Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis [Hardcover]

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0123567602 | ISBN-13: 978-0123567604

Trace evidence is small, even microscopic remnants of materials found at a crime scene or on a victim. The term "mute witnesses" is commonly used to refer to these small bits of evidence such as paint smears, fibers, hair strands, dirt particles, glass fragments, and other items.

Trace evidence can be used to tell the story of how a crime was committed and to identify and convict suspects. Recent improvements in the techniques used to collect and analyze trace evidence have played a key role in solving many cases that might have gone unsolved just a few years ago.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis presents intriguing case studies from well-recognized experts and bright young stars in the field. Each chapter presents the facts of one or more prominent cases (particularly cases where DNA evidence was not available or was inconclusive), follows the progress of the investigation and how trace evidence assisted, and highlights important aspects for teaching. The cases cover carpet "nubs," hair and wig fibers, plastics in automobiles, glass, feathers, cross-transfer evidence, and more.

This unique book shows how the latest analysis techniques can provide new leads, detect evidence that has been transferred from one place to another, and closely link suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Numerous photographs and illustrations are included throughout the text. The material is written in a style that is accessible to trace analysts, crime scene specialists, police officers, lawyers, and students. This book is ideal for training, review, or general interest.

* Real case studies show how trace evidence was used to help solve difficult cases
* Written by top investigators from the FBI, crime labs, state police, etc.
* Outlines how the latest analysis techniques can provide new leads and closely link suspects, victims, and crime scenes
* Includes numerous color photographs and illustrations
* Designed for training, reference, or general interest

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an excellent collection of trace evidence cases that has a truly broad appeal...resplendent with many excellent photographs, charts, diagrams, and references that are good supplements and make complex concepts easily understandable."
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION

"Actual case histories emphasize the recovery and analysis of diverse items such as fibers, paint, glass, plastics, and feathers...each chapter also details applicable analytical methodology and sampling methods, and deals with interpretation and significance issues...an invaluable reference source for practicing forensic scientists...The book is carefully styled and crafted so that it will appeal to both technical expert and layperson."
-Richard Saferstein, for CHOICE, January 2002

This is one of the best forensic science related books I've ever read. One might think that trace evidence is not the most exciting subject, but once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down.
The book is edited by Max Houck (formerly of the FBI lab), and the author's are all among the top names in the trace evidence field. Just reading the introduction to this book gives the reader a valuable lesson in the history of forensic science, the importance of trace evidence, it's recovery and evaluation. It's almost worth it's cover price for the introduction alone. In conclusion if you are involved in, or interested in forensic science you should get a copy of this book. - Daryl W. Clemens, Crime and Clues

From the Back Cover

"Yet, upon reflection, one is astonished that it has been necessary to wait until this late day for so simple an idea to be applied as the collecting, in the dust of garments, of the evidence of the objects rubbed against, and the contacts which a suspected person may have undergone. For the microscopic debris that cover our clothes and bodies are the mute witnesses, sure and faithful, of all our movements and of all our encounters."

-- Professor Edmond Locard (1930)


Trace evidence is a part of almost every investigation, due to the ubiquitous nature of the materials that comprise trace evidence: Paint, hair, fibers, glass, and soil, among others. Although "common", these materials are by no means uniform. Varying in size, color, type, intentional additives, accidental characteristics, batch formulations, end-use products, and applications, trace evidence materials present an almost limitless combination of traits for identification and comparison. Correspondence between known and questioned materials can closely link suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Trace evidence can corroborate witnesses' stories, provide leads, and change the course of investigations.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis corrects the misconception that DNA evidence is the forensic science Each chapter presents a case review, particularly those where DNA evidence was not available, did not work, or was not probative. Each chapter presents the facts of the case, the progress of the investigation, and how trace evidence assisted. Every case also highlights some important aspect of trace evidence, such as instrumentation, sampling methods, interpretation, significance, research to answer a case-related question, or a manufacturing process. The chapters are self-contained and written for both technical expert and layman alike.

Mute Witnesses: Trace Evidence Analysis will be of interest to:

-scientists
-attorneys
-investigators
-students

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0123567602
• ISBN-13: 978-0123567604
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,321,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)