FORENSIC SCIENCE PUBLICATIONS

Essentials of Autopsy Practice New Advances, Trends and Developments Edited by Guy N. Rutty Softcover - 190 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# DA-FOR1 $252.70 BUY Published:  2008   ISBN:  9781846288340

• A unique reference book dedicated to updating the pathologist on issues related to the autopsy
• Tackles issues never previously discussed and specifically selected to fill a gap in the market
• The only series dedicated to encompass all of autopsy practice, i.e. non-forensic and forensic, paediatric, neuropathological as well as sub-specialties
• First book has become a reference aid to autopsy issues for all grades of lawyers

Essentials of Autopsy Practice: New Advances, Trends and Developments’ provides an up-to-date overview of current key issues in autopsy practice, with contributions from leading field experts from around the world. This concise, well-referenced text consists of chapters that can be read independently of each other, in addition to forming a cohesive book which can act as a practical manual or
reference guide.

This book is designed to be kept in laboratories, offices and mortuaries so that practioners can quickly refer to it for help on how to undertake procedures or interpret findings found in autopsy practice. Its size and contents make this a valuable everyday title, offering advice and suggested approaches to a variety of difficult subject areas.

As the fourth volume in a popular series, this book will be of great use to both trainees and consultants in all specialty areas within pathology, including forensic pathology, as well as also serving as a comprehensive guide for all those involved in the wider sense of death investigation, such as nurses, lawyers, paramedics and police officers.

Contents:
Infection and autopsy practice. Aviation pathology for histopathologists. Child death investigation: a recent update. Forensic odontology: oral pathology for histopathologists. Axial radiography. Death due to extremes of weight. Dating bone injuries. Dating of wounds. Elder abuse.

Guidelines for Reports by Autopsy Pathologists by Vernard Irvine Adams Softcover - 113 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# DA-FOR2 $ 69.05 BUY Published:  2008   ISBN:  9781603274722

"Traditionally, pathology residents have learned how to write autopsy reports by trial-and-error, with oral feedback from local mentors. Now, pathologists and pathologists in training throughout the English-speaking world have access to a manual that describes what should be in an autopsy report, how to organize the material, and what the purposes are. Guidelines for Reports by autopsy Pathologists lists numerous bad habits to avoid and offers examples of effective report construction. It covers not only how to describe diseases and injuries, but also how to formulate and write opinions. As a supplement, Guidelines for Reports by autopsy Pathologists also contains recommendations on record retention schedules for medical examiners (not everything needs to be saved in perpetuity) and how to formulate opinions for death certificates. Aimed at pathologists in training, Guidelines for Reports by autopsy Pathologists will also benefit the seasoned pathologists who want to improve their reports."--BOOK JACKET.

Statistical DNA Forensics: Theory, Methods and Computation by Wing Kam Fung, and Yue-Qing Hu Hardcover - 262 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR4 $117.25 BUY Published:  2008   ISBN:  9780470066362

Statistical methodology plays a key role in ensuring that DNA evidence is collected, interpreted, analyzed and presented correctly. With the recent advances in computer technology, this methodology is more complex than ever before. There are a growing number of books in the area but none are devoted to the computational analysis of evidence. This book presents the methodology of statistical DNA forensics with an emphasis on the use of computational techniques to analyze and interpret forensic evidence.

Table of Contents:

Preface
List of figures
List of tables

1. Introduction
1.1 Statistics, forensic science and the law
1.2 The use of statistics in forensic DNA
1.3 Genetic basis of DNA profiling and typing technology
1.3.1 Genetic basis
1.3.2 Typing technology
1.4 About the book

2. Probability and statistics
2.1 Probability
2.2 Dependent events and conditional probability
2.3 Law of total probability
2.4 Bayes’ Theorem
2.5 Binomial probability distribution
2.6 Multinomial distribution
2.7 Poisson distribution
2.8 Normal distribution
2.9 Likelihood ratio
2.10 Statistical inference
2.10.1 Test of hypothesis
2.10.2 Estimation and testing
2.11 Problems

3. Population genetics
3.1 Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
3.2 Test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
3.2.1 Observed and expected heterozygosities
3.2.2 Chi-square test
3.2.3 Fisher’s exact test
3.2.4 Computer software
3.3 Other statistics for analysis of a population database
3.3.1 Linkage equilibrium
3.3.2 Power of discrimination
3.4 DNA profiling
3.5 Subpopulation models
3.6 Relatives
3.7 Problems

