Crime and circumstance

investigating the history of forensic science

de Suzanne Bell

"Crime and Circumstance explores the scientific and social threads that created forensic science and continue to drive its evolution. Through historical and contemporary examples, Bell illustrates how cutting-edge research migrates to forensic laboratories, a transfer that is more indirect than people might expect. Although science and the judicial system both pursue truth, the interface between them is anything but seamless. Bell's unique historical approach focuses on personalities from scientific law enforcement and emphasizes the myriad discoveries made over the years. Through these stories, the reader is introduced to the science that underlies forensics in an interesting, lively, and accessible way."--Jacket.