Forensic Epidemiology

Forensic Epidemiology PDF Author: Michael Freeman
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0124046444
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
It is an inescapable fact that causation, both generally (in populations), and specifically (in individuals), cannot be observed. Rather, causation is determined when it can be inferred that the risk of an observed injury or disease from a plausible cause is greater than the risk from other plausible causes. While many causal evaluations performed in forensic medicine are simplified by the fact that the circumstances surrounding the onset of an injury or disease clearly rules out competing causes (eg, a death following a fall), there are many cases that present a more complicated picture. It is these types of investigations, in which an analysis of comparative levels of risk from competing causes is needed to arrive at a reliable and accurate determination of the most likely cause, that forensic epidemiology (FE) is directed at.In Forensic Epidemiology, the authors present the legal and scientific theories underlying the methods by which risk is used in the investigation of individual causation. Methods and principles from epidemiology are combined with those from a multitude of other disciplines, including general medicine, pharmacology, forensic pathology, biostatistics, and biomechanics, inter alia, as a basis for investigating the plausibility of injury and disease exposures and mechanisms. The ultimate determination of the probability of causation (PC) results from an assessment of the strength of association of the investigated relationship in the individual, based on a comparison between the risk of disease or injury from the investigated exposure versus the risk of the same disease or injury occurring at the same point in time in the individual, but absent the exposure. The principles and methods described in Forensic Epidemiology will be of interest to those who work and study in the fields of forensic medicine, epidemiology, and the law. - Historical perspective on how epidemiologic evidence of causation has been used in courts in the US and Europe - Theory and science underlying the use of risk to assess individual causation - Primer on epidemiologic methods, and various measures used to arrive at individualized comparative risk assessments and PC - The use of statistical methods applied to publicly available data for ad hoc analysis of PC applicable to the specific circumstances of a case - Background on complementary disciplines, including forensic pathology, death investigation, biomechanics, and survival analysis - Examples of applied FE in the investigation of traffic injury and death, automotive and other product defect litigation, medical negligence, and criminal prosecution and defense

Forensic Epidemiology

Forensic Epidemiology PDF Author: Michael Freeman
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0124046444
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 436

Get Book Here

Book Description
It is an inescapable fact that causation, both generally (in populations), and specifically (in individuals), cannot be observed. Rather, causation is determined when it can be inferred that the risk of an observed injury or disease from a plausible cause is greater than the risk from other plausible causes. While many causal evaluations performed in forensic medicine are simplified by the fact that the circumstances surrounding the onset of an injury or disease clearly rules out competing causes (eg, a death following a fall), there are many cases that present a more complicated picture. It is these types of investigations, in which an analysis of comparative levels of risk from competing causes is needed to arrive at a reliable and accurate determination of the most likely cause, that forensic epidemiology (FE) is directed at.In Forensic Epidemiology, the authors present the legal and scientific theories underlying the methods by which risk is used in the investigation of individual causation. Methods and principles from epidemiology are combined with those from a multitude of other disciplines, including general medicine, pharmacology, forensic pathology, biostatistics, and biomechanics, inter alia, as a basis for investigating the plausibility of injury and disease exposures and mechanisms. The ultimate determination of the probability of causation (PC) results from an assessment of the strength of association of the investigated relationship in the individual, based on a comparison between the risk of disease or injury from the investigated exposure versus the risk of the same disease or injury occurring at the same point in time in the individual, but absent the exposure. The principles and methods described in Forensic Epidemiology will be of interest to those who work and study in the fields of forensic medicine, epidemiology, and the law. - Historical perspective on how epidemiologic evidence of causation has been used in courts in the US and Europe - Theory and science underlying the use of risk to assess individual causation - Primer on epidemiologic methods, and various measures used to arrive at individualized comparative risk assessments and PC - The use of statistical methods applied to publicly available data for ad hoc analysis of PC applicable to the specific circumstances of a case - Background on complementary disciplines, including forensic pathology, death investigation, biomechanics, and survival analysis - Examples of applied FE in the investigation of traffic injury and death, automotive and other product defect litigation, medical negligence, and criminal prosecution and defense

Forensic Epidemiology

Forensic Epidemiology PDF Author: Steven A. Koehler
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781420063271
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
After 9/11, forensic epidemiology emerged as a leading investigative tool, partnering public health officers with law enforcement like never before. Based on the authors’ first-hand experience, Forensic Epidemiology brings to light the vast amounts of information collected by medical examiners that will be useful in advancing death investigation techniques among the forensic science, public health, and law enforcement fields. This practical resource begins with a brief overview of epidemiological science and the history of forensic epidemiology before examining the multiple functions of death certificates and the signature role of forensic epidemiologists in death investigations. Incorporating numerous illustrations and real-world examples, the book: Explains proven methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data for criminal investigations Defines the terminology, methodology, procedures, and goals of all sectors involved for more effective collaboration Examines deaths from natural, suicidal, accidental, homicidal, and undetermined causes Describes the various decomposition states and methods used to establish positive identity The increased frequency of criminal acts that involve deliberate biological and chemical agents underscores the need for collaboration between law enforcement investigators and public health professionals. As Forensic Epidemiology effectively demonstrates, when they work together, they can mount a powerful and successful response to threats to the American public. Dr. Steven A. Koehler was interviewed in Volume 12 of Anil Aggrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.

