...FORENSICS Forensics, by and large, is the application of science to the legal process. It is an emerging research domain in India. There are many different types of forensic sciences baring their vital presence possibly in every field of human endeavor. Of these, let us now discuss about the computational, cyber and the DNA forensics. COMPUTATIONAL FORENSICS: The development of computational methods or mathematical and software techniques to solve forensic issues is called computational forensics. These methods analyze the evidence beyond human cognitive ability. They scrutinize a large volume of data, which is at any case impossible for a human mind to figure out. In spite of this, we can’t say that these techniques alone would serve our purpose because computational forensics is a field which needs huge collaboration between recognition and reasoning abilities of humans combined with comprehension and analytic abilities of the tool or a machine, which is most of the times, a computer. Computational forensics aids us to model the uncertain. At the crime scenes, we usually get incomplete or broken evidences. These evidences are later on modeled by the computational forensic tool which gives us first clues from its largest biometric database (fingerprints, criminal histories, mug-shots, scar and tattoo, physical characteristics like height, weight, hair and eye color and aliases), which is a collection of significant information regarding the criminals, their criminal history...
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...Introduction: Defined by Keiser-Neilsen in 1970 [1] [2] forensic odontology, or forensic dentistry, is a branch of forensic medicine which in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of the dental findings. Teeth are the most durable organs of vertebrates and mankind’s history of evolution depends hugely on remnants of dental evidence found on fossils. Teeth can persist long after other skeletal structures have succumbed to organic decay or destruction by some other agencies, such as fire [3] [4]. Rugoscopy (study of palatal rugae patterns), cheiloscopy (study of lip prints), tooth prints, radiographs, photographic study and molecular methods like Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are various methods used in the study of forensic odontology....
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... Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Brandon Sanders UMUC BIOL 320 6380 Forensic Biology New Methods and Applications in Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Mitochondria are structures within cells that function as energy mediators. Each cell contains hundreds to thousands of mitochondria. We know from this class that DNA is bundled in chromosomes inside the nucleus, but mitochondria also include a very small amount of their own DNA. This genetic material is known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA. The use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence analysis to identify biological evidence has been well documented. More than 50 laboratories worldwide are now applying mtDNA analysis in forensic casework; e.g., to help identify human remains or to help discover the source of a shed hair. In addition, the number of mtDNA sequences added to population databases has grown rapidly. Estimates find that there are greater than 5000 sequences which have been generated in forensic laboratories, and that an equal number will be generated in the next year or two. As a result, more is known about the genetics of mtDNA, as well as the power of the system as a forensic marker. Therefore, the analysis of mtDNA is in a strong position as we approach the next millennium. Using Mitochondrial DNA as a means for human identification has quite a few features. The mitochondrial...
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...1)Introduction; Crime today is at an extreme high. However, forensic science has been there to help solve every crime committed Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past. The word forensic comes from the Latin forēnsis, meaning "of or before the forum. The word forensic basically means the key to solve a crime.This is the technology used to help forensic teams to analyze and solve crimes.- This is especially important in law enforcement where forensics is done in relation to criminal or civil law,[1] but forensics are also carried out in other fields, such as astronomy, archaeology, biology and geology to investigate ancient times. Forensic Science is used to Identify Criminals Rape, murder, theft, and other crimes almost always leave a devastating mark on the victim. . In modern forensic science, the crime laboratories include photography section, Evidence storage section, identification section, chemistry section, General examination section, Fire arms section, instrument section and crime scene search section. 2)Origins of forensic science: In 16th-century Europe, medical practitioners in army and university settings began to gather information on the cause and manner of death. Ambroise Paré, a French army surgeon, systematically studied the effects of violent death on internal organs.[9][10] Two Italian surgeons, Fortunato Fidelis and Paolo Zacchia, laid the foundation...
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...WEEK 1- INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE Quote "Every contact leaves a trace." - Edmond Locard (1877 - 1966) Learning Objective(s) At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. Define 'Forensic Science'; 2. Explain the limits of Forensic Science; 3. Identify the types of forensic work; 4. Describe Locard's Exchange Principle; 5. Differentiate Reconstruction & Re-enactment. Synopsis To illustrate the scope and diversity of Forensic Science, place it in its legal context, and describe the various types of forensic work. There will also be a discussion of Comparison leading to Association, Reconstruction versus Re-enactment, Locard's Exchange Principle, and the limits of Forensic Science. Various case studies will also be analysed throughout the lecture. Case Studies Felicia Lee; Walter Dinivan; Madam Jetkor Miang Singh; Roberto Calvi; Buck Ruxton & the Jigsaw Murders; Acid Bath Haigh; 2005 London Bombings; "Brides in the Bath"; Gareth Williams; The Woodchipper Murder WEEK 2- CHEMICAL ANALYSIS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE Quote "Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea" The act is not culpable unless the mind is also guilty. Learning Objective(s) At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 2A. Atomic Structure & Spectroscopy 1. Explain the structure of the atom and Bohr's model; 2. Differentiate between emission and absorption spectroscopy; 3. Explain the chemistry behind EDX and SEM-EDX; 4. Explain the chemistry in NAA; 2B. Molecular...
