| Lloyd Sealy Library John Jay College of Criminal Justice |
Lloyd Sealy LibraryFORENSIC SCIENCE: A RESEARCH GUIDE
Katherine B. Killoran
Reference Librarian1994 This research guide is designed to introduce the forensic science resources available in the Lloyd Sealy Library of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Many of the resources discussed are unique to John Jay College in the CUNY system. The field of forensic science includes a very diverse group of subjects. A simple definition of the term is: any science which can be applied to the problems or processes of the law. Therefore, any science can be classified as a forensic science if it is used in this context. The discipline of forensic science has three facets:
This guide describes resources concerned with all three aspects. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) is the professional body which oversees this field. There are currently nine recognized divisions of the AAFS: criminalistics, pathology, toxicology, psychiatry, odontology, physical anthropology, questioned documents, engineering, jurisprudence, and general. The curriculum at John Jay emphasizes the fields of criminalistics and toxicology. This guide is intended for use by non-specialists, as well as researchers familiar with the forensic sciences. It is organized with the most basic sources listed first in each category.
The Library Catalog
Using the CatalogThere is a self-guided workbook available for first-time users of the catalog which will introduce the user to the procedures for searching CUNY+. Ask for it at the Reference Desk.As stated earlier, forensic science has diverse aspects so there are many subject headings which may be searched. The most general information will be found by searching:
Others to try are:
S=CRIMINALS--IDENTIFICATION S=FINGERPRINTS
S=EVIDENCE, CRIMINAL S=FORGERY
S=GRAPHOLOGY S=POISONS
S=FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY S=DEATH--CAUSES
The Library has a pamphlet entitled Forensic science
subject headings which lists over 200 interesting
subject
headings. Pick one up at the Library Reference Desk.
Keyword SearchingCUNY+ can also be searched by using keywords. The computer will search all fields of each item record looking for words, phrases, or combinations of words or phrases.
K=CRIMINALISTICS K=DNA FINGERPRINTS
Keyword allows you to combine search terms using the
connector "and" to locate relevant material. Try the
search below:
This search results in a listing of items that have both the word homicide and the word evidence in their records. More sophisticated keyword searches are possible. For further information check the help screens on CUNY+, get the pamphlet Try keyword searching at the Reference Desk, or ask a Reference Librarian. REFERENCE BOOKSReference books are important to consult when beginning any research. Listed below are the reference sources which are particularly important in the forensic sciences.
GENERAL SOURCES
McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology. (1992).
7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.
This 20 volume encyclopedia provides broad,
comprehensive coverage of the sciences and technology. The
generally brief articles are written by subject specialists in a
readable style without overwhelming scientific jargon. Coverage
of forensic science topics is wide. Headings include: death,
autopsy, forensic anthropology, hair, forensic dentistry, natural
and man-made fibers, forensic medicine, genetic mapping,
chromatography, ballistics and ink. A detailed index volume is
provided.
Saferstein, R. (Ed.). (1982). Forensic science handbook.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
This two volume handbook is the best reference
source for the field of criminalistics. Each chapter is an
authoritative review of a particular aspect of the field written
by
noted experts. References are included for each chapter and some
have long bibliographies. Chapters discuss examination
techniques
for physical evidence like blood, hair, fibers, paint, glass,
soil,
petroleum products, gunshot residue, explosives, alcohol and
drugs,
and questioned documents. Analytical methods such as
high-performance liquid chromatography, microscopy applications,
capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are also
covered.
Handbook of forensic science. (1975 - ). Federal Bureau of
Investigation. Washington, DC: FBI Library. (Irregular).
This slim handbook is published periodically by
the
FBI to familiarize law enforcement personnel with the
techniques,
capabilities, and limitations of crime laboratories. It is
arranged in outline format and covers legal and practical
procedures for collecting, preserving, and handling different
types of physical evidence. Information furnished is brief.
Laboratory services of the FBI are discussed. There is no index
but the table of contents is helpful. This is a basic source
which beginning forensic science students will find
approachable.
Hormachea, C.R. (1974). Sourcebook in criminalistics.
Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Co.
This book, though a bit dated gives an introduction
to the field of criminalistics. The book is divided into four
sections of which the first two may be of interest to students:
the scientific approach to crime detection and crime scene
analysis. A subject index is included.
