Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation [Hardcover]

Werner U. Spitz (Author, Editor), Daniel J. Spitz (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0398075441 | ISBN-13: 978-0398075446 | Publication Date: December 21, 2005 | Edition: 4

MEDICOLEGAL INVESTIGATION OF DEATH, known as the "bible" of forensic pathology to pathologists around the world, has withstood the test of time, recently celebrating its twentieth year of publication. Totally rewritten and updated throughout, the text is oriented to forensic pathologists, criminal investigators, and attorneys. It embraces all aspects of the pathology of trauma as it is witnessed daily by law enforcement officers, interpreted by pathologists of varying experience and expertise in forensic pathology, and used by lawyers involved in the prosecution and defense in criminal cases as well as those engaged in civil litigation. This authoritative and complete textbook is written by some of the most respected experts in the United States. The book continues to use a simple and practical approach in keeping with the tradition established by the previous editions. It avoids technical terminology, where possible, in compliance with the aim of addressing not only physicians but all parties with an interest in the study of injury patterns and the practice of pathology as it relates to the law. A large amount of new information and abundant material not previously covered are included in this volume. The many new illustrations, diagrams and sketches showing patterns and mechanisms of injury as well as an inclusive index render this book unique.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1325 pages
• Publisher: Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd; 4 edition (December 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0398075441
• ISBN-13: 978-0398075446
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.7 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Crime & Criminals  > Forensic Science

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If my office caught fire, this is what I'd bring with me., June 29, 2006

By 

Chicago Scientist (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation (Hardcover)

At first I was hesitant to spend $120 on a reference book I couldn't manually look through (aside from the pages available for viewing through Amazon), but I took a chance. As a forensic scientist who is new to death investigation, this reference is well worth the money. From front to back, this book is packed with well-written, thorough discussions of the different causes and manners of death. The written information, complimented by hundreds of photos and illustrations, is presented in terms that are comprehensible even to those without a background in forensic pathology or medicine. For the amount and quality of information packed into this large volume, $120 is actually a steal. I absolutely recommend this reference for anyone who has a role in death investigation. Students of forensic science, if you're too broke to buy this, put it on your wish list and hope you get it as a graduation gift. It's a must-have that is worth the three-digit price tag.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended if you are just curious...., September 26, 2001

By 

Gradpath (Rocklin, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful reference for medical students going into pathology or students of forensic science. It give detailed descriptions of causes/manners/and mechanisms of death. This book give a review of natural deaths and deaths involving investigative techniques. Book also include graphic black a white pictures of autopsy techniques and of the deceased.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book!, March 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of Pathology to Crime Investigation (Hardcover)

If you have come so far as to read this message, and you don't actually have this book, you're in a situation which you may want to correct right now. It's not A book in medicolegal investigation. It's THE book in this field. I have seen it quoted time and again in courtrooms (well, courtroom scripts) to grill the pathologist witness.

800+ pages, 800+ photos and illustrations. 8.5 x 11

(Sounds like an ad. It isn't. Just buy it.)