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...machines as portrayed in forensic crime dramas, an average person’s faith and trust on forensic evidence is unshakable. In particular, jurors significantly rely on DNA analysis, scientific evidence, and testimonies by forensic experts to help decide the outcome of most criminal cases. Hence, justice and freedom for an individual can depend on the proficiency, reliability and efficiency of a forensic laboratory and their forensic analysts. Investigative or methodological forensic errors either on...
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...water that can break down the chemical structure of DNA. This type of exposure damages DNA by randomly breaking the molecules into smaller pieces. Inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction can also interfere with the ability to recover a full DNA profile from biological evidence (Forensic DNA, 2014). Current technology is being researched and developed to recover information from smaller regions of DNA, which are more likely to be intact following any possible damage. These new tests include mini short tandem repeats (STRs) which use PCR primers close to the STR repeat region and single nucleotide polymorphisms (Forensic DNA, 2014)....
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...Forensic Hair Analysis Forensic hair analysis is a method of studying hair found at the scene of a crime, and the scientific study of hair is referred to Trichology. In this paper I will discuss the different techniques that are used to study hair during an investigation and the many different aspects of the hair to consider based on what type of investigation is taking place. Hair analysis can be used to determine the presence of a suspect at the scene or to detect the presence of certain chemical substances in the victim or suspect. With the help of DNA techniques used in forensic hair analysis an absolute match can be determined by examining hair found at the scene of a crime. According to Douglas Deedrick of the FBI’s Trace Evidence Unit, Humans shed an average of 100 hairs daily and are often used in violent crime investigations such as: homicides, assaults, burglaries, and armed robberies. (Deedrick, 2000) The most useful hairs in a crime scene investigation are longer hairs found on the scalp but can be subject to changes due to hair colorings or a simple haircut. In order to prevent this outside exposure samples should be taken from potential suspects as soon as possible after the crime to avoid any possible contamination. According to Deedrick, examining a hair under a microscope can help to determine many things about the source of the hair and even how the hair was lost either through shedding or by force, or from which location on the body the hair originated...
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...Hair Analysis in Solving a Crime Name Institution Hair Analysis in Solving a Crime 1. Introduction Hair is among the most commonly used evidences in the crime investigations. Hair analysis is based on its chemical characteristics and physical structure which aid during investigations. It is notable that hairs are easily transferred hence can be left as evidence after a criminal activity. Hair analysis can be of great use in forensic analysis during an investigation since it can help prove crime in various ways. First, hair analysis can easily link a suspect to a crime scene. It can also show the association or link between the suspect and the victim. Hair analysis can also help single out a particular suspect from other suspects in the case. It is important to note that hair is a great resource to forensic science. The presence of the suspects ‘ hair on the victim’s body can help determine his or her sex and race. Hair analysis can also be used to determine the DNA of a suspect in a crime scene. The forensic problem to be solved is identification of the murder suspect in the Ford Heights Four case. A couple was robbed and murdered in Ford Heights in East Chicago. According to witnesses, four men were seen leaving the crime scene after the incident. The four men were later convicted and sentenced to prison despite their insistence on being innocent. However, after some years, DNA testing was conducted and the four suspects proved to be innocent before being released...
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...DNA Role in Forensics Science At a crime scene there may be a lot DNA evidence left behind or none. DNA can identify victims and suspects. It can help solve cold case and give new leads to other cases. DNA is also use to determine kinship in a missing person case. It can also help exonerate someone from a crime that they were convicted of. When handling DNA such as blood at a crime scene it is important that it is properly documented, photographed, collected and stored. Besides blood, DNA can include: body fluid, hair and skin. Such DNA can be matched to an individual. DNA is the acronym for Deoxyribonucleic acid. According to Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, “The word nucleic is referring to “DNA location in the nuclei of eukaryotic cell.” (Page49). “DNA is genetic material that humans and other organisms inherit from their parents which consists of gain molecules” (Page 48). The shape of DNA is a double helix. Some would say it looks like a twisted ladder. “The double helix has four bases; (A) Adenine, (C) Cytosine, (G) Guanine and (T) Tyhmine. The bases have to be properly linked to their pair or else there will be a mutation in the gene. The following are the base pairs that bind:”Adenine with Tyhmine and Cystosine with Guanine” (Page 49). DNA testing began in the mid 1980’s. In the online article, DNA Factors states: Ever since the start of DNA testing in 1985, biological material has been a reliable physical evidence to help solve crimes (Williams)...