MEDICAL SOURCES
Spitz, W.U. (Ed.). (1993). Spitz and Fisher's medicolegal investigation:
Guidelines for the application of pathology to crime investigation.
3rd ed. Springfield, IL: C.C. Thomas.
This authoritative treatise comprehensively
summarizes the theories and techniques of death investigation and
forensic pathology in a practical manner. The highly respected
experts who have edited this volume have chosen to present their
information in an easily accessible format with little
specialized jargon, making this source productive for a wide
audience. The text is liberally peppered with graphic black and
white photographs and drawings which illustrate modes of death.
Topics of note are forensic entomology and odontology, bodily
changes after death, autopsy procedures and reports, gunshot
wounds, and the investigation of deaths resulting from child
abuse, drugs or alcohol. Subject index is provided.
Curran, W.J., McGarry, A.L. & Petty, C.S. (1980). Modern
legal medicine, psychiatry and forensic science.
Philadelphia: FA Davis Co.
This ambitious text attempts to cover the subject
areas enunciated in the book's title. A great deal of relevant
information for students of forensic science can be found here.
It was written as a comprehensive book for non-specialists and
students as well as practitioners in law, medicine, science and
policing so it is very readable. Part I is an overview of the
development and ethical issues of these fields. Parts II and III
cover death investigation and types of special investigations,
respectively. Part IV deals with forensic psychiatry. Part V
will probably be the most useful as it covers various fields in
forensic science. Chapters include material on crime laboratory
organization, forensic toxicology and dentistry, voice
identification, the polygraph, and questioned documents.Each part
of the book addresses the basic principles and methods employed
in each field and how evidence identified should be presented in
court. Information on education, training and accreditation in
various fields is included so students exploring these careers
will find this source of interest.
Gresham, G.A. (1975). A colour atlas of forensic pathology.
London: Wolfe Medical Books.
This book consists of graphic, color photographs which
illustrate various causes of death. Brief descriptions of each
plate are given. The beginning briefly describes the duties of
the forensic pathologist at the scene of death and the
post-mortem examination.
Knight, B. (1984). The post-mortem technician's handbook:
A manual of mortuary practice. London: Blackwell Scientific
Publishers.
Although written for technicians working or training in
a coroner or medical examiner
office, this book is of interest to forensic science
students. It provides detailed descriptions
of procedures which are done during autopsies. Information
is given on external as well as
internal examination methods of the body are given. Methods
for the collection and
preservation of specimens are presented. One chapter
discusses the differences between
clinical and forensic autopsies.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SOURCESForensic science is a part of the broader field of criminal investigation. Important reference sources in this field are listed below.
Kirk, P.L. (1953 & 1974). Crime investigation. 1st &
2nd eds. New York: Wiley and Sons.
This is the classic text on crime investigation. It
comprehensively presents the basic
information investigators and students of criminalistics
should understand about the handling
of physical evidence. Kirk discusses laboratory operations
and techniques as well. Sections
are included on casting, fingerprinting, and photography.
The 2nd ed. has less information
on the use of microscopy and laboratory techniques. A most
useful reference for forensic
science students. Brief references and index included.
O'Hara, C.E. and O'Hara, G.L. (1988). Fundamentals of
criminal investigation. Rev. 5th ed. Springfield, IL:
Charles C. Thomas.
This one-volume treatise comprehensively introduces
readers to the foundations of
investigative work, and the application of scientific
methods and services to this field.
Investigation techniques for specific crimes are discussed,
including arson, narcotics
violations, sex offenses, burglary, forgery, and homicide.
Now in the fifth edition, this source
is a classic in the field of criminal investigation.
Bibliography and subject index
provided.
Fischer, B. (1993). Techniques of crime scene investigation.
5th ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
This book is the latest revision of a classic text
written by Svensson and Wendel. It is
written for the nonspecialist and introduces concepts,
procedures and technical information on
crime scene investigation. A good overview of crime scene
processing and the techniques
used to collect different types of evidence is provided.
Specific crimes such as: sexual
assault, burglary, and homicide are discussed. The appendix
lists equipment which may be
needed to process a crime scene. The bibliography is
particularly useful to the nonspecialist
since it has been prepared specifically for them.
Ingraham, B.L. & Mauriello, T.P. (1990 - ). Police investigation
handbook. New York: Matthew Bender.
