Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science

Expanding on ideas proposed by leading thinkers throughout the history of forensic science, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science outlines a logical framework for the examination of physical evidence in a criminalistics laboratory. The book reexamines prevailing criminalistics concepts in light of both technical and intellectual advances and provides a way of conceptualizing physical evidence from its origin through its interpretation. Conceptually, the book explains what forensic scientists do and discusses the philosophical and practical considerations that affect the conduct of their work. To be sure, some of the ideas challenge conventional wisdom on the subject, and as such, are bound to provoke discussion among members of the forensic community. Against this background, Principles and Practice of Criminalistics: The Profession of Forensic Science is a tremendously valuable reference for professionals involved in forensic science and other related fields.

Keith Inman holds a B.S. and M. Crim., both from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a fellow of the American Board of Criminalistics. Mr. Inman is currently employed as a senior criminalist by the California Department of Justice DNA Laboratory Norah Rudin holds a B.A. from Pomona College and a Ph.D. from Brandeis University. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Criminalistics. Dr. Rudin divides her time among consulting, writing, and teaching about forensic DNA and forensic science