...The critics of forensic science from the readings all have backgrounds that would provide them with sufficient enough knowledge of the discipline to deliver meaningful criticisms. For example, Arvizu (2000) is a chemist, who has managed an analytical laboratory, and she is a quality consultant who has managed a laboratory evaluation program for a federal agency. She has also performed dozens of independent audits of laboratories. Other critics, Saks and Koehler (2008), have a background and professional degree in law, and teach students at universities through their expertise. The last critic found in the articles for the week, Giannelli (2007), is also a distinguished law professor at a university. The backgrounds of all the critics allow for them to use terminology relevant to the discipline, as well as to mention certain cases of faulty forensics, and to suggest certain steps for moving forward in a more reliable manner....
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...Forensic science has been around for a long time now. the concept of it is to find evidence to solve a case. I am attracted to this because I like thinking at a new level. I like analyzing things to come up with an explanation. Forensics is a growing industry due to the amount of crimes that are taking place now a day. A forensic technician “…collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigation.” (Summary." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). they to this in order to find potential suspects in a murder scene or simply to find an explanation on what happened. There’s different fields you can take in forensic science, for example there’s forensic anthropology. Anthropologist have knowledge on the human...
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...The Importance of Criminalistics and Forensics in Criminal Justice System Olympia Hernandez CJ-312 Criminalistics March 20, 2015 Instructor Jorge Valenzuela Criminalistics and forensic science has grown both in scope and importance to the criminal justice system. There is no question that it has become instrumental in complementing and supporting traditional investigations. However, has it become more important than the traditional methods of investigating such as questioning eyewitnesses, interrogating suspects, and determining information from street informants? According to Mary Bernstein, Forensic science has surfaced as a critical tool in assigning guilt or establishing innocence in the criminal justice system. In...
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...project will seek to examine the multi-faceted elements of blood spatter analysis to provide an overview of the field’s different dimensions. Focusing on technical developments, analytical interpretation and court relevance, the project will propose that blood spatter’s analysis as a mainstream element of the CSI toolkit results from the combination of physical sciences and analytical rigor which lies at its core. Beginning with questions of technical and physical science, the project will examine the manner in which blood spatter analysis is increasingly capable of understanding how human usage of different weapons impacts the static nature of a given crime scene. Moving to questions of interpretation, the project will touch upon the manner in which information technology is improving the rigor and caliber of analysis, and thus leading to greater continuity and replicability in blood spatter analysis. Concluding, it will examine the manner in which the court system is now viewing blood spatter analysis with greater heft because of these developments. Blood Spatter Analysis and Science Beginning with questions of science, the work of Randall (2009) demonstrates how even the most esoteric of weapons can be analyzed using blood-spatter analysis. Focusing on the chain saw and its use as either a murder weapon or tool of dismemberment, Randall (2009) makes it evident that the manner in which the user interacts with the chain saw can have dramatic implications for spatter pattern...
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...been at its highest this year. Forensic science has played a major part in investigating crimes and searching for evidence that is not seen by the naked eye(Dillon). The field of forensics is continually growing, causes of death have become more interesting, autopsies are more critical, and the salary is appreciable(Gewin). Since there are only 18 forensic science undergraduate programs in the US that have been authorized by the American Academy of Forensic Science, my prospective college choices are limited. After tackling the time it will take to earn my bachelors in forensics(4 years), then finish medical school and four years of residency, it will eventually all be worth the wait. The educational path required to achieve my goal of becoming a forensic scientist will be a long, exhausting process. The different characteristics of forensic science- like the use of analytical techniques- is what sets itself apart from just any other science degree(Thorpe). Being just a junior in high school, KEES money plays a major role in helping me decide where I go...
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...A GUIDE IN FORENSIC CHEMISTRY Forensic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the application of chemical knowledge, principles, and procedures to matters involving civil or criminal law and to all questions where control of chemical compounds, products, or processes is involved. Forensic Chemistry is an interdisciplinary field of Chemistry tasked to solve cases that can only be explained or resolved by applying analytical methods of investigation and instrumentation with chemistry as the main core of discussion. Forensic chemistry is a broad and diversified field of science. It includes all branches of chemistry and the application of its principles to solve crimes when it arise in the administration of justice. Significantly, Forensic chemistry is vital in crime detection when the components or chemical composition, structure of physical evidence/s collected from the scene of the crime are needed to support in the speedy solution of crime. Application of forensic chemistry is legally applied to the following: 1. Primarily, Forensic Chemistry deals in the recognition, identification, preservation, packaging & transportation of physical evidence collected at the crime scene. 2. In crime detection, it is applied in the identification of poisons, blood, semen, feces, urine, saliva, and other body fluids whether fresh or dried. It also include other stains of interests from ob-gynecological origin, mineral stains, fruits and/or vegetable stains. 3. It is...
