...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...
Words: 1732 - Pages: 7
...Forensic Facial Reconstructions Samantha McAnally CRMJ430 April 20, 2013 Abstract This paper will focus mainly on the history and the various techniques that forensic facial reconstruction has to offer. It will also go over some problems or an issue that is process has faced over the years. The Daubert Standard will discuss and how facial reconstruction was allowed as evidence thru this standard. I will go over all the periods of time that facial reconstruction was used. Computerized and Clay reconstruction will be discussed and how they have help investigators solved current and cold case crimes. Forensic Facial Reconstruction Forensic facial reconstruction is the method of restoring the appearance of a person (whose identity is frequently not recognized) from their skeletal remnants through a combination of creativity, forensic science, anthropology, osteology, and anatomy. The situation can also display what an individual would look like as an adult if they were abducted or gone missing as adolescents. In this paper, we will discuss the different approaches that can be used in facial reconstruction from computerized techniques to sketch artist techniques. The fortitude of forensic facial reconstruction is to yield an image from a skull that suggests an adequate resemblance of the thriving individual that the situation will assist in the proof of identity of the skeletal remnants while there are not any additional resources accessible. Finding skeletons used...
Words: 2024 - Pages: 9
...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...
Words: 854 - Pages: 4
...December 7, 2015 Denise Mowder Forensic Science is the implementation of science and technology in the criminal justice system, which enforced by police agencies. To break down the definition of forensic science, forensic means the key to solving crimes. Science indicates the source of technology that used to help the forensic team to investigate the evidence and solve crimes. The history and development have come to long ways. There are many roles of the forensic science expert as well as the multi-capabilities. Forensic science began with a manuscript titled Yi Yi Ju (“A Collection of Criminal Cases”), in the third century in China. The report showed how a coroner was able to prove a woman was guilty of murdering her husband when in fact she claimed his death was accidental. By a simple experiment that done with two pigs. After, the official had informed the woman about the evidence that found, they were able to get a confession out of the wife. The Chinese were the first to identify an individual by their latent fingerprints and early eighteenth centuries, it was circumscribed education of anatomy and pathology restricted the growth of forensic science. In 1686 a professor of anatomy by the name of Marcello Malpighi at the University of Bologna in Italy. He was the first to record fingerprints characteristics. However, that was not a form of identification at that time. More than a century later, the first scientific paper developed of fingerprints, but still...
Words: 423 - Pages: 2
...oday, the word "forensics" has become synonymous with crime and crime scene investigation. Immediately conjuring images of crime labs, ultra violet lights and high-tech computers, popular crimes shows like CSI have brought increased attention to the field of forensic science. They've also generated newfound interest in forensics careers. The term "forensic" comes from the Latin and means, simply, having to do with the law. Hence, any discipline that has any ties to the legal system is, in fact, forensic. This is why so many job titles within criminology, such as forensic psychologist, are preceded by the term. With regard to forensic science, the term is now commonly understood to refer to the application of scientific principles to questions...
Words: 1731 - Pages: 7
...The Relation between Forensic Science and Chemistry Isabelle Génier London Central Secondary School There is a great number of careers that involve chemistry; being a forensic scientist is one of them. What is a forensic scientist you ask? That is a very difficult question to answer. Generally they provide evidence in court to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. The evidence can be provided in the form of a written paper or the scientist might be called to testify during trials or hearings as an expert witness on evidence or laboratory techniques. There are different areas of forensic science such as chemistry (which involves crimes against property), biology (which involves crimes against people), and toxicology (which majorly involves drugs). Being a forensic scientist involves many tasks, they go to crime scenes to investigate and then plan what evidence they need to collect. Afterwards they return to compile, catalogue, and preserve evidence to help solve the case. They then do a sketch of the scene so that they can later reconstruct the crime scene to re-examine, test, and analyze the evidence. Now that the evidence has been assessed, it can be discussed between specialists and a report can be written based on their conclusions. The report is used during trials or hearings; however, the forensic scientist can also be called upon to personally testify as an expert witness. This career, which used to be an unknown field has now...
Words: 1354 - Pages: 6
...Welcome to Homicide Forensic Science is a fundamental component of the justice system. Forensic scientists use scientific techniques and knowledge to assist law enforcement in investigations and solving crimes. They collect and analyze numerous types of evidence, including blood, body fluids; DNA; and human tissue. Forensic scientists assist the decision makers by showing the prosecutor if the issue has merit before it reaches the courtroom thereby reducing the number of cases having to be heard. Their decisions are based on scientific investigations and not circumstantial evidence or unreliable witnesses. Forensic scientists can restore faith in the judicial system with the use of science and technology for facts in criminal and civil investigations. The legal system is established on the belief that the legal process results in justice for all. History of forensic science The history of Forensic science or the applying of scientific principles to legal questions has a lengthy and interesting history. The first recorded autopsy was reported in 44 B.C was on Julius Caesar, where the Roman physician, Antistius proclaimed that he had 23 wounds on his body but only one was fatal. In 1248, a Chinese book entitled “His Duan Yu” (meaning The Washing Away of Wrongs) explaining how to tell apart a drowning from a strangulation. This was also the first recorded use of medicine to assist in solving crimes. In 1590, the first microscope was developed. In 1775, Karl...
