We are IntechOpen, the world's leading publisher of Open Access books Built by scientists, for scientists

6,400+

Open access books available

172,000+

190M+ Downloads

International authors and editors

156 Countries delivered to Our authors are among the

Top 1% most cited scientists

12.2%

Contributors from top 500 universities

Selection of our books indexed in the Book Citation Index in Web of Science™ Core Collection (BKCI)

## Interested in publishing with us? Contact book.department@intechopen.com

Numbers displayed above are based on latest data collected. For more information visit www.intechopen.com

## Meet the editors

Roberto Scendoni is a medical doctor specializing in legal medicine. In 2022, he received a national scientific qualification as an associate professor in the Italian higher education system of forensic and occupational medicine. He is currently a researcher (MED/43) at the University of Macerata (UniMC), Italy. He is also a consultant for forensic autopsies and external examinations, personal injuries, attempted murders, personal identifi-

cation, and medical malpractice. His research interests include forensic medicine, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology, and healthcare management. He has authored/co-authored many journal articles and is an editorial board member for *PLOS One*. Dr. Scendoni has participated in many national and international training events as a speaker and organizer.

Francesco De Micco is a medical doctor specializing in legal medicine. In 2023, he received a national scientific qualification as an associate professor in the Italian higher education system in forensic and occupational medicine He is currently a researcher in legal medicine (MED/43) at Campus Bio-Medico University, Italy. He is also the clinical risk manager of the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation. He con-

ducts research activities in healthcare risk management, forensic medicine, forensic anthropology, and bioethics. He has authored/co-authored many journal articles and is an editorial board member for *PLOS One*. Dr. De Micco has participated in many national and international training events as a speaker and organizer.

### Contents


Preface

The term "forensic" has a double meaning. In the most popular sense, forensic science is understood as a particular scientific discipline that is applied to the needs of civil or criminal law. Therefore, an obvious synonym is a legal medicine. In a broader and deeper sense, all the disciplines that can have implications in the judicial field can have a "forensic" terminological connotation. Forensic experts are obliged to explain the smallest details of the methods used, substantiate the choice of the applied technique, and give their unbiased conclusions. Common forensic science disciplines include pathology, anthropology, chemistry, toxicology, nursing, psychiatry, entomology, and engineering. Forensic scientists may be tasked with identifying drugs in the living as well as the deceased and examining molecular biology (DNA), trace evidence, latent fingerprints, firearm and tool marks, handwriting, ballistics and explosives, and computer and digital evidence. Forensic practitioners are often found in laboratories, coroner's offices, universities, or private practices. The introduction of new, sometimes revolutionary, scientific practices is essential for progress in the legal world; in the core pillars of science, and research-based crime prevention and justice systems, forensic teams are a critical component of the law enforcement value chain in support of the

This book presents critical and challenging information on certain methods in various

**Roberto Scendoni**

Department of Law, University of Macerata,

**Francesco De Micco**

Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome,

Macerata, Italy

Rome, Italy

Institute of Legal Medicine,

Bioethics and Humanities Research Unit,

timely identification of offenders and their motivations.

disciplines of forensic science.
