Covering a range of fundamental topics essential to modern forensic investigation, the fifth edition of the landmark text Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques presents contributions and case studies from the personal files of experts in the field. In the fully updated 5th edition, Bell combines these testimonies into an accurate and engrossing account of cutting edge of forensic science across many different areas. Designed for a single-term course at the undergraduate level, the book begins by discussing the intersection of law and forensic science, how things become evidence, and how courts decide if an item or testimony is admissible. The text invites students to follow evidence all the way from the crime scene into laboratory analysis and even onto the autopsy table. Forensic Science offers the fullest breadth of subject matter of any forensic text available, including forensic anthropology, death investigation (including entomology), bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms, tool marks, and forensic analysis of questioned documents. Going beyond theory to application, this text incorporates the wisdom of forensic practitioners who discuss the real cases they have investigated. Textboxes in each chapter provide case studies, current events, and advice for career advancement. A brand-new feature, Myths in Forensic Science, highlights the differences between true forensics and popular media fictions. Each chapter begins with an overview and ends with a summary, and key terms, review questions, and up-to-date references. Appropriate for any sensibility, more than 350 full-color photos from real cases give students a true-to-life learning experience. *Access to identical eBook version included Features Showcases contributions from high-profile experts in the field Highlights real-life case studies from experts' personal files, along with stunning full-color photographs Organizes chapters into topics most popular for coursework Covers of all forms of evidence, from bloodstain patterns to questioned documents Includes textboxes with historical notes, myths in forensic science, and advice for career advancement Provides chapter summaries, key terms, review questions, and further reading Includes access to an identical eBook version Ancillaries for Instructors: PowerPoint (R) lecture slides for every chapter A full Instructor's Manual with hundreds of questions and answers-including multiple choice Additional chapters from previous editions Two extra in-depth case studies on firearms and arson (photos included) Further readings on entomological evidence and animal scavenging (photos included)

This book provides police investigators and homicide detectives with a practical method of analyzing 911 homicide calls to uncover the truth. A structured analysis of 911 homicide calls can directly aid in developing investigative leads, planning interviews and solving cases. Case examples present proven, reliable methods as to when a caller is telling the truth or not. This book lays out a framework to analyze the call to determine truth from fiction. Every member of the investigative team, from call-taker to first responder, investigator, coroner's investigators, and prosecutor, can contribute to the success of investigations through their knowledge of 911 call analysis.

Die forensiese wetenskap het in die afgelope dekades indrukwekkend ontwikkel. Ballistiek sluit in: die identifikasie van vuurwapens, bloedspatselpatrone en die aard van die wonde veroorsaak. Dikwels is die oplossings egter te laat. Die afsluiting wat dit bring vir die agtergeblewenes, te min.

This book examines the legal and policy aspects of cyber-security. It takes a much needed look at cyber-security from a geopolitical perspective. Through this lens, it seeks to broaden the reader's understanding of the legal and political considerations of individuals, corporations, law enforcement and regulatory bodies and management of the complex relationships between them. In drawing on interviews conducted with experts from a wide range of fields, the book presents the reader with dilemmas and paradigms that confront law makers, corporate leaders, law enforcement, and national leaders. The book is structured in a novel format by employing a series of vignettes which have been created as exercises intended to confront the reader with the dilemmas involved in cyber-security. Through the use of vignettes, the work seeks to highlight the constant threat of cyber-security against various audiences, with the overall aim of facilitating discussion and reaction to actual probable events. In this sense, the book seeks to provide recommendations for best practices in response to the complex and numerous threats related to cyber-security. This book will be of interest to students of cyber-security, terrorism, international law, security studies and IR in general, as well as policy makers, professionals and law-enforcement officials.

The field of forensic archaeology has developed over recent years from being a branch of conventional archaeology into a well-established discipline in its own right. "Forensic Approaches to Buried Remains "takes an innovative approach to the subject by placing the role of the forensic archaeologist within the wider forensic environment; it identifies new areas of interdisciplinary research and practice, and evaluates practical difficulties.

The authors see this book as a reflection of the subject's development, and as a knowledge base for the next generation of forensic archaeologists. Areas covered include: Search logistics, integration and specialist search scenariosLevels of confidence in site search and eliminationUrban and rural landscape reconstruction in both short and long term casesThe integration of cadaver dogs and earth-moving machineryThe recovery of multiple evidence typesSampling strategies, spatial relevance and datingMultiple burial scenarios

As part of the "Essential Forensic Science" book series this book will provide students and practitioners alike with an invaluable resource outlining both the major developments in the discipline, as well as original approaches to the search for, and recovery of buried remains.

