...1)Introduction; Crime today is at an extreme high. However, forensic science has been there to help solve every crime committed Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past. The word forensic comes from the Latin forēnsis, meaning "of or before the forum. The word forensic basically means the key to solve a crime.This is the technology used to help forensic teams to analyze and solve crimes.- This is especially important in law enforcement where forensics is done in relation to criminal or civil law,[1] but forensics are also carried out in other fields, such as astronomy, archaeology, biology and geology to investigate ancient times. Forensic Science is used to Identify Criminals Rape, murder, theft, and other crimes almost always leave a devastating mark on the victim. . In modern forensic science, the crime laboratories include photography section, Evidence storage section, identification section, chemistry section, General examination section, Fire arms section, instrument section and crime scene search section. 2)Origins of forensic science: In 16th-century Europe, medical practitioners in army and university settings began to gather information on the cause and manner of death. Ambroise Paré, a French army surgeon, systematically studied the effects of violent death on internal organs.[9][10] Two Italian surgeons, Fortunato Fidelis and Paolo Zacchia, laid the foundation...
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...Forensic Science in the 21st Century Gertrude West Forensic Science and Psychological Profiling /CJA590 May 30, 2011 Edward Baker Forensic Science in the 21st Century Forensic science has various influences on crime, investigation and the people that are involved. Forensic science has a connection with the courts to ensure crimes are getting solved and justice is being served to those that commit crimes. With the help of forensic science, crimes are being solved from a human and technological aspect. This paper highlights numerous discussions on how forensic science plays a role in criminal justices system, security, media and the law. Forensic science is a separate entity from the police; although a large portion of the work is obtains through law enforcement. Forensic science is a recognizable component of policing during criminal investigation. The successful resolution from a crime scene involves preventing the site from being contaminated. This helps assures a great deal of gathering and interpreting evidence that could lead to an accurate interpretation of the event. The advances in technology are being applied to forensic science; a field in which technical is achieved by many factors such as including training, experience, continued education, and scientific methodology (NYSP, 2007). Forensic Science continues to develop in the 21st Century. It blends science and technology that has been useful for law enforcement to solve crimes and prosecute...
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...Forensics History Theresia L. Coates Criminal Justice 1010 Forensics History What does Forensics mean? How old is forensic science? When it was first applied to the law? How has the Forensic science changed the arrest and prosecution success of criminals? The term "forensic" comes from the Latin and means, simply, having to do with the law. How has Forensics evolved from the beginning until today? Let us delve into the history of forensics and its blossoming partnership with the law. Surprisingly, Forensic Science has been around and used in criminal investigations in some manner since before the Roman Empire making it centuries old. It has only been within the last century that law enforcement agencies and the court systems have come to rely so heavily on the use of scientific practices in crime scene investigations.1 The first application of forensic science was by the Roman physician Antistius in the year 44 B.C., whom examined the body of Julius Caesar. He determined even though the dictator was stabbed 23 times, only one wound through his chest caused his actual death. This autopsy is thought to be the first one recorded and the start of using forensic science. Here in the Greek and Roman society extensive knowledge was developed regarding the production, use and symptoms of various poisons, making it possible to identify their use in previously undetected murders. Thanks to these western civilizations advances in the medical field as well as pharmacology were...
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...WEEK 1- INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE Quote "Every contact leaves a trace." - Edmond Locard (1877 - 1966) Learning Objective(s) At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. Define 'Forensic Science'; 2. Explain the limits of Forensic Science; 3. Identify the types of forensic work; 4. Describe Locard's Exchange Principle; 5. Differentiate Reconstruction & Re-enactment. Synopsis To illustrate the scope and diversity of Forensic Science, place it in its legal context, and describe the various types of forensic work. There will also be a discussion of Comparison leading to Association, Reconstruction versus Re-enactment, Locard's Exchange Principle, and the limits of Forensic Science. Various case studies will also be analysed throughout the lecture. Case Studies Felicia Lee; Walter Dinivan; Madam Jetkor Miang Singh; Roberto Calvi; Buck Ruxton & the Jigsaw Murders; Acid Bath Haigh; 2005 London Bombings; "Brides in the Bath"; Gareth Williams; The Woodchipper Murder WEEK 2- CHEMICAL ANALYSIS IN FORENSIC SCIENCE Quote "Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea" The act is not culpable unless the mind is also guilty. Learning Objective(s) At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 2A. Atomic Structure & Spectroscopy 1. Explain the structure of the atom and Bohr's model; 2. Differentiate between emission and absorption spectroscopy; 3. Explain the chemistry behind EDX and SEM-EDX; 4. Explain the chemistry in NAA; 2B. Molecular...
