Author Description

Why are programs such as CSI, Law & Order, and Cold Case so popular? Because our culture is fascinated with crime--and these television shows reveal investigators' procedures and secrets. With so many forensic-based television programs, it might seem that North America's morbid curiosity is a new phenomenon. The truth is, however, that humanity have always been fascinated by that which also frightens them. What's more, humans are attracted to puzzles--and forensic science offers opportunities to solve mysteries while at the same time "catching the bad guys." Modern media has only magnified the tendencies of previous generations. This book takes a look at the ways this fascination with crime shapes modern news media, television programming, movies, and the Internet. It also provides information on the real-life opportunities for forensic careers. Forensic science is more than just a cultural obsession--it's a fast-growing professional field. Forensics in American Culture will reveal this field's intriguing mixture of science, mystery, excitement, and justice.