This loose-leaf treatise was created for investigators
to increase the courtroom
effectiveness of the evidence they collect. The treatise is
divided into four parts. Part I deals
with general legal principles and rules of evidence. Part
II is of particular interest to the
forensic science student. It concisely covers the methods
and techniques used in criminal
investigation, crime scene processing, and the collecting of
physical evidence like fingerprints,
firearms and ballistics, tool marks, questioned documents,
and trace evidence. DNA
fingerprinting is covered as is police interrogation of
suspects using hypnosis or the
polygraph. Part III details the presentation of evidence in
court and the testimony of expert
witnesses. Part IV covers the collection of evidence for
specific crimes such as homicide,
robbery, drug investigations, rape and other sexual
offenses. References are liberally provided
through out the text and include citations to statutes and
cases. This source provides a very
thorough examination of the subject. A table of cases and a
subject index are
provided.
LEGAL SOURCESThe sources below are concerned with the legal aspects of forensic science. They all provide a general overview of the legal principles involved when introducing scientific evidence. The target audience for these sources is lawyers, but students of criminal investigation and forensic science will find them of value as well.
Wecht, C.H., (Ed.). (1981- ). Forensic sciences: Law/science,
civil/criminal. New York: Matthew Bender.
Forensic sciences is a four volume loose-leaf treatise
which comprehensively covers
the legal applications of forensic science. It provides general
overviews of forensic procedures;
rules, precedents and advice for presentation of forensic
evidence in court; and information on
selecting and questioning forensic expert witnesses.
References to cases, statutes, legal
encyclopedias and articles abound. The fourth volume
presents transcripts of actual testimony
by forensic experts. There is a subject index and a list of
expert witnesses by forensic
discipline. The set is updated annually by the colored
pages at the beginning of each
volume.
Giannelli, P. & Imwinkelried, E.J. (1993). Scientific evidence.
2nd ed. Charlottesville, VA: Michie Co.
Although not as comprehensive as Forensic sciences
listed above, this two volume
legal text provides more depth for each topic. It is written
in plain language and is appropriate for
the layperson but sophisticated enough to be of use to
the specialist. The first ten chapters
generally explain the legal issues which effect
scientific evidence: admissibility, discovery,
expert testimony and chain of custody. The remaining
chapters cover specific forensic topics
such as fingerprints, DNA evidence, firearms, tool
marks, etc. Each chapter gives a general
overview of the topic, historical or scientific
background, appropriate analytical procedures or
techniques, and admissibility of that type of evidence.
Each chapter also includes a selected
bibliography. The set is indexed by subject and has an
alphabetical table of cases; it is
updated by annual supplements.
Imwinkelried, E.J., (Ed.). (1981). Scientific and expert evidence.
2nd ed. New York: Practicing Law Institute.
The aim of this collection of articles is to explain
the value and limitations of
scientific evidence. Arranged differently from the sources
discussed above, this volume is
divided into three parts: instrumental techniques producing
numerical results, instrumental
techniques producing non-numerical results, and techniques
such as hypnosis which do not
result in such tangible outcomes. The editor provides a
critical commentary which prefaces
each article describing the legal problems associated with
each technique and outlines tactics
for introducing the evidence in court. Students are advised
to use this book along with
sources that are more current since it was published in 1981
and includes reprints of some
articles from the 1970's. Information is presented in
straightforward language and is
appropriate for the general user. Subject index
provided.
Moenssens, A.E., Inbau, F.E. & Starrs, J.E. (1986). Scientific evidence
in criminal cases. 3rd ed. Mineola, NY: Foundation Press.
This book presents the expected results and
capabilities of laboratory techniques which
are performed on scientific evidence. It also discusses the
admissibility of that evidence and
the changes which may occur in the law because of these
techniques. Intended, in part, for
students of criminal justice, it is not a technical
treatise. Coverage is spotty, some topics are
presented in detail while others are only treated
superficially.
DIRECTORIES
Forensic services directory. (1980 - ). Princeton, NJ: National
Forensic Center. [Annual].
This national register of experts lists persons and
organizations in the U.S. with
expertise in a broad range of specialties which go far
beyond the fields traditionally associated
with forensic science. The directory is arranged by subject
with indexes by name and
geographical location. Part II lists sources of specialized
knowledge which consist of
organizations arranged alphabetically with a subject index.
This directory is available
electronically on the WESTLAW and
LEXIS/NEXIS
databases.
World list of forensic science laboratories and practices. (1987).
Harrogate, ENG: Forensic Science Society.
