Customer Reviews

Fundamentals of Forensic Science

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Attention to detail is important in almost all areas of endeavor, but especially so in forensic science. This book violates that fundamental in the first chapter. In describing the trial of Theodore Robert Bundy for the Chi Omega Sorority murders, it refers to the testimony of a certain forensic odontologist, and says that as a result of the testimony of the forensic odonotologist, Bundy was executed. This is incorrect. Bundy was not executed for the Chi Omega murders, but for the subsequent murder of a young girl. Forensic science figured prominently in that conviction also, but it was microanalysis and shoetrack comparison, not forensic odontology, that was instrumental in sending Bundy to the electric chair.

As to the circumstances of the odontological evidence at the Chi Omega trial, the book is again in error on its details. It says a plaster cast was made of a bite mark on one of the victims. The plaster cast was taken of Bundy's teeth, not of the bite mark. The bite mark was photographed.

What was accurate about the account of the Chi Omega trial was that Bundy was convicted and that forensic odontology played a role in the conviction and little else.

I purchased this book as a requirement for my introduction to forensic science class, which I took in a summer session so it was really condensed. I am not a science buff, but I fully understood all of the concepts presented in the book. Although a little bulky the font is rather large so the reading goes relatively fast. There are quite a bit of illustrations to compound the information provided. But be warned...some of the illustrations are a little graphic in nature! The subject bares that fact. My only complaint is there is no electronic version of the book which means you have to carry to book around if you want to get some reading done in your spare time. Otherwise it's a great buy for anyone looking to break into the field or just has a general interest in the subject.

LW

Forensic Scientists Max Houck and Jay Siegel have just released a forensic science text which is perfect for beginners but offers much for seasoned scientists. The book's thoroughness is revealed across its 672 pages. Topics include a discussion of criminal justice and forensic science, analytical tools and introductions to biological science, chemical science, and physical science. Forensic science's relationship with law is in the concluding chapter.

The work is ideal for introductory forensic students. There are plenty of crime scene photos and diagrams to make the words on the page come to life. The authors do not skimp on technical aspects but make sure that those technical aspects are explained well. Each chapter contains important words in bold. A novice will quickly be drawn into this work but not overwhelmed by it. A knowledgeable professor, interested students, and this book should provide for a successful course. The text will serve also as a quick reference book for forensic science. The book is good for professors, for students, and as a reference. It is a must-have book for all of those who teach forensic science.

Daniel W. Phillips III, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky 42728

phillipsd@lindsey.edu

I've gotten a lot of disappointing textbooks for my classes in forensics but this is definately not one of them. It is very clear, well-written, and thorough. It is well organized and that makes it very easy to find things in it. All of the graphics and supplemental information provided throughout the chapters are beneficial and the summaries at the end of each chapter actually do a good job of reviewing and testing your knowledge. Even if you don't need this for a class (like I did) I would definitely recommend getting it to keep as a general reference book.

School will start later but I buy the text book already.

Reasonable price and very good author. Book is organized in good way and things are explained in detail but easy to understand. No "DEEP" things to confuse you for a simple knowledge.

My daughter, a budding Forensics specialist, asked for this book for her birthday. She was thrilled when she got it, saying that this is a book that her professor had recommended, and that it is a book that you return to throughout your studies. I haven't read it, but she certainly seems happy with it, reading it before she goes to bed! Never thought this would be a book she'd read before she went to bed...

I can't say that I was particularly intrigued but needed this book for a class. It served its purpose.

Here is another book pruchased on May 26th and didn't receive until 2 weeks after class started. So I had to purchase another book and then there is an issue with returning the books. Check return policy at Amazon or purchase from another place.