What are Forensic Sciences? eBook

The forensic sciences are, today, an attractive and a complex "new world", from their scientific point of view and the individual and social impact they have. In a broad sense, the forensic sciences refer to the application of the knowledge of various sciences to clarify facts that are - or might be - judged in a legal or judicial level and in the criminal context, as well as in other areas of law. There are various disciplines within the forensic sciences, but we focused on those that are already are robust and individualized enough. Their designations are not always clear, and the limits of the areas of intervention of each one are not always obvious. With this book we want to contribute to the explanation of these aspects, hoping to promote a better recognition and the consequent connection between the different professionals operating in this area. But, despite their great diversity, all these sciences are united by common and fundamental notions, including the object, the objectives and the general methodology of their intervention - an evidentiary activity of scientific nature as an aid in the application of justice. These commonalities should be the engine of steady and good cooperation between the various sciences, since the resolution of many cases often requires an increasingly multidisciplinary participation.

This book is also a tribute to Duarte Nuno Vieira, one of the most famous forensic specialists in the world.

Topics
- Forensic ballistics
- Forensic biomechanics
- Forensic botany
- Forensic palynology
- Document examination
- Forensic nursing
- Forensic entomology
- Forensic photography
- Forensic genetics
- DNA database
- Forensic geology
- Computer forensics
- Bloodstain pattern analysis
- Forensic investigation on explosive atmospheres and explosives
- Forensic investigation in forest fires
- Forensic linguistics
- Lophoscopy
- Forensic odontology
- Forensic medicine
- Clinical forensic medicine
- Forensic pathology
- Forensic psychology
- Forensic psychiatry
- Forensic chemistry
- Forensic social work
- Forensic toxicology


Preface
Aurelio Luna Maldonado
Full Professor of Forensic Medicine, University of Murcia