The Forensic Laboratory Handbook: Procedures and Practice
Edited by Ashraf Mozayani and Carla Noziglia
Totowa, N.J.: Humana Press, 2006
As a forensic science graduate student, I was honored with the opportunity to write a review on The Forensic Laboratory Handbook: Procedures and Practice. Through out my academic career, I have read many books related to forensic science, and I have found this book to be one of the more informative books that I have had the chance to read. The authors sought to differentiate between the forensic science of television and that of reality.
This book contains 13 chapters and 300 pages. There are many figures, illustrations and pictures that enrich the text immensely. The book provides a great deal of information on the main disciplines of forensic science which include: serology and DNA; forensic chemistry; crime reconstruction; digital evidence; explosives and arson; fingerprints; firearms and toolmarks; forensic odontology; forensic pathology and trace evidence. The book would be ideal for supplemental reading in any introduction to forensic science course or for anyone who is interested in forensic science.
The Forensic Laboratory Handbook: Procedures and Practice book begins with a brief introduction provided by Dr. Ashraf Mozayani and Carla Noziglia. This introduction gives focus and emphasizes the importance of forensic science and the role that the media plays in education. Their goal is to explain to a general audience the difference between the forensic science portrayed by the media (shows like CSI) and the reality of forensic science.
The chapters that follow are very methodical in the presentation of information and are easy to follow. The reader will definitely walk away with a greater understanding of the expertise and commitment that is required to work in this field of science. The chapter on Serology and DNA capably exhibits this. Gefrides starts with a brief introduction and an explanation of what kinds of evidence can samples be obtained from. The author discusses all the aspects of serology and DNA analysis from start to finish in such a way that it is easy to follow and understand. The chapter is fairly detailed, but not overwhelming. It does demonstrate that there is a requirement for expertise and commitment above what is portrayed in the media.
The chapter on Forensic Chemistry is informative in that it defines several types of techniques that are used as well as how specific the test is. Another aspect of this chapter that is helpful is the section on documentation. The author provides examples of either abbreviated or fully disclosed descriptions of items examined. It helps to further the importance of documentation and good report writing.
The Firearms and Tool Marks chapter is extremely informative and relays to the reader the amount of time and expertise that is required in this field of forensics. The amount of information presented here is phenomenal. It clearly demonstrates the amount of information firearms and tool marks can divulge to the analyst.
Case studies are presented in many chapters and are helpful in relating our field of interest to real life applications. In the Firearms and Tool Marks chapter, the case study concerning whether a fatal gunshot to the chest was a homicide, suicide or accident demonstrates the importance of forensic science in determining how and what happened. Glossaries found at the end of each chapter also aid in the reader’s understanding of terms that they may not be familiar with.
As a graduate student, I found this book to be very interesting and informative. I believe this book would make an excellent addition to any introductory to forensic science course.
STACEY WALKER
Sam Houston State University |
