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Introduction to forensic science

Introduction to forensic science. What is forensic science?. Study and application of science to matters of law Same as “criminalistics” Study of people, places, things, events involved with crime

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Introduction to forensic science

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  1. Introduction to forensic science

  2. What is forensic science? • Study and application of science to matters of law • Same as “criminalistics” • Study of people, places, things, events involved with crime • Takes place in a crime lab – federal, state or local; includes many departments – physical science, biology, ballistics, photography, toxicology, fingerprints, trace evidence

  3. Increase in popularity • CSI • Cold Case • Law and Order • NCIS

  4. CSI Effect: are these shows helpful or harmful? • Juries expect scientific evidence

  5. Federal Crime labs - not just autopsies and fingerprinting FBI laboratories • FBI – world’s largest crime lab • DEA – 7 labs throughout the US • ATF – 3 regional labs, fire research lab • IRS, US Postal Service US Fish and Wildlife each have their own labs • Dept of Homeland Security has Secret Service lab – protect president and counterfeiting

  6. State and local crime labs • Physical science unit to examine drugs, soil, glass, blood spatter, paint • Firearms unit to examine weapons, bullets, firearms • Document analysis unit to examine handwriting, typewriting, word processing, paper, ink • Biology unit to examine body fluids, DNA, hair fiber, plants Mobile’s Forensic Science Lab

  7. Other sciences involved with forensics • Geology • Environmental science • Entomology • Palynology • Polygraphy • Voiceprint analysis • Anthropology • Psychiatry • Odontology • Engineering • Computer technology • Pathology

  8. History of forensics TIMELINE • http://investigation.discovery.com/investigation/forensics/timeline/timeline.html

  9. Locard principle: “every contact leaves a trace” • Edmond Locard – forensic investigator in early 1900s • When two objects come in contact, there is always a transfer of material

  10. Important to be methodical – use scientific method • Observe problem or evidence • Consider a hypothesis • Examine, test, analyze evidence • Determine significance of evidence • Evaluate all evidence and state all possible errors

  11. Activity Part 1: As you are sitting at your desk, make a list of what your are in contact with. List possible transfer of material is taking place or has taken place? What can be traced to you directly? Part 2: When you came into this room today what evidence did you leave that shows you were here other than being observed by others?

  12. The law: types of laws • Statutory law – written law; based on the Constitution • Common law or case law – made by judges; once a decision is made in court it is written down and becomes law • Civil law – private law; relationships between individuals • Criminal law – public law; deals with regulation and enforcemtent of rights; based on offenses that are considered offensive to society; state becomes the plaintiff • Misdemeanor – minor crime (theft, possession of small amounts of drugs) • Felony – major crime (murder, rape, armed robbery, assault, dealing drugs)

  13. Bill of rights • Important that when evidence is collected, an individual’s rights aren’t violated Can you think of any?

  14. Innocent until proven guilty • No unreasonable search of person or home • No arrest without probable cause • No unreasonable seizure of personal property • No self incrimination • Fair questioning by police • Right to protection from physical harm throughout the justice process • Attorney • Trial by jury • Know any charges against oneself • Right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses • Right to speak and present witnesses • Can’t be tried for same crime twice • No cruel and unusual punishment • Right to due process • Speedy trial • No Excessive bail or fines • Treated same as others regardless of race, gender, religious preference, country of origin and other personal attributes

  15. However… Patriot act (2001) • Actions that present a clear and present danger to the national security of the county may suspend or limit these rights

  16. After a crime is committed and discovered…. Then what? • Investigation, collect information • Arrest if elements of a crime are present • Person taken to police department and booked – basic info. Collected, photo, fingerprints • Miranda Rights if questioning is to occur; Miranda warning if not • Brought before judge for arraignment (defendant brought to court to hear charges and state a plea) within 72 hrs., bail set, future court dates set • Preliminary hearing or grand jury (If felony)and prosecutor presents evidence • Jury decides to indict (formally accuse) – trial date set

  17. Miranda rights • You have the right to remain silent. • Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law. • You have the right to an attorney. • If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. • Do you understand these rights I have just read to you?

  18. What is evidence?

  19. Evidence • Must be relevant and material (pertain to the case) • Must be probative – intend to prove something • Hearsay – inadmissible in criminal court; okay in civil court • Expert witness – presents scientific evidence

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