Research on cybercrime has been largely bifurcated, with social science and computer science researchers working with different research agendas. These fields have produced parallel scholarship to understand cybercrime offending and victimization, as well as techniques to harden systems from compromise and understand the tools used by cybercriminals. The literature developed from these two fields is diverse and informative, but until now there has been minimal interdisciplinary scholarship combining their insights in order to create a more informed and robust body of knowledge. This book offers an interdisciplinary approach to research on cybercrime and lays out frameworks for collaboration between the fields. Bringing together international experts, this book explores a range of issues from malicious software and hacking to victimization and fraud. This work also provides direction for policy changes to both cybersecurity and criminal justice practice based on the enhanced understanding of cybercrime that can be derived from integrated research from both the technical and social sciences. The authors demonstrate the breadth of contemporary scholarship as well as identifying key questions that could be addressed in the future or unique methods that could benefit the wider research community. This edited collection will be key reading for academics, researchers, and practitioners in both computer security and law enforcement. This book is also a comprehensive resource for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students undertaking courses in social and technical studies.

PCR's simplicity as a molecular technique is, in some ways, responsible for the huge amount of innovation that surrounds it, as researchers continually think of new ways to tweak, adapt, and re-formulate concepts and applications. PCR Technology: Current Innovations, Third Edition is a collection of novel methods, insights, and points of view that provides a critical and timely reference point for anyone wishing to use this technology. Topics in this forward-thinking volume include: The purification and handling of PCR templates The effect of the manufacture and purification of the oligonucleotide on PCR behavior Optimum buffer composition Probe options The design and optimization of qPCR assays Issues surrounding the development and refinement of instrumentation Effective controls to protect against uncertainties due to reaction variability Covering all aspects of PCR and real-time PCR, the book contains detailed protocols that make it suitable as both a reference and an instruction manual. Each chapter presents detailed guidelines as well as helpful hints and tips supplied by authors who are recognized experts in their fields. In addition to descriptions of current technology and best practices, the book also provides information about new developments in the PCR arena.

Introducing the basic concepts of clinical forensic medicine and death investigation, this book covers the main areas of forensic investigation . It provides an introduction to forensic science and coverage of injury patterns, natural disease, accidental trauma, child injury and fatalities, and domestic violence. Anyone who has direct contact with death, crime, and the medicolegal system, including nurses, physicians, attorneys, death investigators, forensic pathologists, and police detectives, will find this an invaluable reference.

The examination of handwriting and signatures has a long and established history as a forensic discipline. With the advancement of technology in the use of digital tablets for signature capture, changes in handwriting examination are necessary. Other changes in handwriting, such as in increase in printed writing styles and the decrease in handwriting training in schools necessitates a re-examination of forensic handwriting identification problems. This text takes a fresh and modern look at handwriting examination as it pertains to forensic, legal, and criminal justice applications.

About the Forensic Studies for Criminal Justice Series: The Forensic Studies for Criminal Justice series consists of short-format content on new developments, unique perspectives, or how-to information on areas in forensic science all specifically designed to meet the needs of the criminal justice community. Instructors wishing to provide their students with more in-depth coverage on certain forensic areas can add these digestible, inexpensive works to their syllabi without having to completely redesign their course, introduce overly complex material, or financially overburden their students. Law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals will find a wealth of valuable information to improve training sessions. Written by experts in the disciplines they are covering and edited by a senior scholar in criminal justice, Forensic Studies for Criminal Justice opens up the world of forensic science to the criminal justice community.
Part of a new Anderson series presenting brief works on forensic science, written especially for students and law enforcementDelves into the latest research on the impact of computer use on handwritingFocuses on fraud cases and related elder abuse"

Recent years have witnessed a surge of interest in the application of archaeological knowledge and methodology to medico-legal issues. Forensic Archaeology has rapidly emerged as a vital speciality. This new four-volume collection from Routledge, assembled and introduced by a transatlantic editorial team, brings together foundational and cutting-edge major works to enable users to make sense of a vast-and rapidly growing-corpus of scholarship. The gathered materials have been carefully selected to highlight the key issues and debates in the development and contemporary practice of Forensic Archaeology. It is certain to be welcomed as a vital one-stop research tool.

