Forensics for dummies / D.P. Lyle.

Includes index.

Part 1: Cracking open the case -- Understanding the world of forensic science -- Getting to know the forensics team -- Collecting and protecting the evidence -- Delving into the criminal mind -- Part 2: Analyzing the evidence -- Fingerprints: your personal signature -- Painting a gruesome picture: bloodstain analysis -- Leaving impressive impressions: shoes, tires, and tools -- Burning down the house: it is arson? -- Part 3: Examining the body -- Determining the cause and manner of death: forensic autopsies -- Identifying unknown victims -- Estimating the time of death -- Ouch! that hurts: traumatic injuries and deaths -- Gasping for air: asphyxia -- Part 4: Utilizing the crime lab -- Analyzing blood and other bodily fluids: serology -- Looking deep inside: DNA analysis -- Testing for drugs and poisons: the toxicology lab -- Picking apart trace evidence -- Bang! bang!: analyzing firearms evidence -- Questioning the validity of documents -- Part 5: The part of tens -- Ten famous forensic cases -- Ten ways hollywood gets it wrong -- Ten great forensic careers.