HISTORY OR FORENSICS & LAW

Determine differences between class and individual evidence

Learn historical developments in forensics.

Understand the steps to justice after a crime.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

What tool might be useful in a crime where pieces of a victim’s shirt were found?

video

Daily Objective: Warm-up

EDMOND LOCARD

Forensic Investigator in the early 1900’s Stated that whenever 2 objects come into

contact, there is always a transfer of material (this is evidence!)

Strongly believed that a criminal could be connected to a crime by trace evidence collected at the crime scene

He also believed that the only way a criminal could not be connected to a crime scene was the following reasons: Methods of detection may not be sensitive enough Decay rate may be so rapid that all evidence of

transfer material vanishes after a given time.

THE “FATHER OF TOXICOLOGY” ORFILA

Developed test for the presence of blood

He was the FIRST to use a microscope to assess blood and semen stains

He was an intellectual elite: chemistry professor, dean of medicine and medical expert in criminal cases

Information and picture from all-about-forensic-science.com

CRIMINOLOGIST AND ANTHROPOLOGIST

Created a system using physical measurements to identify criminal (before his time eyewitness testimony was the only way)

Paramount in creating a system to photograph crime scenes in a way so that they can be analyzed

Information and picture from all-about-forensic-science.com

EVIDENCE

Class Need many class

evidence to be convincing- hair, fiber, soil, glass

Individual Can place a suspect

at a crime Scene- fingerprints, DNA, handwriting, voiceprints

CRIMINAL JUSTICE & THE LAW

STEPS IN PURSUING JUSTICE1. Crime is committed2. Crime is discovered3. Suspect may be indentified4. Crime is investigated5. Information is collected6. Crime scene is documented and evidence is

collected7. Information is assembled into a report for the

prosecutor8. If there is enough evidence, arrest warrant is

issued

AFTER A SUSPECT IS ARRESTED….

1. Arrested2. Booked-basic information3. Fingerprinted4. Photographed5. Informed of his/her Miranda rights6. Arraigned (within 72 hours)-hear charges &

enter a plea, bail set and rights understood Guilty- preliminary hearing-no jury-judge sentences Not guilty- Judge decides if there is enough evidence

to take to court (evidence hearing)7. Indicted = trial

YOU’RE CRAZY!

Not guilty by reason of insanity Defendant is “unable to

appreciate the nature and quality of the wrongfulness of his/her acts”

PLEA BARGAINING

-90% of all cases are plea bargained

Means the defendant and the prosecution work out a deal about the sentencing without going to trial

WRAP UP

1. What is the difference between and arraignment and a preliminary hearing.

2. List three things that happen before a suspect is arrested.

3. What is Locard known for?

TYPES OF CRIMES

Violation-any time a law has been broken Infractions

Minor offense or petty crime Examples: jaywalking, traffic violation, littering

Misdemeanors Punishable by no more than 1 yr in jail Examples: 1st offence of drunk driving, vandalism,

shoplifting, simple assault, trespassing, prostitution Felonies

Stiffer penalties ranging from 5yrs-life in prison Examples: arson, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery,

homicide, rape, credit card fraud, identity theft

HEARSAY

Not admissible in criminal court for the following reasons Not reliable Not taken under oath Does not allow for

cross-examination

Allowed in civil suits

USING SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE IN COURT (THE FRYE AND DAUBERT STANDARD)

1. Technique of theory must be testable

2. Must be subject to peer review

3. Rate of error must be given4. Technique must follow

standards5. Technique must attract

widespread acceptance within scientific community

TYPES OF LAW -4

Statutory- made by legislation (remember the 3 branches of government: executive, legislative, judicial)

Common/Case Law- internet, same sex marriage, medical issues

Civil- property contracts

Criminal- crime