Nuclear forensics is the science of determining the history of a sample of radioactive material through the study of the material's characteristics. While nuclear forensic analysis has normally been associated with investigations and prosecutions in the context of trafficking of nuclear materials or nuclear terrorism, it has wider applications in various national security contexts, such as nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, and arms control. The New Nuclear Forensics provides a survey and an analysis of the scientific discipline of nuclear forensic analysis, and the way it is applied to specific issues of international peace and security, from the 1940s to the present day. This book describes the various methods used in nuclear forensics, giving first a general introduction to the process followed by details of relevant measurement techniques and procedures. In each case, the advantages and limitations are outlined. It uses a language and methodology that opens the issue of nuclear forensics and its potential applications to a non-specialist readership.

Crime Scene Unit Management: A Path Forward is a must-have resource for anyone involved with forensic investigations and the search for evidence at the crime scene. The book provides standards for how to manage a crime scene so that evidence is collected and preserved without errors and includes guidelines for how to implement the standards and set up regional training programs for smaller jurisdictions with tighter budgets. Key features include examples, checklists, and flow charts for evidence handling and routing. CSIs, fire investigators, homicide investigators, accident investigators, police executives, and students of forensic science will benefit from this thorough approach to how the crime scene-and the personnel charged with tending to the evidence-should be managed.

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Mechanisms and New Methods for Analyzing Risks builds on earlier works focusing on the clinical problem of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This book presents a methodology for identifying and classifying clusters of risks that lead to SUDEP. Developed over the last two years, the SUDEP Classification System and Risk Factor Cluster ID method will help to address gaps in our knowledge about the causes and possible prevention of this tragic complication. Exploring the interactions among the central and peripheral autonomic nervous systems and the cardiopulmonary systems, the book includes case studies of SUDEP, definite or probable, as well as near miss cases. It discusses how neurologists, emergency room physicians, and attending physicians can identify individuals at possible risk for SUDEP and lessen the chance of occurrence. Top medical professionals in the field detail the development of an international database of human cases and animal models of SUDEP and suggest how medical examiner and coroner offices can strengthen the database by providing information about incidences of SUDEP. In addition, the book describes related clinical and animal studies needed to classify risk factors for SUDEP victims. Understanding the risk factors and mechanisms underlying SUDEP will facilitate collaborative research in the laboratory, hospital, and clinic and lead to improved effectiveness of SUDEP prevention strategies.

"Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation is a staple for any forensic science library and is routinely referenced by professional organizations as a study guide for certifications. It is professionally written and provides updated theoretical and practical applications using real casework. This text is a must-have for any CSI Unit or course teaching Crime Scene Investigation." - Kevin Parmelee, PhD, Detective (ret.), Somerset County, NJ Prosecutor's Office Since the first English-language edition of Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation was published in 1964, the book has continued to be a seminal work in the field of forensic science, serving as a foundational textbook and reference title for professionals. This Ninth Edition includes several new chapters and has been fully updated and organized to present the effective use of science and technology in support of justice. New coverage to this edition addresses the debunking of a few forensic science disciplines, long thought to have been based on sound science. The book provides students, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, and attorneys the proper ways to examine crime scenes and collect a wide variety of physical evidence that may be encountered. While it is not possible to cover every imaginable situation, this book is a comprehensive guide that details and promotes best practices and recommendations. In today's challenging environment, it is essential that law enforcement personnel thoroughly understand and meticulously comply with the forensic evidence procedures that apply to their function in the investigation process. Criminal investigations remain as complex as ever and require professionals from many disciplines to work cooperatively toward the fair and impartial delivery of justice. Practitioners and students alike need to be aware of the increased scrutiny that they will face in the judicial system. Judges are taking a more involved role than ever before as far as the evidence and testimony that they allow into their courtrooms. No longer will substandard forensic science or crime scene investigation be acceptable. Key features: Newly reorganized contents-including 4 brand new chapters-reflects a more logical flow of crime scene processes and procedures Provides an overview of the crime scene investigation process and procedures, from the first officer on the scene through the adjudication of the case Includes several new cases, photos, and updates in technological advances in both digital evidence and DNA in particular Science and technology applied to CSI solves crimes and saves lives. Investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys must be able to use forensic tools and resources to their fullest potential and Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation serves as an invaluable resource to further this cause.

