...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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...Question 1. Describe the proper collection and preservation of paint evidence from an automobile suspected of being involved in a hit and run incident. Paint that is foreign to the suspect automobile is observed on the hood. When a hit and run accident occurs, the responding officer should look for what is known as paint transfer between the vehicles involved. In this particular case, the transfer of paint would be located on the vehicles hood. The officer should make every attempt to recover known paint samples or loose paint chips close to the area and roadway where the accident occurred. This is important due to the fact that with many vehicles the hoods may not have been painted at the same location or with the same paint used on the body. With this known, it is important that the officer take a paint sample from the exact part of the vehicle upon which the damage occurred. In reference to hit and run investigations, paint samples should be taken near the point of impact, but should not be taken from areas where there is corrosion or rust. This procedure can be done by the investigator by removing a painted section with a clean scalpel or knife blade. It is important for the knife or scraping instrument used to be clean in order to avoid any form of cross contamination. Referring to the text, it suggests that samples be taken in ¼ inch squares. Note that each paint sample taken should be packaged separately and marked with the location from where it was...
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...Have you ever wondered who’s the person that collects all evidence at crime scenes? The one who plays a huge part in the courthouse lending help about who the suspect could have been. Well this career position is known as a forensic scientist. Michigan State University, Lamar University and Alabama State University are a few schools that offer this major/area of study. In order to get accepted to either of these schools, there are requirements. At Michigan State University, you need a high school gpa (grade point average) of at least a 3.5, an ACT score of 23 minimum, and a SAT score of 1050 at the least. At Lamar University, the requirements of getting accepted are varied. You will need your high school transcript, ACT and SAT scores with a gpa of a 2.5 at the bare minimum. At Alabama State University, an ACT score of 18, an SAT score of 940 and a gpa of 2.8 are needed to get in. Before getting the job, you have take certain college classes and training. Organic, analytical and forensic science chemistry, principles of chromatography and electrochemistry, crime scene investigation procedures, biostatistics...
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...Forensic Science in the 21st Century By: Crystal Lyle AJS/584 - FORENSIC SCIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILING STEVEN HOENIG 2-29-16 This paper will examine my perception and concept of forensic science in the 21st century. It will also examine the importance of forensic science to policing criminal investigation court process, and the efforts of various levels in security. In addition to analyzing the importance of forensic science, I will give a historical approach. I will discuss the accuracy of the media representation of forensic science and how issues. Lastly, I will discuss the influence the CSI effect have on the judicial process. Forensic Science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws that are enforced by law enforcement agencies in a criminal justice system. Another definition of forensic science is principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice, especially as it relates to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence. In 1929, a Los Angeles police department establish the first American forensic lab. Forensic science has been around over 300 years or more and it continues to improve and emerge today as science and technical knowledge find more improved and accurate techniques. Forensic science has come to be a critical instrument in allowing guilt or demonstrating innocence in the system of criminal justice. In the late 80’s (DNA), society was accepting of (DNA) and forensic science continues to develop and unfold...
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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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...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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...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...
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...Forensic Science in the 21st Century AJS/592 Aug 2012 Forensic Science in the 21st Century Forensic science is regarded as an essential component in the resolution of crimes and law enforcement. Collecting and deciphering evidence properly and preserving crime scenes are two of the most important elements in crime-solving. Consequently, technological advances are relevant to the limited and challenging forensic science field. Also, it is a field wherein technical aptitude is attained only by the amalgamation of various dynamics. For example, supervision, continuing education, proficiency, training, experience, coupled with appreciativeness of scientific protocols and methods proposed against a setting of harsh professional beliefs. This submission delves into forensic science’s contributions to policing and criminal investigations, court processes, and security efforts. Also it explores the media’s representation of forensic science, influence on popular opinion for justice-related issues, and “CSI” effect on the judicial process. Forensic Science Contributions to Policing and Criminal Investigations The geneses of criminalistics or forensic science are mainly European. Forensic science is an amalgamation of various disciplines, such as chemistry, mathematics, geology, physics, and biology to examine physical evidence associated with crime. Previously, the employment of forensic...
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...Ever since I was young, I have been captivated by forensic science. The advancements made in forensic technology are astounding; however, there is still much room for improvement. I want to make a positive change in my community and my country by helping to further develop this technology to be more efficient, less costly, and more accurate. Advancements in this machinery would result is less wrongful convictions, more successful closing rates for cases, and would benefit the community by ensuring safety and closure to families affected by crime. In order to accomplish this change, I have worked diligently throughout high school to have a strong and diverse background. I have maintained a high GPA while balancing school with many extracurricular...
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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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...CONCLUSION Forensic science contributes to the criminal justice system by providing scientifically base information through the analysis of physical evidence. The field of forensic science has a broad spectrum of subject matter experts who conduct analysis and prepare an evidence base on the results of their analysis. In order to achieve best result in court the forensic science and criminal investigators works in collaboration to properly collect evidence at the crime scene. The critical knowledge provided at the NYPD Homicide Course in proper evidence collection, evidence control, crime scene processing, and investigation techniques plays a vital role in improving the skills of all attendees. Police Officers are typically among the first...
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...A forensic science technician collect and analyze the evidence from crime scenes to help investigate and solve crimes. Some are generalist forensic science technicians but others specialize in certain areas such as criminalists who perform the same jobs as crime scene investigators. Other examples of specialists are forensic pathologists and latent print examiners, how analyze fingerprints and DNA found at crime scenes, or forensic computer examiners, who specialize in collecting and analyzing data from computer crimes. Forensic science technicians give written reports on what they discovered from analyzing their evidence or data, they then explain this report to lawyers and law enforcement officials and often times will testify in court about their findings....
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...The definition of forensic science is all sciences that are applied to the law. There are many different types of forensic sciences: forensic psychology, forensic nursing, forensic anthropology, forensic pathology, crime scene investigations, etc. For these sciences to run smoothly and efficiently, technology must be used. The technology for forensic science has evolved and developed in a short amount of time. Forensic psychology is the interaction between psychology and the law. Psychologists who are interested in these jobs usually work with criminals in jails, rehabilitation centers, prisons, government agencies, police departments, etc. Technology can be used in this branch of forensic science like electronic stress assistants and the software “Optimism”. These...
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...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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...requirement that such evidence be “sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs,” and therefore the test results were properly excluded by the lower court. Discussion. The court reasoned that although the deception test at issue here has a scientific basis, “[j]ust when a scientific principle or discovery crosses the line between the experimental and demonstrable stages is difficult to define . . . [and] the thing from which the deduction is made must be sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs [to be admissible].” In other words, the court held that without an established place in science, the test was still in the blurred realm between experimental science and demonstrated science, and therefore inadmissible here. In the court’s words, as the deception test...
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