Spitz And Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation Of Death: Guidelines For The Application Of Pathology To Crime Investigation

by Russell S. Fisher (Editor), Daniel J. Spitz (Editor)

Edited by professors of pathology at Wayne State U.'s School of Medicine, this is the new edition of a work first published in 1972 to give pathologists, pathology residents, coroners, guidance in the recognition and interpretation of wound patterns and mechanisms of injury in a legal context. The text aims to cover all major aspects of the subject and offers chapters on the history of forensic medicine and pathology, crime scene evidence, time of death and changes after death, identification of human remains, anthropology, forensic odontology, sudden and unexpected death from natural causes in adults, investigation of deaths in childhood. Discussion includes trauma and disease; injury by blunt and sharp forces and by gunfire and asphyxia, among other causes; investigation of bodies in water; electrical and lighting injuries; medicolegal investigation of mass disasters; trauma of the nervous system; microscopic forensic pathology; forensic aspects of radiology; and the autopsy report and selected procedures at autopsy. In order that the material be accessible to attorneys and other interested parties, technical terminology is avoided. Numerous b&w illustrations are included. Annotation © 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, True Crime, Science, Reference

1358 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Bert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Spitz is a truly fascinating man, a genius. He's the guy who essentially almost single-handedly invented the medical specialty of forensic pathology. He was hands-down the most interesting expert witness I ever have had occasion to hire (death penalty case). Moreover he steered me to another expert, a forensic dentist, who debunked the prosecution's theory that our client was some kind of a monster. This book is not for the squeamish, it contains graphic but necessary autopsy & crime scene photographs. Spitz now co-edits the book with his son, and together they individually author some of the specialized chapters. "The Bible of Forensic Pathology." Don't lend this book out, it's expensive to replace and you'll never get it back....

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The foremost text in forensic pathology. Not for the weak of stomach or hearts, and requires an intimate knowledge of anatomy and medicine. Not recommended for those who haven't studied law or human biology.

[Mr. Roboto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What didn't I learn from this book? This is an excellent resource for any forensic scientist or law enforcement officer that deals with wrongful or unexpected death. If you're contemplating suicide, have mercy on your parents - this book will show you what they'll probably see when they identify you at the morgue. It might make you think twice about your method. Excellent photographs and illustrations, well-written captions and chapters.

[Madly Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is listed as read in 2019. Actually, I only read the parts I needed. But I have read most of this book over the years. Early in my education, again in 2005 when I bought the later edition. Pathology is kind of a hobby for me. Don't ask. lol Spitz is a genius, literally. He's an older gentleman now, etc. but if I needed someone to look at a body and do autopsy, it would be Spitz and Baden, the latter is really my favorite. I adore Baden. His work is some of the best ever done in this field. In Biology, my favorite thing was dissecting. It truly was. I did all kinds of science projects where I made clay representations of internal organs. My mother used to hide all the frogs. If some poor creature died in our neighborhood, I'd be looking at it. I was never a child this way. HUMAN ANATOMY IS ONE OF MY FIRST LOVES. And I am very good at it. Later I fell in love with bones. I've been using this for some questions on the #WM3 case. But eventually I had to go ask questions from those who are smarter than me. If you want to know anything about Application of Pathology for crimes, this is the ultimate book.

[Jacquelyn Dohoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite manual for forensic pathology. I still use it today in my writing, even though I'm not in the forensics field anymore.

[Kevin Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being appointed, I needed a good reference to support the OCME internal policy documents. This volume is the premier and recommended by my colleagues. It is an invaluable (valued at $100) reference for the MDI or LE investigator.

[Krotpong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible. A brutal tour de force of man's inhumanity to man.

[Sharon Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite informative and easy to read even for someone who is not a medical or forensic student or professional.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great basic text on forensic pathology. Not for the faint of heart; the photos are rough to look at, and they are on every single page.