Bodies of Evidence: Forensic Science and Crime (Hardcover)

by Scott Christianson Ph. D (Author), Lowell J. Levine D.D.S. (Author)

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Product Description

From the crime scene to the courtroom, forensic science has revolutionized detective investigation over the past seventy years. Today, forensic science is an essential part of the prosecution process, with many convictions being secured solely on forensic evidence. Bodies of Evidence looks in detail at the development and evolution of forensic science and discusses it in relation to real CSIs (crime scene investigations), forensic laboratories, and the court of law.
Author Scott Christianson reviews the emergence of forensic science in the 1930s and shows how forensic scientists investigate the crime scene today, including analysis of murder weapons, bloodstain patterns, and the position of the body, allowing police to form a picture of what really happened. He describes the methods used to collect this evidence and how strict procedures are followed to avoid any dispute in court. He also focuses on forensic pathology, detailing how technology allows detectives to pinpoint the time and cause of death and how unknown victims can be identified.
Bodies of Evidence follows forensic science to the courtroom, describing how it is called upon in trials. Each section of the book features famous case studies in which forensic science was used in a criminal prosecution or defense, such as the trials of O. J. Simpson and Timothy McVeigh.
Bodies of Evidence is a fascinating look into modern detection methods, and explores how clues are gathered and used to bring criminals
to justice.

About the Author

Scott Christianson, PhD, is a former New York State criminal justice official, investigative reporter, college professor, consultant, and the author of several acclaimed books and hundreds of articles.

Lowell J. Levine, DDS, is director of the Medicolegal Investigations Unit of the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Identifying the remains of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele and helping to convict serial killer Ted Bundy are two of his most famous cases.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st Lyons Press Ed edition (July 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592285805
• ISBN-13: 978-1592285808
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #217,404 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars survey of the topical interest of forensics, August 30, 2006

By	Henry Berry "Henry Berry" (Southport, CT) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

BODIES OF EVIDENCE - Forensic Science and Crime by Dr. Scott Christianson, Foreword by Dr. Lowell J. Levine. Lyons Press/Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT; [...]
The different types of forensic evidence are matched with notorious cases where they played a central role. In a few instances, natural disasters where the same type of evidence was used to identify bodies or remains are included to demonstrate its usefulness. Ballistics evidence was crucial in determining who assassinated President Kennedy in Dallas. An expert psychological profile led to the Connecticut bomber George Metesky. The role of DNA in the O. J. Simpson murder trial is well-known. Fingerprints, computer files, and blood traces are among other types of evidence similarly covered. Both the author and Levine writing the Foreword have extensive experience in criminology in New York law enforcement. The book coincides nicely with the current interest in forensic science treated in many movies and TV programs. This is recognized by listing a number of the films and programs on a back page.