Friday, February 26, 2010

On My Nightstand: Irrefutable Evidence

I'm a huge fan of NCIS and Bones have frequently watched procedural shows like CSI, Law and Order and before that Quincy. These kinds of shows are a staple on television, and one of the reasons is the glimpse into the forensic work that goes into catching criminals.

The work done in crime labs is a far cry from what was done just a few years ago and much of it has to do with computerization of various databases allowing swift identification of potential suspects. DNA and fingerprinting are cornerstones of crime fighting, yet they aren't nearly as foolproof as they're often portrayed - both on television and in the courtroom.

Irrefutable Evidence: Adventures in the History of Forensic Science by Michael Kurland is an insightful look in the history and development of forensics and crime fighting, including some more dubious techniques that continue to persist to this day.

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