The vast majority of modern criminal investigations involve some element of digital evidence, from mobile phones, computers, CCTV and other devices. "Digital Forensics: Digital Evidence in Criminal Investigations" provides the reader with a better understanding of how digital evidence complements "traditional" scientific evidence and examines how it can be used more effectively and efficiently in a range of investigations.

Taking a new approach to the topic, this book presents digital evidence as an adjunct to other types of evidence and discusses how it can be deployed effectively in support of investigations. The book provides investigators/SSMs/other managers with sufficient contextual and technical information to be able to make more effective use of digital evidence sources in support of a range of investigations. In particular, it considers the roles played by digital devices in society and hence in criminal activities. From this, it examines the role and nature of evidential data which may be recoverable from a range of devices, considering issues relating to reliability and usefulness of those data. Includes worked case examples, test questions and review quizzes to enhance student understandingSolutions provided in an accompanying websiteIncludes numerous case studies throughout to highlight how digital evidence is handled at the crime scene and what can happen when procedures are carried out incorrectlyConsiders digital evidence in a broader context alongside other scientific evidenceDiscusses the role of digital devices in criminal activities and provides methods for the evaluation and prioritizing of evidence sourcesIncludes discussion of the issues surrounding modern digital evidence examinations, for example; volume of material and its complexityClear overview of all types of digital evidence

"Digital Forensics: Digital Evidence in Criminal Investigations" is an invaluable text for undergraduate students taking either general forensic science courses where digital forensics may be a module or a dedicated computer/digital forensics degree course. The book is also a useful overview of the subject for postgraduate students and forensic practitioners.

Forensic Gait Analysis examines the inter-section of podiatric medicine with forensic investigation-that which links or dissociates a suspect to a crime through analysis of their gait, that is their movement-how an individual walks, runs, and bends. This book provides a concise explanation of how an individual's gait and biomechanics are forensically analysed and compared, using video imagery in the process of human identification and investigations. Along with the presentation and delivery of material with case law references illustrating the use of expert evidence. Gait analysis is a long-standing component of the diagnostic and therapeutic tool set of medical disciplines, although the knowledge goes back much further. The area has also captured the interest of technology engineers and others, as the development and use of forensic gait analysis as an investigative and evidential device continues to widen. Features: * Presents succinct knowledge on forensic gait analysis. * 100+ illustrations with photographs and diagrams; over 850 references. * Considers the technical and scientific basis of the field including, the history of gait, musculoskeletal, neurology, emotions and gait, forensic statistics, photogrammetry, and recognises the trajectory of development into IT and software solutions. * Coverage on CCTV imagery and other video footage for use in the process of identification and investigations. * Details are provided on report writing and giving expert evidence in the legal systems. * Contributors across all subject areas. This definitive fully referenced text on Forensic Gait Analysis is a welcome publication for healthcare professionals, lawyers, counsel, investigators, forensic practitioners, and students wishing to know more on the subject and this growing domain.

Crime scene reconstruction (CSR) is today's hot topic. The immense proliferation of television, print, and electronic media directed at this area has generated significant public interest, albeit occasionally encouraging inaccurate perceptions. Practical Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction bridges the gap between perception and reality, helping readers understand the nature of the scientific method and teaching the proper application of its components. A proven methodology The book begins by recounting the history of crime scene analysis and exploring fundamental principles. Then the authors introduce their proven methodology, known as Event Analysis. This technique defines specific actions, discusses the order of those actions, and offers significant insight into determining what did or did not happen in the course of the incident under investigation. Using case studies and more than 200 color photos, the book demonstrates this method and how it can be used to explain clues that would otherwise be puzzling or ambiguous. Practical advice from the crime scene to the courtroom The authors show how to resolve significant questions that arise in the course of CSR through the use of an event analysis worksheet. The book also discusses crime scene protocol, bloodstain pattern analysis, gunshot investigation, and forensic pathology and the human body. The final chapters provide instruction on writing crime scene reports, discuss ethical issues, and give advice on courtroom presentation. Includes color photos demonstrating the science of CSR on: Superposition Timing and sequence Bloodstain analysis Ballistics Wound patterns

