cases. The book highlights successfully adopted measures that can be embraced by key agencies who have a responsibility in wildfire ignition prevention. Currently, no similar all-encompassing handbook exists to guide agencies to address this growing worldwide problem. The strategies and tactics are presented in a format that can be easily aligned to jurisdictions within countries that are at risk of wildfire. The commonly recognised motives behind wildfire arson are detailed to provide agency investigators a background to this often-misunderstood offence. The Wildlife Arson Prevention Guide provides the tools that will help authorities to identify those responsible and result in stronger, safer communities.

Wildfire arson is often considered an impossible crime to solve. Likewise, offenders frequently consider themselves undetectable. And many agencies often do not have the specialist skills necessary to investigate those responsible for serial wildfire ignitions. As such, perpetrators continue to light fires with little to no likelihood of being caught. An ongoing series of deliberately lit wildfires can result in significant financial and environmental consequences and put life and property at risk. This Wildlife Arson Prevention Guide provides law enforcement, land management and fire agency investigators with frameworks, strategies, and tactics-that can be adopted to address deliberate wildfire ignitions in their jurisdiction. Often this crime is automatically given to law enforcement agencies to solve in isolation, whereas a collaborative approach across key agencies has proven essential in apprehending offenders. This valuable guidebook fills a void in the literature, detailing a collaborative approach through the adoption of successful best practice investigation techniques. Many may be applicable to-and better serve-smaller rural communities, while others can be adopted in more populated wildfire prone areas. The book recognises that some small rural agencies may have less capacity to address the issue and may need to modify the recommended methods; ideally, the text encourages the establishment of collaborative arrangements to work with larger or adjoining agencies, to help solve their serial wildfire arson cases. The book highlights successfully adopted measures that can be embraced by key agencies who have a responsibility in wildfire ignition prevention. Currently, no similar all-encompassing handbook exists to guide agencies to address this growing worldwide problem. The strategies and tactics are presented in a format that can be easily aligned to jurisdictions within countries that are at risk of wildfire. The commonly recognised motives behind wildfire arson are detailed to provide agency investigators a background to this often-misunderstood offence. The Wildlife Arson Prevention Guide provides the tools that will help authorities to identify those responsible and result in stronger, safer communities.

Human Remains - Another Dimension: The Application of 3D Imaging in the Funerary Contextbrings together scattered literature on the topic, assimilating disparate pieces that relate to the novel use of non-invasive three-dimensional imaging techniques in the forensic context. All chapters are written by specialists in the field who use these types of imaging techniques within their research, bringing an engaging and comprehensive view that demonstrates the current use of 3D non-invasive imaging techniques using case studies. In addition, the advantages for using such methods, their current limitations, and possible solutions are also reviewed.

Forensic Science Errors and Wrongful Convictions: Case Studies and Root Causes provides a rigorous and detailed examination of two key issues: the continuing problem of wrongful convictions and the role of forensic science in these miscarriages of justice. This comprehensive textbook covers the full breadth of the topic. It looks at each type of evidence, historical factors, system issues, organizational factors, and individual examiners. Forensic science errors may arise at any time from crime scene to courtroom. Probative evidence may be overlooked at the scene of a crime, or the chain of custody may be compromised. Police investigators may misuse or ignore forensic evidence. A poorly-trained examiner may not apply the accepted standards of the discipline or may make unsound interpretations that exceed the limits of generally accepted scientific knowledge. In the courtroom, the forensic scientist may testify outside the standards of the discipline or fail to present exculpatory results. Prosecutors may suppress or mischaracterize evidence, and judges may admit testimony that does not conform to rules of evidence. All too often, the accused will not be afforded an adequate defense-especially given the technical complexities of forensic evidence. These issues do not arise in a vacuum; they result from system issues that are discernable and can be ameliorated. Author John Morgan provides a thorough discussion of the policy, practice, and technical aspects of forensic science errors from a root-cause, scientific analysis perspective. Readers will learn to analyze common issues across cases and jurisdictions, perform basic root cause analysis, and develop systemic reforms. The reader is encouraged to assess cases and issues without regard to preconceived views or prejudicial language. As such, the book reinforces the need to obtain a clear understanding of errors to properly develop a set of effective scientific, procedural, and policy reforms to reduce wrongful convictions and improve forensic integrity and reliability. Written in a format and style accessible to a broad audience, Forensic Science Errors and Wrongful Convictions presents a root-cause analysis across all of these issues, supported by detailed case studies and a clear understanding of the scientific basis of the forensic disciplines.