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...The Importance of Criminalistics and Forensics in Criminal Justice System Olympia Hernandez CJ-312 Criminalistics March 20, 2015 Instructor Jorge Valenzuela Criminalistics and forensic science has grown both in scope and importance to the criminal justice system. There is no question that it has become instrumental in complementing and supporting traditional investigations. However, has it become more important than the traditional methods of investigating such as questioning eyewitnesses, interrogating suspects, and determining information from street informants? According to Mary Bernstein, Forensic science has surfaced as a critical tool in assigning guilt or establishing innocence in the criminal justice system. In...
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...Welcome to Homicide Forensic Science is a fundamental component of the justice system. Forensic scientists use scientific techniques and knowledge to assist law enforcement in investigations and solving crimes. They collect and analyze numerous types of evidence, including blood, body fluids; DNA; and human tissue. Forensic scientists assist the decision makers by showing the prosecutor if the issue has merit before it reaches the courtroom thereby reducing the number of cases having to be heard. Their decisions are based on scientific investigations and not circumstantial evidence or unreliable witnesses. Forensic scientists can restore faith in the judicial system with the use of science and technology for facts in criminal and civil investigations. The legal system is established on the belief that the legal process results in justice for all. History of forensic science The history of Forensic science or the applying of scientific principles to legal questions has a lengthy and interesting history. The first recorded autopsy was reported in 44 B.C was on Julius Caesar, where the Roman physician, Antistius proclaimed that he had 23 wounds on his body but only one was fatal. In 1248, a Chinese book entitled “His Duan Yu” (meaning The Washing Away of Wrongs) explaining how to tell apart a drowning from a strangulation. This was also the first recorded use of medicine to assist in solving crimes. In 1590, the first microscope was developed. In 1775, Karl...
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...DNA Role in Forensics Science At a crime scene there may be a lot DNA evidence left behind or none. DNA can identify victims and suspects. It can help solve cold case and give new leads to other cases. DNA is also use to determine kinship in a missing person case. It can also help exonerate someone from a crime that they were convicted of. When handling DNA such as blood at a crime scene it is important that it is properly documented, photographed, collected and stored. Besides blood, DNA can include: body fluid, hair and skin. Such DNA can be matched to an individual. DNA is the acronym for Deoxyribonucleic acid. According to Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, “The word nucleic is referring to “DNA location in the nuclei of eukaryotic cell.” (Page49). “DNA is genetic material that humans and other organisms inherit from their parents which consists of gain molecules” (Page 48). The shape of DNA is a double helix. Some would say it looks like a twisted ladder. “The double helix has four bases; (A) Adenine, (C) Cytosine, (G) Guanine and (T) Tyhmine. The bases have to be properly linked to their pair or else there will be a mutation in the gene. The following are the base pairs that bind:”Adenine with Tyhmine and Cystosine with Guanine” (Page 49). DNA testing began in the mid 1980’s. In the online article, DNA Factors states: Ever since the start of DNA testing in 1985, biological material has been a reliable physical evidence to help solve crimes (Williams)...