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...education and politics. The growing danger from crimes committed against computers, or against information on computers, is beginning to claim attention in the India. The digital age has dramatically changed the scope of a crime by adding the electronic component and it comes a new form of science ≴Computer Forensic Science≵. Computer Forensic allows for the evidence of cyber crime to be admissible in court when prosecuting the cyber criminal. In most countries, existing laws are likely to be unenforceable against such crime. Cyber laws, as it stand today, gives rise to both positive & negative consequences. The main negative consequences is the digital soup so vague that many refer to it as the dark sides of technology and that cyber criminal currently have upper hand. The applicability and effectiveness of our existing laws need to be constantly reviewed to face the risk coming from the cyber world. In this paper we are going to firstly describe the computer forensic, cyber crimes, cyber laws of nation & technology challenges. Aim of this paper is to act as a catalyst to raise awareness regarding computer forensic which continues to grow as one of the most important branch of science and help in investigation of cyber crime which continues to grow as one of the most potent threats to the Internet and computer users of the cyber society of 21st century in India Introduction The rapid change occurring in the present era of Information Technology and the computer has gained...
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...criminal, then there are some who don’t feel this way. Continue reading to decide for yourself. CSI EFFECT 3 CSI Effect What is the “CSI Effect”? Is it anything more than a myth? Actual jurors in real cases are wrongly acquitting criminals who they would have convicted if the television show CSI was not aired, as people see it as real. Prosecutors say the CSI effect forces them to explain why they have no forensic evidence, and jury selection takes longer as the people who seem to be influenced by the show are removed. Defense attorney’s agree about the effects of the television show. Producers of CSI say their show has an educational effect on the public(teaches them science). Some police feel that CSI helps educate criminals on how not to get caught. Educators think CSI attracts students to want a career in forensic science.(Knight,2010). The CSI effect does have some benefits such as understanding the use of resources to investigate cold cases and for people who have information about a crime to come forward. Donald Shelton, Greg Barak and Young Kim randomly chose 1,027 jurors in Ann Arbor, Michigan to participate in a study. First, they got demographic information, asked what they watched on television, how often and if...
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...Journal of Forensic & Investigative Accounting Vol. 4, Issue 2, 2012 The Obvious Fraud: A Short, Problem-Based Case Study to Highlight Inappropriate Fraud Examination Techniques David O’Bryan Jeffrey J. Quirin* INTRODUCTION Assume you are an internal auditor for a large, multinational, manufacturing organization with a division in Mexico. One of your responsibilities is to investigate allegations made on the company’s fraud hotline. When you arrive at work one morning you learn an anonymous tip was left on the hotline that alleges fraud involving the division manager. “Pat’s significant other is a fraudulent vendor,” was the anonymous tip left on your company’s fraud hotline. Pat is a division manager at your company. “Wow. I can’t believe this guy is so blatant,” you’re thinking as you review some accounts payable invoices while following up on this anonymous tip. The invoice that caught your attention is shown in Table 1. A quick search of the AP file reveals a total of three invoices like the one in Table 1, all for identical amounts but on different dates. The division manager, Pat, has the authority to approve payment of invoices for less than $10,000. It is obvious to you that the manager has a created a shell company. You happen to know that Pat’s significant other is named Kim, hence the name Kimco Marketing. There is no documentation to support these transactions other than the invoices, all of which are purportedly for marketing services. * The authors are, respectively...
