...In the article it was discussing all the different types of forensics there are. People think there is just one type of forensics, but there’s a wide range of all different types. I also picked this article because I think people should realize that forensics is a very hard field to go into. You really have to really have heart to be able to go into this field. Investigator’s really have to go into detail about every little thing. In the investigations you really cannot miss a single detail. The article also goes in depth about what sciences are required to take, and for that person to really know. To be in the field you really have to love what you do. Many people often misunderstand Forensic Science and believe it is much more capable than it really is. People typically think that what they watch on T.V. is 100% true. Actually what you see on T.V. is mainly false or over exaggerated in some way. Criminal Investigation is the largest and most known form of Forensic Science. More of the known areas that people know about Forensics are; Fingerprinting, DNA Identification, Fiber Samples, Computer Animation, etc. What people see on T.V. is that it takes about an hour for the people on the NCIS, or Law & Order to figure everything. Typically it takes months at a time, and most of the time aren’t even accurate concepts. This article relates to my life, because forensics is really all about a puzzle. I feel like my life is like a puzzle. But in a good way. This article was...
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...Subspecialties of forensic psychologySubspecialties of forensic psychologySubspecialties of forensic psychology Forensic psychology is defined as the application of psychological knowledge to the legal system (Bartol & Bartol, 2012: 6). The concept of forensic psychology can be misunderstood, because the definition does not explain much. The easiest way to explain forensic psychology is to break it down into its subspecialties and describe where psychological knowledge can be applied. There are five subspecialties of forensic psychology, namely police psychology, psychology of crime and delinquency, victimology and victim services, legal psychology and correctional psychology. I will discuss legal psychology and correctional psychology. · Legal psychology Legal psychology is the study of human behavior relevant to the law. This subspecialty of forensic psychology consists of those theories that describe, explain and predict human behavior by reference to the law. Bartol & Bartol (2012) described that early in a case when attorneys are preparing for a trial and gathering information psychologist can be called in to testify. Main roles of a forensic psychologist in the USA includes, acting as a consultant to law enforcement, acting as trial consultants (jury selection, case preparation and pre-trial publicity), presenting psychology to appeal courts, doing forensic assessment and acting as an expert witness (insanity defense, competence to stand trial, sentencing, eyewitness...
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...Forensic Toxicology It was during the years of 1998 and 2001 that a very demure and innocent looking woman named Van le Thahn began her killing spree. Thahn was 49 years old at the time and was from the city of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. Van le Thahn successfully poisoned 13 people with cyanide. Named the Vietnamese Black Widow, Van would intentionally place herself in situations that would allow her to interact with people who were rich and affluent. After gaining access to the circle, Van would befriend those that she thought would be easy targets and victims to her scheme. She would cook for her new found “friends” and provide drinks that contained cyanide which ultimately ended their lives. Van did not discriminate when it came to her targets in some cases. It is estimated that Van killed thirteen people during the years of her killing spree, among the thirteen people she killed included was her mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and two ex-husbands. It is speculated that the killing of the members of Van’s extended family was due to ongoing family problems. Van’s main goal for the selection of her targets and killing them was to take their most valuables items for her possession or sell them for the money. It is estimated that Van was able to steal more than twenty thousand US dollars from her victims. Because of the nature of these killings it made finding out that Van was the killer hard. It is without a doubt that had it not been for the expertise of a Forensic Toxicologist...
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...A forensic pathologist (which is known to most people as a medical examiner), is heavily involved in the criminal justice system and medical system. The medical examiner's main job is to conduct an autopsy on the victim of any unnatural form of death. Their primary task in potential criminal cases is to find the cause of death and confirm if it was homicidal, suicidal, or an accident. The cause of death is what police investigators use as their lead to track down potential suspects. Some work in local parts of government, hospitals, medicals schools, and in private practice which would contract their service to other government agencies. They perform autopsies, write out autopsy reports, look over victim's medical records, and interview the victim's next of kin. They also have to be trained in the legal system and to be able to testify in court cases involving death or injury (“Forensic Pathology,” 2009). Most forensic pathologist start as a resident, then after residency they awarded the title medical examiner. They can continue working to deputy chief medical examiner and the top position chief medical examiner. It takes between 13 to 15 years of education to become a forensic pathologist. This includes your bachelor degree and medical course requirements, followed by four years of medical school, and four years practicing forensic pathology as a resident. Once all of this is completed, you are required to accomplish a one year fellowship. The last and final step to be a certified...