Lists addresses and phone numbers for forensic
laboratories by country and city. Arranged geographically.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences. (1987). Membership directory.
Colorado Springs: The Academy.
Lists members of the academy alphabetically, by section
and geographically by state.
Officers, meetings and bylaws of the academy are
included.
Regulatory Assistance Corporation. (1991). Directory of toxicological
and related testing laboratories. New York: Hemisphere Publishing
Corp.
Lists U.S. laboratories which are currently conducting
tests in toxicology and
ecotoxicology, or provide analytical or specialized
services. Information for each lab includes
services offered, products tested, special expertise,
equipment owned and certifications.
Appendixes list labs by type of studies done and types of
chemicals analyzed.
NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFERENCE SERVICE(NCJRS)Since its inception, NCJRS has published a selected number of reports and documents on microfiche each year. The sometimes obscure nature of the material selected for microfiching makes this collection a particularly rich resource for researchers. The John Jay Library has purchased the entire microfiche collection so all of this material is available at the Library. Much of the NCJRS collection is of interest to forensic science students. All branches of the forensic sciences are covered but most of the material concentrates on the investigative aspects. The database also contains some legal and scientific material. The material ranges in scope from the practical to the theoretical, from highly technical to material suitable for non-specialists. To provide access to the NCJRS collection, a bibliographic database has been created which indexes the available material. This database is the most comprehensive source for criminal justice research. Each index record provides the necessary bibliographic information as well as a lengthy summary of the subject content. The Library has this database mounted on the CD-ROM network near the Reference Desk for student use. A brief handout on how to search the CD is available on racks nearby. Inquire at the Reference Desk if assistance is needed. The John Jay Library owns many of the books, journals, reports, and documents indexed. Check CUNY+ for holdings of these items. All materials which are on fiche are in the cabinets near the CD-ROM's, but are not listed in CUNY+. Items not on fiche can be borrowed from NCJRS, but the process takaes time.
LOCATING JOURNAL ARTICLES USING INDEXES AND ABSTRACTSGeneral magazines and newspapers are an especially good resource for the beginning forensic science student. Scientific information is usually explained in a clear, straightforward manner. Magazines and newspapers may also be productive sources to locate information about certain cases or events with forensic significance. The best place to start your search is: CUNY+, the Library's online catalog which includes three databases:
DPER - General periodical index DNEW - Index to 27 U.S. newspapers DPER is a general periodical index which covers the years from 1986 to the present. It indexes both popular magazines and scholarly journal articles. Some entries have summaries in addition to the expected bibliographic data. The Lloyd Sealy Library subscribes to a large number of the periodicals indexed in this database. Consult the List of John Jay Periodicals Indexed in DPER which can be found at the Reference Desk or attached to each terminal in the reference area. The DNEW database indexes 27 newspapers from 1989 to the present from major cities around the United States. Each entry provides a brief summary of the article. The Sealy Library subscribes to seven of these papers and almost all of the others can be found at the Research Library of the New York Public Library. For retrospective searching of newspapers, the National Newspaper Index is available on microfiche for the years 1979 through 1989. This index covers five papers: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and The Christian Science Monitor which are all owned by the library. In addition, the print index of The New York Times is available for the years 1868 to the present. When searching for a particular person, for example, Wayne Williams, if you do not know in which year to search, check the Personal Name Index to the New York Times Index which will provide the year and page to consult in The New York Times Index. There are many subject specific indexes and abstracts which are valuable for locating forensic science articles. All of the items listed below can be found in the Current Index Area by the window in front of the Reference Desk.
Criminal justice periodical index (CJPI). Ann Arbor, MI. (1975 - ).
Published annually with updates three times per year.
CJPI provides excellent coverage of all aspects of
criminal justice, including a substantial
amount of forensic science material. The Journal of
forensic sciences is indexed here. The
practical nature of CJPI makes this index especially
suitable for undergraduates. Coverage is
mostly American with some British and Canadian material
included. John Jay subscribes to
almost all of the periodicals indexed here.
Criminology, penology and police science abstracts. Amsterdam. (1973-).
(This was formerly two separate indexes, Police science
abstacts and Criminology and penology abstracts). Published
bimonthly with an annual cumulated index.
