ABSTRACT

Death Investigation: An Introduction to Forensic Pathology for the Nonscientist provides students and law enforcement professionals with an accurate, clear overview of forensic pathology. It presents death investigation at the scene and autopsy, providing readers with a broad understanding of forensic pathology and giving them a clear picture of what happens after the examination of the scene. Readers learn what first responders should (and should not) do at the scene, and get a forensic pathologist's perspective on the importance of preserving evidence. Death Investigation methodically explains what happens during autopsy to determine cause and manner of death — including particulars of blunt-force trauma, sharp-force injuries, asphyxia, and gunshot wounds — and how findings are presented in court. Written for a criminal justice audience by a practicing forensic pathologist and educator, Death Investigation makes challenging forensics concepts accessible to nonscientists.

chapter |25 pages

Death Scene Investigation

chapter |16 pages

Death Certification

chapter |13 pages

Time of Death

chapter |28 pages

Autopsy Procedure

chapter |21 pages

Identification

chapter |26 pages

Blunt-Force Trauma

chapter |32 pages

Gunshot Wounds

chapter |14 pages

Sharp-Force Injuries

chapter |58 pages

Sudden Death in Adults

chapter |27 pages

Sudden Death in Children

chapter |18 pages

Asphyxia

chapter |18 pages

Special Circumstances