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Fundamentals of Forensic Science

  • 4th Edition - February 1, 2027
  • Latest edition
  • Author: Max M. Houck
  • Language: English

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Fourth Edition provides a critical scientific view of the ways professional forensic scientists work, not how forensic academicians teach. The bo… Read more

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Description

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, Fourth Edition provides a critical scientific view of the ways professional forensic scientists work, not how forensic academicians teach. The book includes the binding principles of forensic science, including the relationships between people, places, and things as demonstrated by transferred evidence, the context of those people, places, and things, and the meaningfulness of the physical evidence discovered, along with its value in the justice system. This book gives readers a new understanding and appreciation for crime scenes as recent historical events, each with evidence that can inform an investigation; and this latest edition has been fully updated to cover current, validated methods and scientific principles applied in the field, as well as notes on discredited methodologies. Effective training includes end-of-chapter questions and an online test bank, paired with a clear, accessible writing style, all making this an invaluable resource for professors and students of forensic science.

Key features

  • Straightforward organization that includes key terms, numerous feature boxes emphasizing online resources, historical events, and figures in forensic science
  • Compelling, actual cases are included in each chapter to illustrate the principles being covered
  • Effective training, including end-of-chapter questions and online test bank– paired with a clear writing style making this an invaluable resource for professors and students of forensic science
  • Over 250 vivid, color illustrations that diagram key concepts and depict evidence encountered in the field
  • Fully updated to cover current, validated methods and scientific principles applied in the field, as well as notes on discredited methodologies

Readership

Advanced undergrad, graduate students in forensic science

Table of contents

Section I: Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

1. Introduction

2. Crime Scene Investigation

3. The Nature of Evidence

4. Forensic Intelligence

Section II: Biological Sciences

5. Pathology

6. Anthropology and Odontology

7. Entomology

8. Serology and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

9. DNA Analysis

10. Investigative Genetic Genealogy

Section III: Chemical Sciences

11. Illicit Drugs

12. Forensic Toxicology

13. Textile Fibers

14. Paint Analysis

15. Fires and Explosions

16. Soil and Glass

Section IV: Physical Sciences

17. Friction Ridge Examination

18. Questioned Documents

19. Firearms and Toolmarks

20. Impression Evidence

21. Digital Evidence

Section V: Legal and Forensic Science

22. Legal Aspects

23. Wrongful Convictions

24. Professional Ethics

25. Management and Project FORESIGHT

Product details

  • Edition: 4
  • Latest edition
  • Published: February 1, 2027
  • Language: English

About the author

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Max M. Houck

Dr. Max M. Houck is an internationally-recognized forensic expert with research interests in forensic science, education, and the forensic enterprise and its industries. He has worked in all aspects of forensic science, including at the FBI Laboratory. Dr. Houck has published widely in books and peer-reviewed journals. His anthropology and trace evidence casework includes the Branch Davidian Investigation, the September 11 attacks on the Pentagon, the D.B. Cooper case, the US Embassy bombings in Africa, and the West Memphis Three case, among hundreds of others. He served for six years as the Chair of the Forensic Science Educational Program Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). Dr. Houck is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a founding Co-Editor of the journal Forensic Science Policy and Management.
Affiliations and expertise
Vice President, Forensic and Intelligence Services, LLC, USA