This international abstract covers the theoretical
aspects of police science, criminal
justice, corrections, and forensic science world-wide. It
provides more scholarly coverage than
CJPI from a broader range of periodicals. Summaries of all
articles, chapters and books are
provided in English; if the citation is in a foreign
language however, the article will be in that
language. Cumulative author and subject indexes are
included at the end of each annual volume.
Each individual issue is arranged in broad subject
categories so users can browse effectively.
Check the table of contents to locate an area of
interest.
Current law index. Los Altos, CA. (1980 - ). Monthly with quarterly
& annual cumulations.
CLI comprehensively reviews over 900 law reviews and
journals, plus selected journals
from allied fields. A substantial amount of the scholarly
literature of forensic science is indexed
including the Journal of forensic sciences. Most of the
material included will examine the legal
aspects of forensic science. Law review articles are
usually liberally sprinkled with citations to
relevant cases and statutes so this can be a way to discover
the important cases on a subject. The
table of cases can be helpful for locating articles on a
specific legal case if you know it deals with
forensic evidence. Each volume has four indexes:
author/title, subject, table of cases and table
of statutes.
Forensic science abstracts. Amsterdam. (1975 - ). Issued ten times
per year with an annual cumulated index.
This abstract is a subset of the vast medical database
Excerpta medica: The
international medical abstracting service. This subset
specifically indexes scientific journals
related to the fields of forensic science and medicine.
This source is the major indexing tool for
this field but it is highly sophisticated and therefore
appropriate only for users with some
expertise in forensic science. The abstract is arranged by
broad subject categories with indexes
by subject and author. John Jay owns all of the journals
which specialize in forensic science;
however, due to the enormous scale of the abstract, many
journals included here cannot be found
in our Library. Reprints are available for a nominal fee
from the publisher or interlibrary loan
can be arranged if time allows. The larger abstract,
Excerpta medica, can be searched online
and concentrates more heavily on drugs and toxicology than
the MEDLARS database discussed
under electronic resources below.
Applied science and technology index. New York. Monthly with
annual cumulations. (1958 - ).
ASTI indexes over 300 English language periodicals in
all areas of the applied sciences
and engineering. Forensic science researchers frequently
utilize this source to locate references
on manufactured products or chemicals (for example,
deodorants or cosmetics) when attempting
to compare or individualize properties of individual brands.
This index is also helpful for
information on processes and techniques often used by
forensic scientists to analyze evidence.
Many of the journals covered in ASTI are highly specialized
trade publications which can be
relatively obscure. If time allows, however, articles can
usually be requested through interlibrary
loan.
AI CA selects: Forensic chemistry. Columbus, OH. 1 Biweekly. (1981 - ). .C15This current awareness tool is created by Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical Society. Every two weeks a computer search of the Chemical abstracts database is executed to gather information on selected topics, in this case, forensic chemistry. The results are collated into this print index. Topics which are covered include: analytical techniques; blood chemistry; biological analysis and identification; breath analysis; fiber, ink and paint analysis and identification; arson, forgery and counterfeiting; chemical analysis of explosives and gunshots; and drug analysis. Articles in Chemical abstracts are gathered from over 14,000 journals worldwide. This source is very technical and substantial knowledge of chemistry is needed.
AI Chemical abstracts. Columbus, OH. Biweekly. (1907 - 1 1991). .C35Chemical abstracts is the best and most comprehensive source for the chemical literature of the world. It is highly technical and substantial knowledge of chemistry is necessary to use it efficiently, but it is extremely fertile service for many aspects of forensic science. The CA database is enormous. It indexes over 14,000 journals, patents, conference proceedings, dissertations, government reports and books. It has six access points: the general subject index, formula index, chemical substance index, ring system index, author index and patent index. CA is available in a variety of formats. At the Sealy Library we have the print version from 1907 through 1991. It is located at the end of the reference and older index areas. However, the library does not own the five or ten year cumulative indexes which make searching more manageable. Libraries which do have the cumulative indexes include Hunter College, City College and the Chemists Club. The preferred way to search CA at our library is online. The search mechanism is quite complicated so searches must be done by a reference librarian. An appointment can be made at the Reference Desk.
