Introduction

Basic Definition: Science in the service of the lawForensic = having to do with the lawForensic Science Forensics (debating)Criminalists: analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence

Job Description:Process and document crime scenesCollect and preserve evidenceAnalyze and compare evidence in laboratoryReconstruction of data (form the best theory of events in the case)

Skills Needed:Good observation skills use 5 sensesAnalytical skills ability to identify problem, organize info, draw conclusionsDeductive reasoning using logical steps to draw a conclusion based on facts or evidence

ImprintsBroken glassHairsFibersPaint chipsDocumentsFingerprintsOther prints (shoe, tire, etc.)

Body/corpseToolmarks/firearmsBullets/casingsDNABloodSemenDrugs, chemicalsSoil

Forensic Pathology: experts (medical doctors) who determine the cause and manner of deathForensic Entomology: experts who study insects to determine time of death and location of a corpseForensic Odontology: forensic dentists identify human remains and analyze bite marks

Forensic Anthropology: examine human skeletal remainsForensic Toxicology: study the effects of poisons, toxins and drugs in the bodyForensic Psychiatry and Psychology: evaluate offenders, also profiling criminal cases

Forensic Engineering: investigate transportation accidents, materials failure cases, determine cause of building/structure collapsesForensic Computer Science: investigate use of technology and electronic records

Make a list of the qualities you think are needed to be a good eyewitness.

Video Experiment

A man is on trial for robbing a convenience store, and several witnesses report seeing him at the scene. During the trial, the defense sets up an experiment to discredit the eye-witness testimony. See how you do on this experiment.

While you are watching this movie, count the number of times the team in white passes the ball to each other.Count silently to yourself and make no comments during the movie.

http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

Video was made as part of an experiment designed to test peoples inattentional blindnessIn the original study at Harvard, only 42% of the people noticed the gorilla walking through the sceneThis activity illustrates the unreliability of eye-witness testimony

Most witnesses do not intentionally lie on the witness standHuman observation is limited by memory, suggestion, and interpretationMemories can be confused or altered, but physical evidence stays the same

Youve discovered a problem with the crime scene photos from a recent case. Someone has tampered with the crime scene. See how many differences you can spot between the two photographs of the same crime scene.

You were the principle crime scene investigator on a case two years ago.It is now time for you to testify in court about your findings.The defense attorney challenges the accuracy of your testimony and implies that you observational skills are not so great.

If he can show the jury you are not good at spotting details, he might have a chance of getting his client off.It is often the case in real life situations that the credibility of expert witness testimony is challenged.The thoroughness with which they do their jobs is critical.

In your notebook, number your paper from 1-10.You will have 10 seconds to memorize the following photograph.

BlueRedYellowWhite

YesterdayTomorrowTodayOct. 19

10:407:205:3811:05

3678

StaplerPrinterTrash canPen

SteveBrianDavidJeff

WhiteBlueRedGreen

0123

Coffee mugPlantCardboard boxBackpack

On the boxOn the deskOn the floorUnder the body

www.spotthedifference.com

YellowToday11:056Stapler

BrianBlue2BackpackOn the box