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...‘unofficially’ regulate DNA analysis and force ‘private companies to adopt its technological system’” (Edmond 130). These debates in the courtroom have led to regulations that are in place to ensure the proper gathering and testing of DNA evidence so that only accurate evidence is admitted in court. Suspects have a right to a fair trial and following the DNA wars, fair trials include correct evidence to be presented otherwise they may be acquitted or a mistrial may be declared. One of the factors to ensuring correct evidence is a process known as the chain of custody. The chain of custody, if followed properly, keeps track of continuity of possession. Evidence must be correctly...
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...Forensics History Theresia L. Coates Criminal Justice 1010 Forensics History What does Forensics mean? How old is forensic science? When it was first applied to the law? How has the Forensic science changed the arrest and prosecution success of criminals? The term "forensic" comes from the Latin and means, simply, having to do with the law. How has Forensics evolved from the beginning until today? Let us delve into the history of forensics and its blossoming partnership with the law. Surprisingly, Forensic Science has been around and used in criminal investigations in some manner since before the Roman Empire making it centuries old. It has only been within the last century that law enforcement agencies and the court systems have come to rely so heavily on the use of scientific practices in crime scene investigations.1 The first application of forensic science was by the Roman physician Antistius in the year 44 B.C., whom examined the body of Julius Caesar. He determined even though the dictator was stabbed 23 times, only one wound through his chest caused his actual death. This autopsy is thought to be the first one recorded and the start of using forensic science. Here in the Greek and Roman society extensive knowledge was developed regarding the production, use and symptoms of various poisons, making it possible to identify their use in previously undetected murders. Thanks to these western civilizations advances in the medical field as well as pharmacology were...
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...Forensic Science in the 21st Century Gertrude West Forensic Science and Psychological Profiling /CJA590 May 30, 2011 Edward Baker Forensic Science in the 21st Century Forensic science has various influences on crime, investigation and the people that are involved. Forensic science has a connection with the courts to ensure crimes are getting solved and justice is being served to those that commit crimes. With the help of forensic science, crimes are being solved from a human and technological aspect. This paper highlights numerous discussions on how forensic science plays a role in criminal justices system, security, media and the law. Forensic science is a separate entity from the police; although a large portion of the work is obtains through law enforcement. Forensic science is a recognizable component of policing during criminal investigation. The successful resolution from a crime scene involves preventing the site from being contaminated. This helps assures a great deal of gathering and interpreting evidence that could lead to an accurate interpretation of the event. The advances in technology are being applied to forensic science; a field in which technical is achieved by many factors such as including training, experience, continued education, and scientific methodology (NYSP, 2007). Forensic Science continues to develop in the 21st Century. It blends science and technology that has been useful for law enforcement to solve crimes and prosecute...
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...Nowadays, forensic phenotyping, aiming to infer the unknown sample donor’s appearance from DNA, is expected to reduce the number of potential suspects (4, 5). To date, the most well studied externally visible characteristic (EVC) markers are the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with pigmentation, e. g., the variations in the coloration of the iris, hair, and skin (6–8). However, such pigmentation markers may not be useful in certain populations such as Asians and Africans with little color variation. More recently, age has been suggested as an EVC that can be used regardless of ethnicity to predict an individual’s appearance, thereby providing an investigative lead to track an unknown suspect or identify a missing person....
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...The Texas Forensic Science Commission, or otherwise know as the FSC, is a state agency of Texas. The FSC is located at the College of Criminal Justice of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. The mission of the FSC is to strengthen the use of forensic science in criminal investigations and courts. The commission has nine members, all of whom are appointed by the governor of Texas. Seven of the members are scientists and the other two are attorneys. The commission is required to investigate allegations of negligence or misconducts that would substantially affect the integrity of the results of a forensic analysis conducted by an accredited laboratory, facility, or entity. The Legislature, who is the creator of the FSC, requires the Commission to develop and implement a reporting system through which accredited laboratories, facilities, or entities may report professional negligence or misconduct. The commission may investigate complaints involving forensic disciplines that are not subject to accreditation under Texas law, with the exception of autopsies. The commission may also start an investigation of a forensic analysis for educational purposes to advance the integrity and reliability of forensic science in Texas....
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