Forensic science is a subject of wide fascination. What happens at a crime scene? How does DNA profiling work? How can it help solve crimes that happened 20 years ago? In forensic science, a criminal case can often hinge on a piece of evidence such as a hair, a blood trace, half a footprint, or a tyre mark. Complex scientific findings must be considered carefully and dispassionately, and communicated with clarity, simplicity, and precision. In this work, Jim Fraser introduces the concept of forensic science and explains how it is used in the investigation of crime.

"First edition published in 2010"--Title page verso.

What is forensic science? -- Investigating crime -- Crime scene management and forensic investigation -- Laboratory examination: search, recovery, analysis -- DNA profiling and databases -- Prints and marks: more ways to identify people and things -- Trace evidence -- Drugs and toxicology -- Science and justice: a case study.