Compiled by the former Chief Forensic Scientist of one of the largest crime laboratories in the U.S., this rigorous and timely handbook exposes students to a wide range of subject areas in criminalistics in a real and practical manner. As part of a three-volume series, it comes packed with useful information and loaded with insight, as it presents 13 self-contained chapters each contributed by a renowned forensic professional well-versed in their chosen areas of expertise. Together they make forensic science understandable and meaningful to students and help them fully appreciate the scientific principles that underlie the subject.