Forensic Botany. Principles and Applications to Criminal Casework

1. Introduction to Forensic Botany

Heather Miller Coyle

2. Basic Plant Biology

Heather Miller Coyle

3. Plant Cell Structure and Function

Heather Miller Coyle

4. Modes of Plant Reproduction

Heather Miller Coyle

5. Plant Diversity

Heather Miller Coyle

6. The Use of Biological and Botanical Evidence in Criminal Investigations

Carll Ladd, Kristina A. Schierenbeck, and Henry C. Lee

7. Uses of Plant Anatomy, Taxonomy, and Ecology in Forensic Investigations

David O. Norris and Jane H. Bock

8. Forensic Botany Cases

Elaine Pagliaro and Heather Miller Coyle

9. Uses of Plants in Burial Practices

Emily Bogdon

10. Forensic Palynology

Lynne A. Milne, Vaughn M. Bryant Jr., and Dallas C. Mildenhall

11. Use of Diatoms and Pollen for Seasonal Calendar

Anna Tran, Mia Deluca, and Zoe Defazio

12. Plant Poisons and Toxicology

Robert H. Powers

13. Illegal Trafficking of Wood

Heather Miller Coyle

14. DNA Structure and Function

Nicholas C.S. Yang and Heather Miller Coyle

15. An Overview of Historical Developments in Forensic DNA Analysis

Gary Shutler

16. Classical and Future DNA Typing Technologies for Plants

Eric J. Carita

17. Plant Identification by DNA

Robert A. Bever, Margaret Sanger, Adrian Linacre, Hsing‑Mei Hsieh, and James Chun‑I. Lee

18. Wooden Stick Matches as Forensic Evidence

Brooke W. Kammrath, Kelly Webb, Kaitlin Kruglak, Kayla Moquin, and Marianne Stam

19. Legal Considerations for Acceptance of New Forensic Methods in Court

Timothy Palmbach and Gary Shutler

Forensic Botany: Principles and Applications to Criminal Casework, Second Edition updates what, at the time, was the very first book published on the subject. This latest edition offers a concise introduction to plant identification, biology, genetics, and how to utilize and apply botanical evidence in criminal cases.

In recent years, forensic botany and the use of various plant and plant‑derived evidence have been increasingly utilized in criminal investigations and court cases. Likewise, forensic palynology and other such terms have entered the vernacular as botanical sciences have widened the applications in which such evidence can help solve cases. This includes the use of current and emergent genetic markers and DNA technology, toxicology, diatoms, and pollen. The numerous advances since the last edition was published necessitated added coverage of the technology and testing capabilities that have achieved new levels as the field has developed.

The chapters are written by some of the top experts in the field. Every chapter in the Second Edition is fully updated, with several new chapters focusing on Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), plant‑derived toxins and forensic toxicology, identifying ancient plants used in burial practices for dating sites, digested plants as evidence, and more.

Forensic Botany, Second Edition provides scientists working with DNA, trace evidence, and botanical evidence—as well as investigators and legal professionals—with a thorough understanding of the latest advances and current capabilities in utilizing such evidence in investigating and adjudicating criminal cases.

Heather Miller Coyle is Associate Professor of Forensic Science at University of New Haven.