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...Computer Forensics I (FOR 240-81A) Project #3 Case Background The Suni Munshani v. Signal Lake Venture Fund II, LP, et al suit is about email tampering, perjury, and fraud. On December 18, 2000, Suni Munshani (Plaintiff) filed a suit against Signal Lake Venture Fund. Mr. Munshani claimed that he was entitled to warrants in excess of $25 million dollars from Signal Lake. In February 2001, Signal Lake Venture Fund II, LP, et al. (Defendant) became privy to the court filings in this case. Within the filings there was an email provided by Mr. Munshani from Hemant Trivedi, CEO of one of the portfolio companies, stating he was indeed entitled to the warrants. Mr. Trivedi denied any knowledge of the email, or any such communication with Mr. Munshani. In an effort to prove their innocence, Signal Lake hired a computer forensic group to conduct a private investigation. The investigation did not show any evidence of the supposed email provided to the court by Mr. Munshani. Mr. Trivedi filed an affidavit stating that the email was forged, while Mr. Munshani filed an affidavit stating the email was real. In March 2001, a computer forensics expert, Kenneth R. Shear, was appointed by the court to perform a forensic examination on the questioned message (the message provided by Mr. Munshani) and the comparative message (a second message from Mr. Trivedi found on Mr. Munshani’s computer). Mr. Shear worked for a company called Electronic Evidence Discovery, Inc. (EED). Mr. Shear’s forensic...
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...Abstract: Rising era of computer and other technologies as internet and gadgets, explosively increase in number of cybercrime or other crimes using technologies. The growth of computer forensic has taken as huge success to control those crimes which are committed using computers. The main task of computer forensic is to examining and collecting electronic data as evidence from a crime scene. The work of computer forensic is to recover the data which has been hacked or lost by the criminals using different system. The growing dependency on computer forensic has decreased the cybercrime and professionals have to understand the computer technology that is used in computer forensic. Introduction Forensic roots from a Latin word, “forensic” which...
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...I choose to research the career path of Crime Scene Investigator. A CSI is usually a person who assists a police officer in investigations. CSIs are sometimes called Forensic Science Technicians. I decided to research this topic because I wanted to get a feel of the career path because it sparked my interest about year and I´ve been intriged ever since. It’s the career I’m thinking about going to school to do. Crime Scene Investigation is a career for me since it brings my interests in forensic science and police work. My desire is to develop in any skills necessary to be successful in this field of work; plus, it would provide a steady income in the distant future. Specialized CSIs will find a small clue that could lead them to a suspect. They use various types...
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... * Budget…………………………………………..…………5 * Data collection and analysis……………………….……...5 * Work plan………………………………………….……...5 6. Limitations and Conclusion………………………………..…….6 7. Reference……………………………………………..………….6 1. Introduction Crime laboratory is one of the most valuable tool for a crime investigator. It is a scientific lab using primarily forensic sciences for the purpose of examining evidence from criminal cases. It provides answers to some or all the questions asked such as how the crime was committed, who committed it, and can also determine whether a crime has been committed or not. The crime laboratory seek answers for the questions mentioned above through scientific analysis of physical material collected primarily from the scene of a crime, suspect or the person affected. It provides an even more integrated approach to the analysis of exhibits and the presentation of expert evidence. Generally the aim of the crime laboratory is to effectively prevent and combat crime. 2. History and background of crime laboratory The Forensic Science Laboratory of the South African Police Service was formed on 15 January 1971 with the Biology, Chemistry and Electronics Units. A new building complex was occupied in March 1987 when the Ballistic and Question Document Unit, which before this had resorted under the SA Criminal Bureau, were amalgamated with the FSL. Early in 2000 a decision was made to amalgamate the Explosive Investigation...
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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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...Forensic Science and Murder: The Ted Bundy Case Sheila Hawkins Criminalistics Abstract Forensic science is the foundational element of all crime investigation procedures. Recent advances in forensic technologies make possible to resolve even the most challenging crimes. This paper tells a story of Ted Bundy, a serial killer, whose case was solved with the help of forensic science. Implications and possible changes in case investigation are proposed. Keywords: forensic science, Ted Bundy, serial killer, case, solve. The Ted Bundy Case Forensic science is at the heart of all crime investigation procedures. Recent advances in forensic science make possible to solve even the most challenging cases. The contribution of forensic science to crime investigation is difficult to overestimate: according to Ribaux, Walsh and Margot (2006), forensic science facilitates accreditation, standardization, and interpretation of forensic evidence and ensures the scientific efficiency and objectivity of crime data. The case of Ted Bundy, a serial killer, is no exception: it is with the help of forensic science that the crimes committed by Ted Bundy were solved. The story of Ted Bundy is believed to have started between 1973 and 1974, when he committed his first murders. In just two years, Bundy managed to kill almost two dozens of girls (Ramsland, n.d.). Victims’ age ranged from 12 to 20; some of them were reported to be missing, whereas others vanished from their rooms, leaving...
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