Introduction Forensic science : the history and organization Evidence : the heart and soul of forensics The autopsy : a look inside the body Identifying the body : who is the victim? Time of death : a critical part of the timeline Cause, mechanism, and manner of death : how did the victim die? Bodily harm : identifying wounds Asphyxia : deriving the body of oxygen Serology : blood and other body fluids DNA : your personal code Toxicology : drugs, poisons, and toxins Fingerprints : a handy identification tool Bloodstains : patterns tell the story Impressions : shoes, tires, tools, and fabrics Trace evidence : sweating the small stuff Firearm examination : more than guns and ammunition Arson investigation : fires and explosions Questioned documents : handwriting and forgery examination Criminal psychology : assessing the mind Afterword Appendix: Forensic science tools