Words: 2382 - Pages: 10
...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...
Words: 1646 - Pages: 7
...Week 3 DQ 1 Hair Evidence CRJ 311 Week 3 DQ 2 Arson Dogs CRJ 311 Week 3 Journal Professional Painter CRJ 311 Week 4 Assignment What's Your Impression CRJ 311 Week 4 DQ 1 Bite Mark Evidence CRJ 311 Week 4 DQ 2 Fingerprint Evidence CRJ 311 Week 4 Journal Cold Case Investigation CRJ 311 Week 5 DQ 1 Blood Patterns CRJ 311 Week 5 DQ 2 DNA Evidence CRJ 311 Week 5 Final Paper CRJ 311 Week 5 Journal Cold Case Investigation ======================================================== CRJ 311 Week 1 Assignment The CSI Effect (Ash) FOR MORE CLASSES VISIT www.crj311nerd.com Read “Fact or Fiction?; The Jury is Still Out on the CSI Effect; A TV-Insprired Interest in Forensics Has Left the Courtroom Vulnerable to Junk Science,” which is located in the ProQuest database in the Ashford Online Library. What is the CSI Effect, and do you believe it is a legitimate concern? In your paper, address the following: Summarize the CSI Effect and evaluate if it is a legitimate concern. Analyze the impact of the CSI Effect in the courtroom. Interpret what prosecutors can do to overcome this phenomenon. The paper must be three to four pages in length and formatted according to the APA style. Cite your resources in text and on the Reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the Learning Resources tab on...
Words: 3613 - Pages: 15
...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...
Words: 1454 - Pages: 6
...Welcome To Homicide Anthony Clay CRJ 311 Forensics Professor: Gary Naylor January 8, 2017 Forensic science, has been around for quite some time now. In this paper I will include insight into the role of forensic science, the applications of forensic science for use within the evaluation and/or processing of major crime scenes, and its role in the criminal justice system. Brief history of forensic science. Forensic science dates back all the to the 18th century. “One of the earliest pioneers of forensic science was a Spanish doctor, Mathieu Joseph Bonaventure Orfila (1787–1853)” (Gaensslen & Larsen, 2013, pg. 1.2). Mathieu is known as the father of forensic toxicology. His primary focus was in forensic science, his work influenced the development of modern day criminalistics labs. He was also was...
Words: 1514 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 2686 - Pages: 11
...to others making a unique genetic code. DNA profiling, the analysis of DNA samples to establish if they come from the same person has been used in many situations over the past few decades for identification. This has revolutionized science tremendously. It had changed and improved how forensic science is performed. DNA profiling, especially in crime scenes has been a matter of life or death in many stories. Over the years the analysis of DNA evidence...
Words: 720 - Pages: 3
...Date : 2016.01.13 Table of contents Contents page 1. Introduction………………………………………………………3 2. History and background ….……………………………………...3 3. Aim and Objective……………………………………………….4 4. The role of crime laboratories……………………………………4 5. Research tools * 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...
Words: 1042 - Pages: 5
...Homicide Homicide Forensic science plays a huge part in our criminal justice system today. But where did it get its start? What procedures are utilized today to help investigators solve our everyday mysteries when it comes to crimes? In addition, what forensic aspects in the video “Welcome to Homicide” were used to finally get a confession of murder? This paper will discuss these topics and elaborate on some of the key evidence that was used to close this particular case. First, let’s begin with where and when forensics is aid to have gotten its start. The basic sciences began to develop in the late 18th century, and many of the early developments in forensic sciences took place during the 19th century (Gaensslen & Larsen, 2013). People long ago did not have technological and scientific advancements that we take for granted in the forensic sciences today. Instead, they mostly relied on forced confessions and testimonies of witnesses. This, naturally, allowed for many criminals to walk free while a lot of innocents were wrongfully convicted. The first known instance of forensics being used was in the year 1248. A Chinese man, called a death investigator, used experimentation to determine that a victim's fatal blow had resulted from the strike of a sickle (Dirkmaat, 2012). What we think of today as forensic science may have been born in China, but truly developed in Europe during the 1700's. German medical experts, Swedish chemists, and Italian surgeons wrote...
Words: 1318 - Pages: 6
