Evidence from the Earth: Forensic Geology and Criminal Investigation.EVIDENCE FROM THE EARTH: Forensic Geology Forensic Geology is the study of evidence relating to minerals, soil, petroleums, and other materials found in the Earth used to answer questions raised by the legal system. and Criminal Investigation RAYMOND C. MURRAY Murray is a geologist who has become a sleuth. He started several years ago, when detectives in his home state of New Jersey sought his help in two cases, one of arson arson, at common law, the malicious and willful burning of the house of another. Originally, it was an offense against the security of habitation rather than against property rights. and the other involving rock-throwing. In the past few years, police officers have turned to scientists or all stripes, with increasing frequency, for help in solving crimes, Murray surveys the myriad ways in which his geology colleagues have unearthed Unearthed is the name of a Triple J project to find and "dig up" (hence the name) hidden talent in regional Australia. Unearthed has had three incarnations - they first visited each region of Australia where Triple J had a transmitter - 41 regions in all. valuable soil and rock evidence and provided testimony that has sealed the fate of murderers, safecrackers, and gem gem, ornamental mineral or organic substance gem, commonly, a mineral or organic substance, cut and polished and used as an ornament. Gems also are used as seals (items of assurance) and as talismans (good-luck charms). For birthstones, see month. and art counterfeiters. AS these stories illustrate the techniques geologists employ to analyze forensic data. Along the way, Murray's readers pick up a solid overview of geological science. Mountain, 2004. 226 p., b&w photos/illus., paperback, $20.00. |
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