ELECTRONIC INDEXESWESTLAW Database. West Publishers, Inc. St. Paul, MN. WESTLAW is a legal database which includes the text of legal cases, statutes and law review articles. It is the latter which are of primary use to forensic science students. WESTLAW can also be used to get the text of actual law cases that have been reported. (Usually cases are published only after they have been appealed. Many crimes which receive a great deal of publicity are not necessarily published in a law reporter.) If your case is not in a legal reporter, the best way to gather information about it is through newspapers and magazines.WESTLAW can be searched quite simply by using the EZ Access method. Look for the Library handout which explains how to get started. The WESTLAW database is available on one terminal in the Reference Area and is available to John Jay faculty and students only. Users must show their validated I.D. Appointments are not necessary but are advised, as use is very high at certain times during the semester.
MEDLARS Databases. National Library of Medicine.
Washington, DC.
The National Library of Medicine produces a
comprehensive database of the world's
medical literature which can be a very rich resource for
many fields of forensic science. The
database covers the literature from 1966 to the present.
MEDLARS consists of several files
which include Medline (known as Index medicus in print
version), Toxlit and Aidsline. The
database as well as its print version, Index Medicus, has a
specialized vocabulary known as
MESH subject headings. At the Sealy Library MEDLARS can be
accessed by faculty and
graduate students at the faculty workstation through an easy
end-user software package called
Grateful Med. First time users must be introduced to the
product by a reference librarian.
Appointments can be made at the reference desk. MEDLARS can
also be accessed over the
Internet. Ask at the reference desk for more
information.EMBASE Database. Excerpta Medica. Amsterdam. This database is the online version of Excerpta medica which was mentioned above. It indexes over 3,500 biomedical, chemical and pharmaceutical journals internationally. This database has more comprehensive coverage of drugs and toxicology than MEDLARS. The print index Forensic science abstracts discussed above is a subset of this huge database. Often, a search of the broader EMBASE file is indicated to ensure a more complete search. Access to this database at the Sealy Library is limited to online searching so an appointment must be made at the Reference Desk.
FORENSIC SCIENCE PERIODICALS
RA Journal of forensic sciences. Chicago, IL. Bimonthly. 1001 (1956 - ). Bound. .A57This is the premier journal in the field. The official journal of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), it is devoted to the publication of original research and reviews in the various branches of the forensic sciences. Sections of interest include: letters, main articles, technical notes, case reports and book reviews.
RA Journal of the Forensic Science Society. Harrowgate, 1001 UK. Quarterly. (1982 - ). Bound. .F63This is an international journal of science and justice with contributors from a wide variety of countries. Articles are usually 3-4 pages long and can be scientific and technical, or essays, review articles or legal commentaries. This publication is also the official organ of the California Association of Criminalists.
RA Forensic science international. Lausanne, SWI. 1001 Bimonthly. (1978 - ). Bound. .F6This is an important journal in the field, with coverage weighted toward forensic medicine, toxicology and pathology.
HV Journal of forensic identification. Alameda, CA. 8073 Bimonthly. (1988 - ). Bound. .I3This is the official publication of the International Association for Identification. It publishes research results and information about forensic identification including friction ridge skin identification, document examination, imprint evidence, polygraph examinations, forensic photography, forensic art, voice identification, and acoustic analysis.
HV Forensic science review. Birmingham, AL. Semiannual. 8073 (1989 - ). Bound. .F589This important source is an international review journal which bridges the gap between research-oriented journals and reference books. It fills a vital niche in the literature since there is a paucity of reference material in this subject area. Lengthly articles with a technological focus are published. Articles address scientific techniques in use and provide ideas for future technological innovations.
RA Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal. Ottawa, 1001 CAN. Quarterly. (1968 - ). Bound. .C3Practically oriented papers, reviews and comments in the various branches of forensic science are published in this journal. Particular areas of coverage include: forensic biology, chemistry, pathology, odontology, and toxicology; blood alcohol analysis; questioned documents; and firearms examination. Articles tend to be three to eight pages long and are written by practitioners from Canadian crime laboratories.
RA American journal of forensic medicine and pathology. 1001 Quarterly. (1980 - ). Bound. New York, NY. .A4The National Association of Medical Examiners sponsors this journal which features original articles on new examination and documentation procedures, case reports, new devices and advances in medico-legal thinking. Strange and novel causes of death are reported. Book review section is included.
RA Medicine, science and the law. Quarterly. (1960 - ). 1001 Bound. London. .M4This is the official journal of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences. It is a bit wider in scope than those described above. Research and review articles are published in forensic science, forensic psychiatry and legal medicine. In addition, sections include editorials, case reports, letters and book reviews.