4. Parentage testing
4.1 Standard trio
4.1.1 Paternity index
4.1.2 An example
4.1.3 Posterior odds and probability of paternity
4.2 Paternity computer software
4.2.1 Steps in running the software
4.2.2 The software to deal with an incest case
4.3 A relative of the alleged father is the true father
4.4 Alleged father unavailable but his relative is
4.5 Motherless case
4.5.1 Paternity index
4.5.2 Computer software and example
4.6 Motherless case: relatives involved
4.6.1 A relative of the alleged father is the true father
4.6.2 Alleged father unavailable but his relative is
4.6.3 Computer software and example
4.7 Determination of both parents
4.8 Probability of excluding a random man from paternity
4.9 Power of exclusion
4.9.1 A random man case
4.9.2 A relative case
4.9.3 An elder brother case: mother available
4.10 Other issues
4.10.1 Reverse parentage
4.10.2 Mutation
4.11 Problems

5. Testing for kinship
5.1 Kinship testing of any two persons: HWE
5.2 Computer software
5.3 Kinship testing of two persons: subdivided populations
5.3.1 Joint genotype probability
5.3.2 Relatives involved
5.4 Examples with software
5.5 Three persons situation: HWE
5.6 Computer software and example
5.7 Three persons situation: subdivided populations
5.7.1 Standard trio
5.7.2 A relative of the alleged father is the true father
5.7.3 Alleged father unavailable but his relative is
5.7.4 Example
5.7.5 General method and computer software
5.8 Complex kinship determinations: method and software
5.8.1 EasyPA_In_1_Minute software and the method
5.8.2 EasyPAnt_In_1_Minute
5.8.3 EasyIN_In_1_Minute
5.8.4 EasyMISS_In_1_Minute
5.8.5 Other considerations: probability of paternity and mutation
5.9 Problems

6. Interpreting mixtures
6.1 An illustrative example
6.2 Some common cases and a case example
6.2.1 One victim, one suspect and one unknown
6.2.2 One suspect and two unknowns
6.2.3 Two suspects and two unknowns
6.2.4 Case example
6.2.5 Exclusion probability
6.3 A general approach
6.4 Population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
6.5 Population with multiple ethnic groups
6.6 Subdivided population
6.6.1 Single ethnic group: simple cases
6.6.2 Single ethnic group: general situations
6.6.3 Multiple ethnic groups
6.7 Computer software and example
6.8 NRC II Recommendation 4.1
6.8.1 Single ethnic group
6.8.2 Multiple ethnic groups
6.9 Proofs
6.9.1 The proof of Equation (6.6)
6.9.2 The proof of Equation (6.8)
6.9.3 The proof of Equation (6.9)
6.9.4 The proofs of Equations (6.11) and (6.12)
6.9.5 The proofs of Equations (6.14) and (6.15)
6.10 Problems

7. Interpreting mixtures in the presence of relatives
7.1 One pair of relatives: HWE
7.1.1 Motivating example
7.1.2 A probability formula
7.1.3 Tested suspect with an unknown relative
7.1.4 Unknown suspect with a tested relative
7.1.5 Two related persons were unknown contributors
7.1.6 An application
7.2 Two pairs of relatives: HWE
7.2.1 Two unknowns related respectively to two typed persons
7.2.2 One unknown is related to a typed person and two other unknowns are related
7.2.3 Two pairs of related unknowns
7.2.4 Examples
7.2.5 Extension
7.3 Related people from the same subdivided population
7.3.1 Introductory example
7.3.2 A simple case with one victim, one suspect and one relative
7.3.3 General formulas
7.3.4 An example analyzed by the software
7.4 Proofs
7.4.1 Preliminary
7.4.2 The proof of Equation (7.5)
7.4.3 The proof of Equation (7.7)
7.4.4 The proof of Equation (7.9)
7.4.5 The proof of Equation (7.11)
7.4.6 The proof of Equation (7.13)
7.4.7 The proofs of Equations (7.18) and (7.20)
7.5 Problems

8. Other issues
8.1 Lineage markers
8.2 Haplotypic genetic markers for mixture
8.3 Bayesian network
8.4 Peak information
8.5 Mass disaster
8.6 Database search

Solutions to Problems
Appendix A: The standard normal distribution
Appendix B: Upper 1% and 50oints of w2 distributions
Bibliography
Index

Geoforensics by Alastair Ruffell, and Jennifer McKinley Softcover - 340 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR5 $ 69.95 BUY Published:  2008   ISBN:  9780470057353

Geoforensics is a comprehensive introduction to the application of geoscience to criminal, humanitarian, environmental and military investigations.


