Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science [Hardcover]

Richard Saferstein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0135929407 | ISBN-13: 978-0135929407 | Publication Date: July 14, 1997 | Edition: 6

Revised and up-to-date, the renowned authority on forensic science introduces the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations while explaining the techniques, abilities and limitations of the modern crime laboratory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dr. Richard Saferstein's Criminalistics continues to be the gold standard of forensic science textbooks. He is simply unrivaled in his skill at making the crime lab exciting and accessible to all readers, ranging from forensic scientists and pathologists, to attorneys and judges, to law enforcement, to students and enthusiasts of all ages. I have, since the beginning of my career, relied upon various editions of Criminalistics, its accuracy, integrity and detail never failing me.

This compelling, latest updated edition of Criminalistics should be in every library and classroom, especially now in this era of proliferating forensic scientific advancements that make the impossible possible and mistakes unpardonable.” – Patricia Cornwell

 

Patricia Cornwell's recent bestsellers include Predator, Trace and Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper - Case Closed. Her brand-new thriller At Risk will be published by Putnam in May 2006. Patricia Cornwell is Director of Applied Forensic Science at the National Forensic Academy.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit: Authoritative and up-to-date, this book introduces forensic science to the non-scientist through its application to criminal investigations. Key Topics: Written with a minimum of scientific terminology, the book uses actual cases to illustrate the role of forensic science in criminal investigations. It emphasizes the nature of physical evidence, the items of physical evidence commonly encountered at crime scenes, and the proper collection and preservation of evidence. Also introduces technology used by forensic scientists, including DNA typing, automated firearms search systems, and digital imaging techniques for fingerprint analysis. The sixth edition of Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science has been revised to include a new chapter on the Internet; a discussion on reconstructing crime scene events; updated of DNA typing technology; and the latest cases, including the O.J Simpson murder investigation and the investigation into the crash of TWA Flight 800. Market: An essential reference book for non- scientists involved in criminal investigations, including lawyers and police officers.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 638 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 6 edition (July 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0135929407
• ISBN-13: 978-0135929407
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,680,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Geat Reading and Information, June 21, 2000

By 

Christopher Cooper - See all my reviews

This review is from: Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (Hardcover)

This book was a required text for a Criminalistic course during my undergraduate studies in Criminal Justice. Now that I am working within the Criminal Justice field - I find myself using this book as a refrence, and loaning to other people within the field.

This book is written in an professional manner and clearly explains various forensic tests that are conducted upon evidence.

I loaned this book to a 11 year old child - who was intrested in this area and he had no problem underdstanding the basic facts and information presented.

Saferstein is an excellent author who has an uncanny abilty to write technical material in a clear and concise manner.

I recommend this book to students, professors, and practitioners in the criminal justice field.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to Forensic Science!, May 13, 2003

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (7th Edition) (Hardcover)

As textbooks go this is without a doubt the best one that I have ever used. This book manages to explain complicated things such as DNA, and other techniques, and tests that are used during the course of an investigation in simple terms that are easy to understand. Especially if you are new to the idea of Forensic Science. Simple explanations, with colored pictures, diagrams, and case studies help show how different tests, evidence collection, and other aspects of Forensic's are used to help "catch" the bad guy. Again easy to read and understand. Well worth the purchase, you will learn a lot!

43 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, June 6, 2002

By 

Joseph Pica (Gulfport, MS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (7th Edition) (Hardcover)

This is without any doubt, in my opinion, the best book ever
written on criminalistics. Not there are not any other great books on the subject, however this is the greatest. It is suprisingly comprehendible considering the complexity of some of the topics involved. The photographs and drawings are crystal clear.
In addition I especially like the test at the end of each section that I feel is necessary to help the reader realize his knowledge,(or lack of knowledge) of that section.