Forensic Science is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. Sometimes called simply forensics, forensic science encompasses many different fields of science, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, medicine, pathology, phonetics, psychiatry, and toxicology.
The related term, criminalistics, refers more specifically to the scientific collection and analysis of physical evidence in criminal cases. This includes the analysis of many kinds of materials, including blood, fibers, bullets, and fingerprints. Many law enforcement agencies operate crime labs that perform scientific studies of evidence. The largest of these labs is run by the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation).
Use the tabs above to find books, journal articles and other resources.
Rowan University library uses the Library of Congress (LC) classification system and subject headings. The H call numbers encompass many of the social sciences, with criminal justice represented in the HV section. Legal volumes would be in the J and KF sections.
Useful terms to use in searching might be forensics; crime scenes; criminal investigation; criminology; bloodstains; environmental forensics; criminal evidence; forensic anthropology; forensic medicine; forensic pathology; forensic statistics; criminalistics.
Make an appointment for a consultation with a librarian who specializes in your subject area using our Request a Consultation form or visit the Subject Librarians page for a list of librarians and their email and phone contact information.