Cases in Forensic Science: What We Have Learned

Edited by Henry Lee and Elaine Pagliaro, Cases in Forensic Science: What We Have Learned invites readers to join world-renowned forensic scientists as they explain the logic and science behind famous cases. While reviewing each riveting case, readers learn the scientific principles, new forensic technology, theory formation, and crime reconstruction involved in these analyses.

The book guides readers through an in-depth exploration of solving crime through real-world investigations and the application of forensic techniques. Each chapter, written by an expert in the field, covers a specific forensic discipline such as bloodstain pattern analysis, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, digital evidence techniques, and more. The expert utilizes the case example and their years of experience to take readers back to the crime scene and through the forensic investigation and application of physical evidence. Readers learn how to document accurately, preserve, collect, and analyze different types of physical evidence, as well as how to apply knowledge, skills, and intuition to solve cases.

Underscoring the importance of interaction between investigation, forensic science, and law, Cases in Forensic Science provides readers with an essential understanding of the scientific approach to investigations with emphasis on real-world application. It is ideal for courses in investigation, forensic science, case management, and other crime-related courses.

Chapters, contributors, and key cases include:

Preface

Part I - Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction to Forensic Science - Henry C. Lee

California v. O.J. Simpson - The Murders of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman

Part II - Patterns for Analysis

Chapter 2: Crime Scenes and Bloodstain Patterns - Sharon Plotkin

Florida v. Theodore MacArthur-Accident or Murder? The Death of Pilar MacArthur

Chapter 3: Forensic Evidence in the Legal System - Elaine M. Pagliaro

Texas v. Cameron Todd Willingham-Arson Murder

Chapter 4: Fingerprints - Bridget Brosnahan

Connecticut v. Edward Grant-The Death of Penney Serra