Using case studies, some of a high-profile nature, the contributors to this expert guide show how trace evidence, when handled correctly, can change the course of a criminal investigation and often affect the final outcome.

Trace Evidence Analysis continues and builds upon the tradition of its successful companion title Mute Witnesses (2000). The book contains nine entirely new cases, each self-contained in its own chapter, covering everything from homicides to accident reconstruction. It includes contributions from some of the premier forensic scientists in the field who provide detailed accounts of the process of collection, classification, and analysis of microscopic evidence to draw definitive conclusions that solved actual cases. The book discusses the role of evidence in solving cases and explores the legal and ethical responsibility of the forensic scientist. It examines real-world application of scientific methods and analytic principles, including evidence gathering, instrumentation, sampling methods, analysis, and interpretation; and features over 160 full-color figures that illustrate the relevant case evidence. This book is a recommended resource for forensic microscopists and trace evidence analysts, crime laboratories, crime scene technicians, criminal investigators, forensic science professionals and students, and the legal community. Contains contributions from some of the premier forensic scientists in the field Discusses the role of evidence in solving cases and explores the legal and ethical responsibility of the forensic scientist Explores real-world application of scientific methods and analytic principles including evidence gathering, instrumentation, sampling methods, analysis, and interpretation Includes over 160 full-color figures that illustrate the relevant case evidence

This book provides an anthropological exploration of the ways in which crime is perceived and defined, focusing on notions of truth, intentionality, and evidence. The chapters contain rich ethnographic case studies drawn from work in the Middle East, Africa, India, Mexico and Europe. A variety of instances are discussed, from court proceedings, police reports and newspapers to moments of conflict resolution and reconciliation. Through analysis of this material, the authors reflect on how perception of an act as a crime can differ and how the definition of crime may not be shared by all societies. The approach takes into consideration local standards as well as social, legal and contextual constraints.

As the first major revision since 2000 of the landmark handbook on expert testimony, this fourth edition provides the crucial, insider information that today‘s testifying forensic experts want and need to not only survive, but thrive in deposition and court testimony.Comprehensively reorganized to accommodate greater breadth and scope, this edition