Forensic Science
Elizabeth Becka Lansky
Latest Articles
MY WORST TRIAL EXPERIENCE EVER
More details on the exciting world of court testimony.
Your Honor, I Object: Court Testimony and the Expert Witness
If you think testifying in court leads to scenes like "L.A. Law" or "Perry Mason", think again.
Christmas at the coroner's office--no garland on the toe tags,please.
SHOT THROUGH THE HEART, PART II: Gunshot Residue
Gunshot residue refers not only to the primer residue left on the shooter's hands, but also to the gunpowder residue left on the victim's clothing. You can get a lot of information from a simple test.
SHOT THROUGH THE HEART - What Gunshot Residue Can and Can't Tell
Shooting someone leaves all sorts of evidence all over the place--but what does it mean?
I SECOND THAT EMOTION, PART II: I am not a ghoul!
When you work with decomposed bodies, smelly clothing and buckets of blood, the question keeps coming up: What kind of sick human being actually WANTS to do this for a living?
I SECOND THAT EMOTION: Feelings and dealing with the dead
Forget TV, movies and books. Want to know what someone really thinks about when they're up to their waist in dead bodies, day in and day out?
POLYESTER HEAVEN - Fibers, Part II
The tiniest trace evidence can decide a case. Fibers, Part I dealt with natural fibers; Part II delves into the synthetics.
FIBERS - PART ONE: THE NATURAL LOOK
We are surrounded by fabrics and upholstery--and these tiny fibers can provide a link between the killer and the victim.
ALL THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW - FORENSIC PAINT ANALYSIS
Hit and runs, the getaway car, the body in the trunk--automobiles figure into crime more often than you think. Forensic analysis of paint can often steer the investigator in the right direction.