Entomology and the Law

Entomology and the Law PDF Author: Bernard Greenberg
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521809153
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
Used particularly when there has been a suspicious death, insect-related evidence is one of the most powerful, but least understood examples of modern forensic science. Entomology and the Law provides a detailed roadmap that can be followed from crime scene to courtroom by entomologists, law enforcement personnel and lawyers preparing for trial. Part I focuses on carrion flies as forensic indicators, exploring relevant biology clearly and concisely illustrated by real-life cases. Flies are usually first on the scene of a death, and knowledge of their habits and lifestyles can help to reveal time of death, weeks or even years later. Part II provides a thorough examination of the law of scientific evidence worldwide, complete with caselaw and applicable code provisions, and legal issues relevant to the admissibility and use of forensic entomology in litigation. It will prepare both scientists and lawyers for real-world forays into the world of forensic entomology.

Methods in Field Epidemiology

Methods in Field Epidemiology PDF Author: Pia MacDonald
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Publishers
ISBN: 0763784591
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 374

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Book Description
This unique guidebook covers all aspects of practical field epidemiologic investigation. It explains the requirements, defines terms, and illustrates many examples of how to undertake the tasks of the public health epidemiologist during a field investigation. Unlike other texts of its kind, it breaks down each function of field epidemiology to its constituent parts and thoroughly answers questions related to them. Topics include: public health surveillance; qualifying a potential outbreak; assembling and equipping a team; hypothesis generation and descriptive epidemiology; epidemiological studies; hypothesis-testing interviews; data analysis; writing a report; public health laboratory’s role in field; environmental health components; investigating non-infectious health events; forensic epidemiology investigations; GIS; and special considerations. The text is accompanied by a complete package of instructor resources including Sample Syllabus, Instructor's Manual, TestBank, and PowerPoint slides.

An Easy Introduction to Epidemiology

An Easy Introduction to Epidemiology PDF Author: Quantum Scientific Publishing
Publisher: Quantum Scientific Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
An Easy Introduction to Epidemiology was written to be an easy-to-read introduction for readers with no prior background in the field of epidemiology. Written at a lay-reader level, the book discusses the major topics in epidemiology including the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases. This title is part of the QSP Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Textbook Series.

Nutritional Epidemiology

Nutritional Epidemiology PDF Author: Walter Willett
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199754039
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 547

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Book Description
Willett's Nutritional Epidemiology has become the foundation of this field. This new edition updates existing chapters and adds new ones addressing the assessment of physical activity, the role of genetics in nutritional epidemiology, and the interface of this field with policy.

Microbial Forensics

Microbial Forensics PDF Author: Bruce Budowle
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123820073
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 753

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Book Description
Microbial Forensics is a rapidly evolving scientific discipline. In the last decade, and particularly due to the anthrax letter attacks in the United States, microbial forensics has become more formalized and has played an increasingly greater role in crime investigations. This has brought renewed interest, development and application of new technologies, and new rules of forensic and policy engagement. It has many applications ranging from biodefense, criminal investigations, providing intelligence information, making society more secure, and helping protect precious resources, particularly human life. A combination of diverse areas is investigated, including the major disciplines of biology, microbiology, medicine, chemistry, physics, statistics, population genetics, and computer science. Microbial Forensics, Second Edition is fully revised and updated and serves as a complete reference of the discipline. It describes the advances, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead, and will be integral in applying science to help solve future biocrimes. - A collection of microbiology, virology, toxicology and mycology as it relates to forensics, in one reference - New and expanded content to include statistical analysis of forensic data and legal admissibility and the standards of evidence, to name a few - Includes research information and application of that research to crime scene analysis, which will allow practitioners to understand and apply the knowledge to their practice with ease

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309142393
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

Epidemiology and the People's Health

Epidemiology and the People's Health PDF Author: Nancy Krieger
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199750351
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 395

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Book Description
This concise, conceptually rich, and accessible book is a rallying cry for a return to the study and discussion of epidemiologic theory: what it is, why it matters, how it has changed over time, and its implications for improving population health and promoting health equity. By tracing its history and contours from ancient societies on through the development of--and debates within--contemporary epidemiology worldwide, Dr. Krieger shows how epidemiologic theory has long shaped epidemiologic practice, knowledge, and the politics of public health.

Forensic Science and Law

Forensic Science and Law PDF Author: Cyril H. Wecht
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1420058118
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 704

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Book Description
Forensic science has undergone dramatic progress in recent years, including in the areas of DNA collection and analysis and the reconstruction of crime scenes. However, too few professionals are equipped with the knowledge necessary to fully apply the potential of science in civil, criminal, and family legal matters. Featuring contributions from