Includes large-scale applications such as remote sensing, landform, geophysics as well as small-scale examinations of rocks and spoils to trace material – the two scales of investigation are linked by geoscience applications to forensics

• Illustrated with over 40 case studies to inform the reader through theory as well as application
• Includes examples taken from an environmental and humanitarian perspective in addition to the terrorist and domestic criminal cases more regularly discussed
• Describes and examines innovative methods that are of growing importance in geoforensics, for example multi-proxy methods, sedimentology, the examination of trace evidence (non-destructive testing, small samples) and the legal aspects of geostatistics
• Includes a chapter on the use of GIS in criminalistics
• Includes material on how geoscience methods and applications are used at a crime scene
• Features an accompanying website
• With contributions from Laurance Donnelly, Mark Harrison MBE, and Antoinette Keaney

A groundbreaking textbook in this dynamic and evolving subject area, this book is invaluable to all students taking general forensic science, geoscience, forensic archaeology and forensic anthropology courses. The book is also of interest to practising forensic scientists looking for an overview of the subject, to law enforcement officers of the military, environmental impact assessment and police, and to legal professionals and humanitarian aid workers.

Forensic Procedures for Boundary and Title Investigation by Donald Wilson Hardcover - 464 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR6 $100.90 BUY Published:  2008   ISBN:  9780470113691

Learn to be a good investigator and a successful retracement surveyor

In the era of CSI, forensic science has taken on an unaccustomed glamor. The fact is, forensic science plays as crucial a role in the field of land surveying and title investigation as it does in flesh-and-blood criminology. Land location, the stability of property lines, and the sanctity of title documents are of utmost interest to the legal system in general, and the court system in particular.

Forensic Procedures for Boundary and Title Investigation is the first book to present the application of investigative forensic techniques to the field of land boundary retracement. Covering basic logic, document research, and the interpretation of physical evidence on site, Forensic Procedures for Boundary and Title Investigation is an indispensable guide for surveyors faced with a difficult retracement having little or faulty evidence.

Demonstrating the techniques that can be applied to boundary location, this fascinating and useful introduction to forensic science:

• Covers basic logic with tips for avoiding assumptions during the investigation that might result in error and bad conclusions
• Explains the standard operating procedures, common to all forensics fields, for the protection of scenes, evidence collection, and photography
• Provides detailed information on records research, reconstructing historical documentation, dealing with damaged documentation, and interpreting historic records containing antiquated measurements and wording
• Includes a unique presentation of physical evidence investigation techniques including interpreting stone, wood, and metal evidence found on site
• Takes an international approach, presenting universal investigative techniques and methods beyond the specifics of any single country
• Includes advice on using the Internet for research and how to draw upon surprising sources of historic information such as postcards, advertisements, and family histories

This extensive treatment is sure to become a standard reference work for professionals in many fields related to land investigation as well as a practical text for the training of investigators in the evidence recovery and interpretative processes leading to successful property location and ownership.

Table of Contents:

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgement

1. Forensic Science
2. The Nature of Evidence
3. The Scene
4. Investigation - The Search of Evidence
5. The Thought Process
6. Studying a Land Parcel
7. Interpreting the Evidence
8. Land Records
9. Dealing with Words
10. Following Footsteps
11. Corners
12. Directions and Distances
13. Dealing with Directions
14. Dealing with Distances
15. Dealing with Mathematics
16. Profiling
17. Interviewing (Interrogation)
18. Wood Evidence
19. Fences
20. Other Types of Monuments and Markers
21. Highways, Roads and Streets
22. Water-related Problems
23. Ethics

Appendices

In recent years forensic DNA evidence has been used by agencies and actors in the criminal justice system more and more frequently to both convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent. Cases that previously may have been unsolvable have been transformed into solvable cases where viable suspects can be identified and arrested or removed from suspect lists. This book presents examinations of how DNA, and some other forensic methods, are being used by our justice system and the issues that surround these uses.

Contents: Preface; National Forensic DNA Study Report (Nicholas P. Lovrich et al., Washington State University); Increasing the Predictability and Success Rate of Skeletal Evidence Typing: Using Physical Characteristics of Bone as a Metric for DNA Quality and Quantity (David Foran); Decreased Turn-Around Time for Forensic Genetic Testing (Barry Duceman); Forensic Applications of Y Chromosome STRs and SNPs (Michael Hammer and Alan J. Redd); Validation of a DNA Method for the Individualization of Plant Evidence (Heather Miller Coyle et al., University of New Haven); Using DNA to Solve Cold Cases; (Shirley S. Abrahamson); Advancing Justice through DNA Technology; A Glossary of Terms.

Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations by Melinda D. Merck Softcover - 368 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR7 $109.10 BUY Published:  2007   ISBN:  9780813815015

Animal cruelty is gaining attention worldwide. With the rise of mandatory reporting requirements for veterinarians and prosecution of animal cruelty, veterinarians and pathologists need the resources to properly assist in these cases.

Veterinary Forensics is a practical reference for veterinarians, pathologists and investigators. It provides the background and resources needed to work with animal abuse cases. The book offers detailed and clear direction on crime scene investigation, forensic testing and forensic pathology findings, as well as guidance on handling evidence and conducting evaluations that will hold up in court.

Primarily focused on dogs and cats, the principles and techniques in this book can be applied easily to other species as well. Photographs highlight pertinent forensic findings in animals, and extensive appendices include forms for examination, report writing, entomology collection, body condition scoring, forensic kits, forensic specialists and labs, and web resources.

• Practical reference for veterinarians, pathologists, and students
• Gives detailed and clear direction on forensic investigation of animal cruelty cases and guidance for conducting evaluations that hold up in court
• Written by a leading expert in veterinary forensics
• Resource guide for animal cruelty investigators and prosecutors

Table of Contents:

Dedication
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction

Chapter 1. The Legal System and the Veterinarian’s Role
Chapter 2. Crime Scene Investigation
Chapter 3. CSI: The Animal as Evidence
Chapter 4. Special Considerations in Animal Cruelty Cases
Chapter 5. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Non-Penetrating Injuries
Chapter 6. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Penetrating Injuries
Chapter 7. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Burns
Chapter 8. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Gunshot Wounds
Chapter 9. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Asphyxia and Drowning
Chapter 10. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Poisoning
Chapter 11. Patterns of Non-Accidental Injury: Neglect
Chapter 12. Sexual Assault
Chapter 13. Animal Fighting
Chapter 14. Time of Death

Appendix 1. Evidence Log
Appendix 2. Evidence Packaging Form
Appendix 3. Evidence Receipt Form
Appendix 4. Live SOAP Form
Appendix 5. Weight Change
Appendix 6. Body Condition Assessment
Appendix 7. Skin Condition-Cat
Appendix 8. Skin Condition-Dog
Appendix 9. Hair, Nails Condition-Cat
Appendix 10. Hair, Nails Condition-Dog
Appendix 11. Hair, Nails Scale
Appendix 12. Necropsy History
Appendix 13. Necropsy Worksheet
Appendix 14. External Wounds-Cat
Appendix 15. External Wounds-Dog
Appendix 16. Fixed Tissue List
Appendix 17. Preliminary Veterinary Statement
Appendix 18. Final Veterinary Statement
Appendix 19. Medical Record Certification
Appendix 20. Exam/Necropsy Report
Appendix 21. Tufts Animal Care and Condition Scale
Appendix 22. Forensic Entomology Data Form
Appendix 23. Entomology Specimen Disposition/ID Log
Appendix 24. Entomological Sample Log Sheet
Appendix 25. Forensic Specialists and Laboratories
Appendix 26. Animal Cruelty Forensic Kits
Appendix 27. Webliography

Mass Spectra of Designer Drugs: Including Precursors, Medicinal Drugs and Chemical Warfare Agents by P. Rösner, T. Junge, F. Westphal, and G. Fritschi Hardcover - 2,087 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR1 $898.20 BUY Published:  2007   ISBN:  9783527307982

Based on the authors' several decades of professional experience, this unique data collection is tailor-made for criminal and forensic investigators.

It contains 8,800 mass spectrum records obtained from 4,379 compounds categorized as either designer or medicinal drugs, chemical warfare agents or explosives. It even covers those substances yet to be recorded by the police, but which are likely to be encountered by crime prevention and investigation authorities, in both the areas of illicit drugs and homeland security.

The perfect companion for users of the Roesner database, this print edition features a wealth of additional data not contained in the online version, such as U.S. and U. N. legal category information, chromatographic data and mass spectrum quality and similarity indices.