Linking the murders of an alleged serial killer to successfully present a case in court involves a specific methodology that has been scrutinized by the judicial system but is largely absent in the current literature. Serial Violence: Analysis of Modus Operandi and Signature Characteristics of Killers fully explains the process of finding the nexus between one violent crime and another for the purpose of pursuing the same offender at trial. Examines real cases of some of the world's most notorious serial killers Written by renowned experts, this book focuses on analyzing crimes of violence to unveil common characteristics that might prove useful in the identification, apprehension, and conviction of murderers. It begins by detailing the historical origins of modus operandi as an investigative tool. It examines murderous ritualistic behavior in a variety of cases, including William Heirens, Harvey Glatman, Morris Frampton, and Jack the Ripper. Later chapters discuss serial murders accompanied by burglary, torture, picquerism, sexual violence, sexual degradation, and a host of other behaviors. Includes color photographs of actual crime scenes Containing numerous color photos, this volume includes useful information for expert witnesses and portions of transcripts of original testimony. The scintillating detail and rigorous analysis presented in this volume enables those charged with solving these violent crimes to discern the types of modus operandi and ritualistic behaviors that can be linked to the same offender, helping law enforcement bring these dangerous offenders to justice. About the Authors Bob Keppel served on the King County homicide task force that investigated the infamous Ted Bundy and has been an expert witness on scores of serial killer signature profile cases across the United States. Along with coauthor William Birnes, Dr. Keppel worked on a United States Department of Justice grant to evaluate how local police homicide units use computer database technology to track serial killer and sexual offender cases by cross-referencing offender psychological signatures.

Fingerprinting is the least expensive and efficient forensic identification modality. "Postmortem Fingerprinting and Unidentified Human Remains" is an accessible and thoroughguide to the forensic identification of postmortem fingerprint records from unidentified deceased from fingerprint acquisition to submission and case management. The methods described in "Postmortem Fingerprinting and Unidentified Human Remains"use a number of different fingerprinting techniques to acquire examination-quality prints.Additionally, methods for accessing databases for humanitarian purposes are discussed, bringing a modern value perspective to the topic.

About the Forensic Studies for Criminal Justice Series: The Forensic Studies for Criminal Justice series consists of short-format content on new developments, unique perspectives, or how-to information on areas in forensic science all specifically designed to meet the needs of the criminal justice community. Instructors wishing to provide their students with more in-depth coverage on certain forensic areas can add these digestible, inexpensive works to their syllabi without having to completely redesign their course, introduce overly complex material, or financially overburden their students. Law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals will find a wealth of valuable information to improve training sessions. Written by experts in the disciplines they are covering and edited by a senior scholar in criminal justice, Forensic Studies for Criminal Justice opens up the world of forensic science to the criminal justice community.
Part of a new Anderson series presenting brief works on forensic science, written especially for students and law enforcementProvides a thorough guide to handling and processing postmortem fingerprint recordsDiscusses various forensic fingerprinting techniques and methods for accessing databases"

DNA does not solve criminal cases-people do. Investigators must document every action, photograph every item of evidence, and create a complete case file that can be used to convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. Each chapter begins with an overview of the felony investigated in the case study and highlights a key area of crime scene investigation. You will then use the case studies to walk through the investigative process and learn by example to create accurate case files.

Learn crime scene investigation through original case studies that show you how to process and document a criminal investigation from first response to sending a report to the prosecutor s office.Get up to speed on the state-of-the-art investigative techniques employed in the cases.Practice your investigative and report writing skills in the "Your Turn" chapter.Develop your critical thinking skills with questions that explore the nature of the case, the conclusions drawn, and alternative outcomes.Access video, photos, and forms on the website."

The Routledge Handbook of Forensic Linguistics provides a unique work of reference to the leading ideas, debates, topics, approaches and methodologies in Forensic Linguistics. Forensic Linguistics is the study of language and the law, covering topics from legal language and courtroom discourse to plagiarism. It also concerns the applied (forensic) linguist who is involved in providing evidence, as an expert, for the defence and prosecution, in areas as diverse as blackmail, trademarks and warning labels. The Routledge Handbook of Forensic Linguistics includes a comprehensive introduction to the field written by the editors and a collection of thirty-seven original chapters written by the world's leading academics and professionals, both established and up-and-coming, designed to equip a new generation of students and researchers to carry out forensic linguistic research and analysis. The Routledge Handbook of Forensic Linguistics is the ideal resource for undergraduates or postgraduates new to the area.