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...Forensic Science in the 21st Century By: Crystal Lyle AJS/584 - FORENSIC SCIENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILING STEVEN HOENIG 2-29-16 This paper will examine my perception and concept of forensic science in the 21st century. It will also examine the importance of forensic science to policing criminal investigation court process, and the efforts of various levels in security. In addition to analyzing the importance of forensic science, I will give a historical approach. I will discuss the accuracy of the media representation of forensic science and how issues. Lastly, I will discuss the influence the CSI effect have on the judicial process. Forensic Science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws that are enforced by law enforcement agencies in a criminal justice system. Another definition of forensic science is principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice, especially as it relates to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence. In 1929, a Los Angeles police department establish the first American forensic lab. Forensic science has been around over 300 years or more and it continues to improve and emerge today as science and technical knowledge find more improved and accurate techniques. Forensic science has come to be a critical instrument in allowing guilt or demonstrating innocence in the system of criminal justice. In the late 80’s (DNA), society was accepting of (DNA) and forensic science continues to develop and unfold...
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...Research on DNA Forensics 1. Is DNA evidence perfect? 2. Should every prisoner have the right to reopen his or her case for DNA testing? Follow-Up Questions • Who should decide who does and does not have the right to reopen a case? • Who should pay for the testing? • How is the credibility of our legal system affected by the fact that numerous people have been convicted and then exonerated of a crime? 3. Would you vote to convict a person of a crime based solely on DNA evidence? Follow-Up Questions • Would you be more or less comfortable with convicting a person of a crime based solely on DNA evidence than with convicting a person based on eyewitness testimony? • Other than scientific evidence, what else might influence the decision of a jury? • If the case were heard by a technology-savvy jury, would the verdict have been different? • If the memories of an eyewitness are open to contamination, how can we trust what honest people see? • Should eyewitnesses that wrongly implicate a person for a crime be held accountable for damages? • Should a wrongly convicted person seek damages and restitution? What would be the implications for our legal system? • How does the questionable nature of eyewitness testimony affect the use of DNA forensics? Internet Research links Killer’s Trial (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/) From WGBH Boston, this is a collection of on-line resources that accompany a NOVA special investigating the Sam Sheppard murder...
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...Forensic Hair Analysis Forensic hair analysis is a method of studying hair found at the scene of a crime, and the scientific study of hair is referred to Trichology. In this paper I will discuss the different techniques that are used to study hair during an investigation and the many different aspects of the hair to consider based on what type of investigation is taking place. Hair analysis can be used to determine the presence of a suspect at the scene or to detect the presence of certain chemical substances in the victim or suspect. With the help of DNA techniques used in forensic hair analysis an absolute match can be determined by examining hair found at the scene of a crime. According to Douglas Deedrick of the FBI’s Trace Evidence Unit, Humans shed an average of 100 hairs daily and are often used in violent crime investigations such as: homicides, assaults, burglaries, and armed robberies. (Deedrick, 2000) The most useful hairs in a crime scene investigation are longer hairs found on the scalp but can be subject to changes due to hair colorings or a simple haircut. In order to prevent this outside exposure samples should be taken from potential suspects as soon as possible after the crime to avoid any possible contamination. According to Deedrick, examining a hair under a microscope can help to determine many things about the source of the hair and even how the hair was lost either through shedding or by force, or from which location on the body the hair originated...
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...The Texas Forensic Science Commission, or otherwise know as the FSC, is a state agency of Texas. The FSC is located at the College of Criminal Justice of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. The mission of the FSC is to strengthen the use of forensic science in criminal investigations and courts. The commission has nine members, all of whom are appointed by the governor of Texas. Seven of the members are scientists and the other two are attorneys. The commission is required to investigate allegations of negligence or misconducts that would substantially affect the integrity of the results of a forensic analysis conducted by an accredited laboratory, facility, or entity. The Legislature, who is the creator of the FSC, requires the Commission to develop and implement a reporting system through which accredited laboratories, facilities, or entities may report professional negligence or misconduct. The commission may investigate complaints involving forensic disciplines that are not subject to accreditation under Texas law, with the exception of autopsies. The commission may also start an investigation of a forensic analysis for educational purposes to advance the integrity and reliability of forensic science in Texas....