The ability to thoroughly and accurately photograph a crime scene is a mandate for all investigators, regardless of the time of day, weather conditions, or confines within which a piece of evidence is concealed. Evidence is commonly found in some of the most difficult to access and photograph locations. Having the knowledge, wherewithal, and skills necessary to photograph evidence in less-than-accommodating environments is vital to a photographer's effectiveness and success. Advanced Crime Scene Photography, Third Edition takes a somewhat different approach to the subject over prior editions. Rather than assuming a crime scene investigator's or photographer's comfort with the operation of their cameras-and a basic understanding of apertures, shutter speeds, ISO values, and basic exposure calculations-the author provides a thorough review of basic photographic concepts, as a refresher to readers. And, for those less familiar or otherwise new to photography, such background provided makes the foundational concepts more understandable for those readers who require such information to understand the more advanced techniques covered later in the book. In addition to this added coverage, an entirely new chapter has been added to provide essential guidance on how to prepare and testify in court. Anyone with a camera phone can take a photograph in perfect lighting, with the subject sitting out in the open, and already positioned for the best composition. This book provides crime scene photographers the skills to record those same beautiful photographs in adverse condition, surrounded by tragedy, utilizing all the tools available to the investigator. The greatest tool a photographer has available to them is their brain. From start to finish, the value of quality crime scene photographs cannot be overemphasized; photographers must take control of their photographic endeavors, identify the challenges, design a plan to capture the image correctly, and then execute that plan. As such Advanced Crime Scene Photograph, Third Edition is written to help photographers achieve the goal of capturing the best possible images, especially in those difficult-to-capture, real-world environments and conditions. All photographers need to practice their craft, whether they are actively working cases as seasoned veterans or are just beginning their careers. This book provides the knowledge and skills essential to achieve career and professional success in crime scene photography.

This book identifies, traces, and interrogates contemporary American culture's fascination with forensic science. It looks to the many different sites, genres, and media where the forensic has become a cultural commonplace. It turns firstly to the most visible spaces where forensic science has captured the collective imagination: crime films and television programs. In contemporary screen culture, crime is increasingly framed as an area of scientific inquiry and, even more frequently, as an area of concern for female experts. One of the central concerns of this book is the gendered nature of expert scientific knowledge, as embodied by the ubiquitous character of the female investigator. Steenberg argues that our fascination with the forensic depends on our equal fascination with (and suspicion of) women's bodies-with the bodies of the women investigating and with the bodies of the mostly female victims under investigation.

Law and Evidence: A Primer for Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Legal Studies, Third Edition introduces the complex topic of evidence law in a straightforward and accessible manner. The use and function of evidence in both criminal and civil cases is examined to offer a complete understanding of how evidence principles play out in the real world of litigation and advocacy. This revised Third Edition includes new discussions of rules and case law analysis, forensic cases, and evidentiary software programs. Key Features: Every chapter contains new legal authority that apples to traditional legal principles relevant to evidence law Offers full coverage of evidentiary codes and statutes Provides practical forms, checklists, and additional tools throughout for use by current and future practitioners Course ancillaries including PowerPointTM lecture slides and an Instructor's Manual with Test Bank are available with qualified course adoption.

While there are several recent books on this emerging field, Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences sets the bar, covering all relevant aspects in a succinct, easy-to-read, comprehensive format designed to be taught in a single-semester course. Intended to be the premier textbook on veterinary forensic sciences, the book covers the application of veterinary forensic medicine to cases, including the medical perspective as well as law enforcement response, crime scene management, and evidence recovery issues. Coverage includes the scientific and legal principles for veterinary forensic evidence. This clearly delineates it from veterinary-only practices, since the forensic aspects present additional challenges that include evidence recovery and preservation, report writing, and maintaining an evidentiary chain of custody, all the way through expert witness testimony. Some emerging topics that are covered include DNA and genetic evidence, entomological evidence in support of veterinary forensics, animal fighting, situational deaths, including poisonings, domestic violence, and cruelty, sharp and blunt force trauma, gunshot and wound ballistics, sexual assault, nonhuman odontology and osteology, and more. Features Details a process for forensic science case management for humane law enforcement agencies Presents multiple chapters on specific types of trauma analysis in animals Provides developments on current trends in forensic entomology as applied to wildlife crime and minimum postmortem interval determinations Explores national and international considerations in combating organized animal fighting Offers DNA applications for wildlife crime and environmental monitoring Outlines current animal and environmental forensic toxicology legal casework This text offers a straightforward presentation of current practices and includes several real-world case examples throughout to illustrate concepts. Fully illustrated with more than 280 full-color images, Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences provides the latest in advances and up-to-date field techniques, applicable for student instruction in the classroom and beyond.

"Doyle's modesty of language conceals a profound tolerance of the human complexity"-John Le Carre "Every Writer owes something to Holmes." -T.S. Eliot While the controversy of Psychic Photography was gripping the early 20th Century United Kingdom, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle set out to investigate the most notable cases. In The Case for Spirit Photography, he aimed to defend the validity of capturing images of spirits with a camera. The spectacle of spirit photography had become popular in the late 19th Century, but by the 1920's The Crewe Circle, an infamous English spiritualist group had become the center of a national controversy attacking spirit photography as a hoax. Doyle, a leader of the Spiritualist movement, wrote this investigation in defense of the group, and conjointly looks at other cases of supernatural incidences. As we face current public figures dismissive of empirical scientific evidence, this is a fascinating look at the intrigue of conviction. As the writer of one of fictions most colorful and abiding detectives, Doyle's deductions in The Case for Spirit Photography are enthralling. With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Case is both modern and readable.