Table of Contents:

The collection contains 8800 records obtained from 4379 compounds from the following categories:

• designer drugs
• medicinal drugs
• chemical warfare agents
• explosives

Each record contains the following data:

• full or expanded mass spectrum (150 peaks on average)
• IUPAC name, WHO name (if any)
• synonyms and proprietary names
• U.S.A. and German standards
• information on therapeutic and illicit modes of use
• structural formula
• molecular formula and exact molecular weight
• CAS number
• GC retention index (measured or calculated)
• information on recording conditions
• spectrum quality index (according to McLafferty) and verification index (matching with spectra from other published collections)

Molecular Forensics by Ralph Rapley, and David Whitehouse Hardcover - 258 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR2 $180.90 BUY Published:  2007   ISBN:  9780470024959

Molecular Forensics offers comprehensive coverage of the increasingly important role molecular analysis plays within forensic science. Starting with a broad introduction to modern forensic molecular technologies, the text covers key issues from the initial scenes of crime sampling to the use of evidential material in the prosecution of legal cases. The book also explores the questions raised by the growing debate on the applications of national DNA databases and the resulting challenges of developing, maintaining and curating such vast data structures. The broader range of applications to non-human cases is also discussed, as are the statistical pitfalls of using so called unique data such as DNA profiles and the ethical considerations of national DNA databases.

This book is an invaluable reference work for students taking courses within the Forensic and Biomedical sciences. It is also useful for practitioners in the field looking for a broad overview of the subject.

Table of Contents:

Preface
List of contributors

1. Current and Future Trends In Forensic Molecular Biology
2. Introduction to PCR Technology
3. Automated DNA Extraction Techniques for Forensic Analysis
4. Real Time Quantitative PCR in Forensic Science
5. Minisatellite and Microsatellite DNA Typing Analysis
6. Application of SNPs in forensic casework
7. The X chromosome in the forensic science: Past, present and future
8. Y-Chromosomal Markers in Forensic Genetics
9. Mitochondrial Analysis in Forensic Science
10. Laser Microdissection in Forensic Analysis
11. Laboratory Information Systems for Forensic Analysis of DNA Evidence
12. Statistical Presentation of Forensic Data
13. Protein profiling for forensic and biometrics applications
14. Application Of Mrs For The Determination Of The Postmortem Interval

Index.

Fundamentals of Forensic Anthropology by Linda L. Klepinger Softcover - 220 pages Shipped in CLICK HERE Cat.# JW-FOR3 $112.70 BUY Published:  2006   ISBN:  9780471210061

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.

Table of Contents:

PHOTO CREDITS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
SERIES INTRODUCTION

PART I BACKGROUND SETTING FOR FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY

1. Introduction

Overview of the Field
Education and Training
Overview of the Book

2. The Role of Forensic Anthrpology in Historical Context

The Somewhat Difficult Birth of a Specialty
The Middle Years
Approaching Senescence?

PART II TOWARDS PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

3. Initial Assessments of Skeletal Remains

Human or Not?
Number of Individuals Represented

4. Assignment of Sex

Criteria for Sex Attribution in the Adult Skeleton
Pelvic Traits
The Skull
Visual Assessment
Discriminant Function Analysis
The Appendicular Bones
Femur
Humerus
Other Appendicular Elements
Miscellaneous Axial Bones
Attribution of Sex from the Skeletons of Children
Figuring the Error Rate

5. Age Estimation

The Early Years
Dental Age
Bone Age
Long Bone Length
Union of Primary Ossification Centers
Epiphyseal Fusion
The Adult Years
Macroscopic Methods
Face of the Pubic Symphysis
Sternal Extremity of the Rib
The Auricular Surface
Cranial Suture Closure
Dental Methods
Microscopic Methods
Other Age Indicators
Concluding Remarks on Adult Age Estimation

6. Deciphering Ancestral Background

The Biological and the Cultural
The Biological Context
The Cultural Component
Skeletal Indicators
The Skull
The Postcranium

7. Stature Estimation

How Tall Are You, Really?
Estimation of Living Stature from Skeletal Remains
The Fully Method
Stature Estimation From Long Bone Length
Comparison of Methods
Reporting Stature Estimates
Correcting Stature Estimates for Older Adults
Secular Trend
Stature Estimates from Fragmentary Long Bones
Stature Estimation from Short Bone Length
Footwear and Foot Length

8. Skeletal Markers of Activity and Life History

Childbirth Indicators
Handedness
Other Activity Markers
Partial Medical History
Medical Radiology

PART III PRINCIPAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL ROLES IN MEDICAL–LEGAL INVESTIGATION

9. Trauma

Blunt Force Trauma
Cranial Fracture
Hyoid Fracture
Postcranial Fracture
Child Abuse
Penetrating and Perforating Trauma
Gunshot Wounds
Sharp Injuries

10. The Postmortem Period

Estimation of the Postmortem Interval
Postmortem Events
Carnivore Scavenging
Cremation
Has the Body Been Burned?
Fracturing
Bone Shrinkage
Dismemberment
Ritual Use of Skeletal Material

11. Professionalism, Ethics, and the Expert Witness