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... Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Brandon Sanders UMUC BIOL 320 6380 Forensic Biology New Methods and Applications in Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Mitochondria are structures within cells that function as energy mediators. Each cell contains hundreds to thousands of mitochondria. We know from this class that DNA is bundled in chromosomes inside the nucleus, but mitochondria also include a very small amount of their own DNA. This genetic material is known as mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA. The use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence analysis to identify biological evidence has been well documented. More than 50 laboratories worldwide are now applying mtDNA analysis in forensic casework; e.g., to help identify human remains or to help discover the source of a shed hair. In addition, the number of mtDNA sequences added to population databases has grown rapidly. Estimates find that there are greater than 5000 sequences which have been generated in forensic laboratories, and that an equal number will be generated in the next year or two. As a result, more is known about the genetics of mtDNA, as well as the power of the system as a forensic marker. Therefore, the analysis of mtDNA is in a strong position as we approach the next millennium. Using Mitochondrial DNA as a means for human identification has quite a few features. The mitochondrial...
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...Introduction: Defined by Keiser-Neilsen in 1970 [1] [2] forensic odontology, or forensic dentistry, is a branch of forensic medicine which in the interest of justice deals with the proper handling and examination of dental evidence and with the proper evaluation and presentation of the dental findings. Teeth are the most durable organs of vertebrates and mankind’s history of evolution depends hugely on remnants of dental evidence found on fossils. Teeth can persist long after other skeletal structures have succumbed to organic decay or destruction by some other agencies, such as fire [3] [4]. Rugoscopy (study of palatal rugae patterns), cheiloscopy (study of lip prints), tooth prints, radiographs, photographic study and molecular methods like Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are various methods used in the study of forensic odontology....
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...Forensic Misconduct: Dr. Pamela A. Fish Kirstin L. Daniels Professor Ian Rodway George Mason University Forensic Misconduct: Pamela A Fish Forensic science is defined as the practice of utilizing scientific methodologies to clarify judicial inquiries. The field of forensic science contains a broad range of disciplines and has become a vital aspect of criminal investigations. Some forensic disciplines are laboratory-based; while others are based on an analyst’s interpretation of observable patterns (Kourtsounis, 2009). According to the Innocence project’s website; in greater than fifty percent of wrongful convictions, the use of invalidated or improper forensic techniques played a role in cases; which were later overturned by DNA testing. Unlike other forensic methods, serology has been subjected to rigorous scientific testing to achieve validation. Even still, these methods can be inaccurately conducted or counterfactually conveyed during the trial (Innocence Project, 2012). Since the evidence presented during a trial can be the difference between freedom, and incarceration in many cases and death in some cases, misconduct in the forensic field is not tolerated. Some types of forensic misconduct include exaggeration of statistics, false testimony and laboratory fraud. Evidence offered by forensic scientists is often called “expert testimony”. Nevertheless, what is an expert? Is it someone who has gone to school and earned an undergraduate, graduate...
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...How has our knowledge of DNA improved the study of criminal forensics? Introduction Through genetics, the study of DNA, we are able to figure out what and how genes are responsible for many things like our hair color or why do some people look a lot like their parents and others don’t. It also allows us to understand better how species evolve and how are they related to each other. It is important to understand how DNA mutates, changes and replicates in order to get information about what mechanisms cause DNA to change. In the 1970s scientists developed a DNA sequencing technique and other methods to manipulate and analyze DNA. This gave them the basic tools to start exploring the DNA blueprint which provided the techniques for a vast international project called The Human Genome Project (MRC). The Human Genome Project which was a major international project with the goal of decoding all our genetic information by 2003. A rough draft was done in June 2003 and it was a huge milestone that helped us understand how our genes can determine who we are (Genome Project). Many of today’s advances in DNA and biotechnology allow scientists and medical doctors to potentially cure genetic disorders through gene therapy by inserting, deleting or manipulating genes (Tillery, page 686). Another use of DNA technology is the creation of mutation by transferring DNA from one organism to another through techniques like cloning and introducing new DNA sequence into an organism to alter...
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