f orensic s cience introduction. d o n ow : what does the term forensics stand for? what does the...
TRANSCRIPT
Forensic ScienceIntroduction
Do Now:
What does the term Forensics Stand for? What does the term criminalistics stand for? What branches of science does criminalistics
encompass?
What is Forensic Science?
Basic Definition: Science in the service of the law
“Forensic” = “having to do with the law” Forensic Science ≠ Forensics (“debating”) Criminalists: analyze, compare, identify, and
interpret physical evidence
Forensic Scientist
Job Description: Process and document crime scenes Collect and preserve evidence Analyze and compare evidence in laboratory Reconstruction of data (form the “best theor
y ” of events in the case)
Forensic Scientist
Skills Needed: Good observation skills – use 5 senses Analytical skills – ability to identify problem,
organize info, draw conclusions Deductive reasoning – using logical steps to
draw a conclusion based on facts or evidence
Examples of Physical Evidence Imprints Broken glass Hairs Fibers Paint chips Documents Fingerprints Other prints (shoe,
tire, etc.)
Body/corpse Toolmarks/firearms Bullets/casings DNA Blood Semen Drugs, chemicals Soil
Basic Services Provided by Crime Laboratories
Physical Science UnitBiology UnitFirearms UnitPhotography Unit
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Physical Science UnitChemistry (drugs, explosives)
Physics (glass, scratches)
Geology (soil, rocks)
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Biology Unit
Bloodstains Body fluidsHair and fiberBotanical materials (wood and plants).
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Firearms Unit
FirearmsBulletsCartridge & ShellsAmmunitionGarments
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What are some of the specialties of Forensic Science?
Forensic Science Specialties Forensic Pathology: experts (medical doctors)
who determine the cause and manner of death
Forensic Entomology: experts who study insects to determine time of death and location of a corpse
Forensic Odontology: forensic dentists – identify human remains and analyze bite marks
Forensic Science Specialties
Forensic Anthropology: examine human skeletal remains
Forensic Toxicology: study the effects of poisons, toxins and drugs in the body
Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology: evaluate offenders, also profiling criminal cases
Forensic Science Specialties
Forensic Engineering: investigate transportation accidents, materials failure cases, determine cause of building/structure collapses
Forensic Computer Science: investigate use of technology and electronic records
What is the main role of a criminalist?
Collect and AnalyzePhysical Evidence
Demands & ConstraintsWhen and where do we collect?
How do we collect?For what purpose?
DECODING YOUR EMAIL PERSONALITY
Introduction: This article looks at a law suit that involves the
fabrications of emails and the forensics behind discovering if those emails are real of fake.
Activity: Step 1: Read and annotate the article SILENTLY.
You have 10 min to do so. Step 2: As a class lets share out what we found
within the article and our impressions on this case.
Step 3: Create two questions based on the article and answer the questions. Be specific in your answers, including the paragraph in the article where you find the answer.