RA International journal of legal medicine. Bimonthly. 1001 (1991 - ). Bound. Heidelberg, GER. .Z43This journal continues Zeitschrift fur Rechtsmedizin (Journal of legal medicine), which was published since 1970 in German. Now published entirely in English, its aim is to communicate research results and stimulate improvement in the scientific weapons available to investigate crimes. Original research, review articles and case reports are published.
RA Forensic reports. Quarterly. New York. (1988 - 1993). Bound. 1148 .F7This journal which is no longer published served as a means of communication between forensic consultants, expert witnesses and various interest groups. It primarily covered trial law and product liability consulting. Topics covered which may interest John Jay patrons are assessment of eyewitness testimony and jury selection method studies. Forensic reports was practically oriented and usually presented case reports or expert testimony. Concept papers which discussed the role and functions of forensic consultants were included. This journal and the one listed below are included here so users will understand their focus even though they may not be pertinent to the aspects of forensic science usually of interest to our users.
RA Medico-legal journal. Cambridge, ENG. Quarterly. 1001 (1947 - ). Bound. .M43The Medico-legal Society publishes this journal which contains short articles on medicine and the law. It is not really forensically-oriented but covers the application of law to medical situations.
NEWSLETTERSNewsletters are a rich source from which to garner information on new developments and changes in fields of study. Often, they are published by professional associations to communicate the news of the organization. In addition, they usually include notices on new information sources, conference notices and schedules, proceedings of meetings, and news of prominent individuals in the field. The forensic science newsletters listed below also relate cases and legislation which have an impact on the field. Sometimes newsletters can be obscure and not included in the major indexing sources. Criminal justice periodical index however, does index quite a few newsletters.
HV Crime laboratory digest. Quantico, VA. Quarterly. 8073 (1987 - ). Bound. .C692This slim journal is published by the FBI in cooperation with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. It covers laboratory techniques and services and is intended to provide a means of rapid communication between crime laboratories. Each issue contains one or two feature articles but most items published are brief. A calendar of upcoming seminars and meetings is included. Each issue is under twenty-five pages in length.
RA Forensic drug abuse advisor. Berkeley, CA. Monthly. 1001 (1989 - ). .F5This newsletter contains brief articles on the medical, legal and legislative aspects of drug abuse. Subjects covered include physiological effects, toxicity, testing and toxicological analysis. Content emphasizes the forensic significance of these subjects and how they are applied in our courts. Meeting announcements of relevant organizations are also included.
KF Scientific sleuthing review. Washington, DC. 9214 Quarterly. (1983 - ). Bound. .S35Scientific sleuthing review is a newsletter published by a non-profit corporation devoted to the study of forensic science in law enforcement. Each issue contains one longer article and many short ones which discuss recent developments in the various branches of this field. Many of these short articles summarize recently published research and provide the original source. Recent court decisions impacting forensic science are also discussed. This newsletter acts as a current awareness service by giving notice of new resources in the field. It is an accessible, fun and facinating way to stay abreast of developments.
RA Inform letter. Wichita, KS. Quarterly. (1986 - ). 1001 Bound. .I45This very brief newsletter is published by Inform, the reference organization in forensic medicine and science. It notifies readers of events, meetings and conferences, news of individuals in the field, and new information sources. It is mailed with Medicolegal Insights which is a quarterly newsletter directed at attorneys and forensic practitioners which provides data on current developments and special information needed for their handling of cases.
RA Academy news / American Academy of Forensic Science. 1001 Colorado Springs, CO. Bimonthly. (1982 - ). .A35Newsletter of the AAFS. It communicates news and events, upcoming conferences and employment opportunities. Activities of the Forensic Sciences Foundation, which is the educational branch of the AAFS, are also included. Newsletters from allied fields may also contain information on forensic science. Those listed below tend to deal with issues related to forensic science:
Criminal law reporter: Court decisions
Ref. Law KF 132 .C7
Crime control digest
Film HV 6201 .C7
FBI law enforcement bulletin
Bound & Film HV 6201 .F2
Law and order
Film KF HV 7551 .L3
Narcotics control digest
Film HV 8079 .N3 N3
Security letter
Film HV 8079 .N3 N3
Search and seizure bulletin
Fiche KF 9630 .A5 S4
Substance abuse report
Bound HV 5800 .S9 CJUST-L - Criminal justice discussion group Address: listserv@iubvm
Last updated 6/96.
Lloyd Sealy Library |