2nd Edition
Forensic Botany Principles and Applications to Criminal Casework
Forensic Botany: Principles and Applications to Criminal Casework, Second Edition updates what, at the time, was the very first book published on the subject. This latest edition offers a concise introduction to plant identification, biology, genetics, and how to utilize and apply botanical evidence in criminal cases.
In recent years, forensic botany and the use of various plant and plant‑derived evidence have been increasingly utilized in criminal investigations and court cases. Likewise, forensic palynology and other such terms have entered the vernacular as botanical sciences have widened the applications in which such evidence can help solve cases. This includes the use of current and emergent genetic markers and DNA technology, toxicology, diatoms, and pollen. The numerous advances since the last edition was published necessitated added coverage of the technology and testing capabilities that have achieved new levels as the field has developed.
The chapters are written by some of the top experts in the field. Every chapter in the Second Edition is fully updated, with several new chapters focusing on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), plant‑derived toxins and forensic toxicology, identifying ancient plants used in burial practices for dating sites, digested plants as evidence, and more.
Forensic Botany, Second Edition provides scientists working with DNA, trace evidence, and botanical evidence—as well as investigators and legal professionals—with a thorough understanding of the latest advances and current capabilities in utilizing such evidence in investigating and adjudicating criminal cases.
1. Introduction to Forensic Botany
Heather Miller Coyle
2. Basic Plant Biology
Heather Miller Coyle
3. Plant Cell Structure and Function
Heather Miller Coyle
4. Modes of Plant Reproduction
Heather Miller Coyle
5. Plant Diversity
Heather Miller Coyle
6. The Use of Biological and Botanical Evidence in Criminal Investigations
Carll Ladd, Kristina A. Schierenbeck, and Henry C. Lee
7. Uses of Plant Anatomy, Taxonomy, and Ecology in Forensic Investigations
David O. Norris and Jane H. Bock
8. Forensic Botany Cases
Elaine Pagliaro and Heather Miller Coyle
9. Uses of Plants in Burial Practices
Emily Bogdon
10. Forensic Palynology
Lynne A. Milne, Vaughn M. Bryant Jr., and Dallas C. Mildenhall
11. Use of Diatoms and Pollen for Seasonal Calendar
Anna Tran, Mia Deluca, and Zoe Defazio
12. Plant Poisons and Toxicology
Robert H. Powers
13. Illegal Trafficking of Wood
Heather Miller Coyle
14. DNA Structure and Function
Nicholas C.S. Yang and Heather Miller Coyle
15. An Overview of Historical Developments in Forensic DNA Analysis
Gary Shutler
16. Classical and Future DNA Typing Technologies for Plants
Eric J. Carita
17. Plant Identification by DNA
Robert A. Bever, Margaret Sanger, Adrian Linacre, Hsing‑Mei Hsieh, and James Chun‑I. Lee
18. Wooden Stick Matches as Forensic Evidence
Brooke W. Kammrath, Kelly Webb, Kaitlin Kruglak, Kayla Moquin, and Marianne Stam
19. Legal Considerations for Acceptance of New Forensic Methods in Court
Timothy Palmbach and Gary Shutler
Biography
Heather Miller Coyle is Associate Professor of Forensic Science at University of New Haven.