Forensic Science
The application of science to criminal and civil laws.
Locard's Exchange Principle
States that when a criminal comes in contact with an object or person, a cross-transfer of evidence occurs.
Dr. Leone Lattes
Discovered a way to analyze dried blood into blood groupings
Alphonse Bertillon
Devised the first scientific system of personal identification called anthropometry.
Francis Galton
Conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints and their classification.
Sherlock Holmes
fictional character who first popularized scientific crime detection.
Crime labs
Facilities specifically dedicated to forensic analysis of criminal evidence.
major federal crime lab
FBI
Physical Science Unit
Principles and techniques of chemistry, physics, and geology use chemical tests and modern analytical instrumentation to examine drugs, glass, paint, explosives, and soil.
Biology Unit
analyzes DNA , DNA profiling,detection of dried blood stains, body fluids, hair and fiber comparison and botanical identification
Firearms Unit
Examines discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells and ammunition.
Document Examination Unit
Studies handwriting and typewriting on questionable documents, also may analyze paper or ink.
Photography Unit
Examines and records physical evidence. Prepares photographic evidence for courtrooms.
Toxicology Unit
Examines body fluids and organs to determine presence or absence or poisons and drugs. This is frequently done by the medical examiner's office.
Latent Fingerprint Unit
Examines evidence for prints.
Polygraph Unit
used by criminal investigators, not typically by forensic scientists , due to inadmissibility to the courts - it is supposed to detect lies
Voiceprint Analysis Unit
Specialize in voice identification, look at a graphic representation of a voice.
Crime-scene Investigation Unit
Specially trained personnel to collect and preserve physical evidence to be processed at the lab.
YiYuJi
Reports how a coroner solved a case where a wife had murdered her husband then burned him by burning two pigs: one alive and one dead to investigate the results.
Chinese
Among the first recognize fingerprints as a means of identfication
CSI Effect
The simplification of forensic scientific procedures creating unrealistic expectations of the validity and clarity of forensic evidence
Forensic Computer and Digital Analysis
Identifying, collecting, preserving, and examining info from computers or cell phones.
Expert Witness
An individual whom the court determines to possess a particular skill of knowledge in a trade or profession that is not expected of the average layperson and that will aid a court in determining the truth.
Three basic functions of a forensic scientist
1. Analyze physical evidence
2. Provide expert testimony
3. Furnishing training in the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence
Edmond Locard
Pioneered the first crime lab.
Physical Evidence
Any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or can link a crime and its victim or its perpetrator.
Locard's Exchange Principle.
When two objects come into contact with each other, a cross-transfer of materials will occur.
DNA Fingerprinting. DNA Profiling, DNA Typing
Revolutionized the practice of forensic science in the lab establishing the precise identity of a suspect.
Computerized Data Bases
.A significant development aiding in the identification of fingerprints, bullet markings, shell casings, and DNA by comparing thousands of pieces of evidence quickly.
Los Angeles Police Department 1923
The oldest forensic crime lab in the United States.
FBI
Under the direction of J Edgar Hoover this crime lab was established and to be used Nationally.
Crime Lab Development
Due to Criminal Rights, The increasing demand of case work, and the right of the criminal to immediate legal advice
Great Britain
A country that has developed a national forensics system for them to use
Scientific Method
Collection of evidence that adheres to strict guidelines that ensure careful and systemic collection, organization, and analysis of information by this method
FRYE STANDARD
Courts ruled that the procedure, technique, or principles must be generally accepted, by a meaningful segment of a scientific community.
Rule 702
Was developed by the federal government stating that the witness must have credentials by being " qualified in knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education" (furthers fry - supports it)
Daubert Ruling
That trial judges have the responsibility for acting as the "Gatekeeper" for the admissibility of evidence in their court.
Inquiry
Analysis of physical evidence by constantly testing a hypothesis through experimentation. This questioning is
Anthropology
The taking of a series of body measurements to aid in distinguishing one person from another
Mathieu Orfila
investigated and published a treatise on the effects of toxins on animals by chemical analysis - also the father of forensics