Encyclopedia of forensic science : a compedium of detective fact and fiction. / Barbara Gardner Conklin, Robert Gardner, Dennis Shortelle.

Covers major scientific techniques and devices used in analyzing evidence collected at crime scenes. In order to understand further the manner forensic science affects society, criminal justice, criminal and civil law, literature, and history were added to the entries.Also contains information on a variety of instruments and techniques used in forensic science ,including the polygraph,the Breathalyzer,the mass spectrograph,fingerprint analysis of skeletal evidence,as well as forensic science's latest breakthrough-the use of DNA evidence in convicting the guilty and in freeing others who have been unjustly imprisoned.Cites famous criminal cases -the Mormon's forgery murders,the St.Valentine 's day massacre,the Cleveland torso murders,etc.Discusses too, are certain types of crimes and criminals such as arson,forgery,rape murder,and serial killers,mentioning the type of evidence that criminals have left behind and how it is used in in forensic analysis .Provides explanations on how forensic scientists use trace evidence,paint analysis,hair and fiber evidence ,and the marks left by tools,tires,shoes,palms,and lips. Includes Appendix:Helpful Websites.