Advances in forensic odontology have led to improvements in dental identification for individual cases as well as in disaster victim identification (DVI). New and updated technologies mean advances in bitemark analysis and age estimation. Growth in the field has strengthened missing persons' networks leading to more and faster identifications of unidentified individuals. A product of the American Society of Forensic Odontology, the Manual of Forensic Odontology, Fifth Edition provides comprehensive and up-to-date information involving all facets of forensic dentistry and explores critical issues relating to the scientific principles supporting the field's evaluations and conclusions. New information in the Fifth Edition includes Scientific principles and the need for more and better research in the field Oral and maxillofacial radiographic features of forensic interest Forensic pathology and its ties to forensic odontology New techniques and improved technologies for age estimation Advances in bitemark evidence management Animal bitemarks National and international forensic dental organizations Tips for becoming involved in forensic odontology The manual has been an important source of forensic dentistry information for more than 20 years. This new edition is edited by a past president of the American Board of Forensic Odontology and a past Chair of the Odontology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Expanded and enhanced with extensive color illustrations, this volume is designed to provide essential information based on sound scientific principles for experienced forensic odontologists and for those new to the discipline.

Reflecting new discoveries in fingerprint science, Lee and Gaensslen s Advances in Fingerprint Technology, Third Edition has been completely updated with new material and nearly double the references contained in the previous edition. The book begins with a detailed review of current, widely used development techniques, as well as some older, historical methods. Next, it describes more recent advances as well as novel, emerging technologies that have just begun to reach maturity.

Highlights in this edition include:

• Comprehensive details about work performed by the UK Home Office on the use of powders and brushes
• Advances in the area of blood reagents, and the transition from previously carcinogenic peroxidase reagents to new and safer protein staining methods
• The vacuum metal deposition technique
• The cyanoacrylate fuming process
• An update on ninhydrin analogs
• Emerging trends in print development using nanotechnology
• Latent print recovery and decontamination at scenes tainted by chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials
• A model for quantitatively interpreting and assessing minutiae in a print
• Methods for digital and chemical imaging of latent prints

With contributions by a renowned group of leading forensic scientists and criminalistics experts, this valuable work presents the latest progress in fingerprint technologies, comparison, and identification.

The authoritative guide to navigating crime scenes-for professionals and for anyone fascinated by the world of CSI. FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics is the official procedural guide for law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and tribunals submitting evidence to the FBI. This handbook outlines the proper methods for investigating crime scenes, examining evidence (bullets, computers, hairs, inks, lubricants, ropes, shoeprints, tire treads, weapons of mass destruction, and more), packing and shipping evidence to the FBI, and observing safety protocol at hazardous crime scenes. At once a guide for professional forensics experts and an introduction for laymen, FBI Handbook of Crime Scene Forensics makes perfect reading for fans of Cold Case, Silent Witness, and the Law & Order and CSI franchises, and anyone with an interest in investigative police work and the criminal justice system.

A myriad of different scenarios await those entering the field of forensic pathology, ranging from gunshot wounds to asphyxiation to explosives to death from addiction. Essential Forensic Pathology: Core Studies and Exercises helps prepare pathologists in training by establishing what they must know about the most common death scenes they will encounter. The book begins by discussing the coaching objectives in medical education and follows with a description of the 15 different rotations of the forensic pathology resident. Using a consistent and concise format, the book describes the facility where the rotation takes place, the necessary skills, the laboratory equipment, and other components of the rotation. The main portion of the book presents forensic pathology essentials in the form of learning objectives-each delineated with a code: "M" for items students must know, and "S" for those they must do. This section begins by discussing the government's role, describes medical examiner and coroner systems, and analyzes the academic discipline of forensic pathology. Next, the book focuses on hands-on elements of forensic pathology, with chapters on scene investigation, identification, and postmortem changes (signs of death). Objectives are also presented for various causes of death, including gunshot wounds, stab wounds, asphyxiation, sex-related death, and death from addiction. Additional chapters cover bombs and explosive devices, mental disease, epidemics, and issues related to forensic entomology. Each chapter contains a list of pertinent vocabulary and references for further study. By mastering the objectives contained in each chapter of this manual, forensic pathology students will be ready to pass certification exams and work confidently in the field.