Written in clear and simple language, this primer/handbook examines and explains--from the perspective of a criminal investigator--the law and how it relates to criminal investigations. The book begins with an introduction to the parties and the rules and then discusses the crime scene, unique scenarios in the recovery of human remains and physical evidence, and the medical-legal autopsy. It reviews the types of homicide, deaths requiring distinctive investigative considerations, and finally, arrest and prosecution. Case studies, checklists, charts, and illustrations make the book ideal as a reference for professionals and a textbook for coursework.