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...Forensic accounting is the specialty practice area of accountancy that describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated disputes or litigation. "Forensic" means "suitable for use in a court of law", and it is to that standard and potential outcome that forensic accountants generally have to work. Forensic accountants, also referred to as forensic auditors or investigative auditors, often have to give expert evidence at the eventual trial. There are several organizations worldwide that provide continuing education and certification for forensic accountants. There has been a growing need for this specialized field with recent company scandals that have occurred. Forensic accountants utilize an understanding of business information and financial reporting systems, accounting and auditing standards and procedures, evidence gathering and investigative techniques, and litigation processes and procedures to perform their work. The main goal of their engagements is to provide the answers to the how, where, what, why, and who committed the alleged allegations. They will use the same basic procedures for obtaining evidence of the crimes that they investigate. They will examine records and interview suspects to determine the answers to these questions. Forensic accountants are also increasingly playing more proactive risk reduction roles by designing and performing extended procedures as part of the statutory audit, acting as advisers to audit committees, fraud deterrence...
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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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...Abstract Mobile forensics involves recovering and retrieving digital evidence or data from mobile devices under forensically sound conditions utilizing established methods (Ayers, Brothers, & Jansen, 2013). The field of mobile forensics is complicated as the variety in providers, manufacturers, propriety technologies and formats are extensive. These challenges are coupled with the fast release and upgrades to mobile devices making a forensic investigator’s job more arduous in attempting to examine and analyze these devices for the purpose of recovering data and evidence (Martin, 2008). This white paper will focus on the challenges of mobile device technology, the methodology utilized in examining these devices to recover data which is crucial to security investigations; which includes the tools, techniques and procedures necessary for gathering data from various similar devices. This paper will also focus on the training and expense of acquiring efficient forensic investigators and, as well as impending approaches for addressing challenges. Introduction “The goal of mobile forensics is the practice of utilizing sound methodologies for the acquisition of data contained within the internal memory of a mobile device and associated media providing the ability to accurately report one’s findings” Mobile devices, contrary to popular belief, includes an array of devices not limited to cellular phones and smartphones, but also include table devices, mp3 players, digital cameras...
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...Forensic Pathology Have you ever just wanted to come home from a long days at work and kick off your shoes and grab some food and pig out in front of the television? You began to flick through all the channels and can’t find what you are looking for so you come to CSI Miami and this had caught your attention and now you’re toned in and intrigued of what they are doing. You find yourself yelling at the T.V. saying “how they do that?” “What is that?” “Why are they doing that?” and “how did they solve the case?” Well as you began to read further all of your questions will be answered, and you will see the real from the fake and what exactly a forensic pathologist is and as well as what it takes to become one. You will learn the ins and outs of how forensic pathologist has more than just one obligation. Forensic pathology has to do with the cause and manner of how someone died, as well as working with the police and their overall investigation it is almost like they are an investigator too. There is a lot of schooling and training that goes into becoming a forensic pathologist. As you continue further you will see that forensic pathology is a part of everyday life because, someone passes on every day. Forensic pathologist are specially trained doctors/physicians that study and examine the bodies of people who are deceased suddenly, violently, or unexpectedly. It is their job to figure out the immediate reason for this cessation of life. What are the duties of a forensic pathologist...
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...Computer Forensics The world of crime has expanded right along with the explosion of the internet. The modern cyber criminal has veritable global playground in which to steal money and information from unsuspecting victims. Computer forensics is a quickly emerging science against the increasingly difficult battle to bring criminals to justice who perpetrates crimes on others. The computer forensics field is a relatively new investigative tool but enjoys continual advances in procedures, standards, and methodology which is making the identification, preservation, and analyzing of digital evidence a powerful law enforcement apparatus. The job of the cyber forensic professional is to look for clues the attacker left behind on web sites, servers, and even the e-mail message itself that will unravel their sometimes carefully woven veil of secrecy. Attackers come in all forms and from a variety of different circumstances. For instance, an attacker can begin a phishing scam with only a web server they control with very little programming experience and a way to send a lot of e-mail messages. (Jones 4) In order to combat the waves of cyber-attackers, we must utilize Open Source Community applications to combat the continual onslaught of infections, exploitations, and trickery employed everyday against our systems and networks. Today's attacker uses a variety of technologies to employ their methods and understanding those abilities is integral to preparing for an investigation...
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...Forensic Anthropology lecture On Friday the 23rd I attended the forensic anthropology lecture and they discussed a lot of interesting information. They discussed how the “Bones” and “NCIS” shows used methods that were not approved yet or way to expensive. The research forensic anthropologists do is mostly done in a lab and not outside in crime scenes. There are 10 questions that they follow, and each question has its own unique way of finding the answer. Forensic anthropologists don’t say what caused the death, well they find out and observe what happened to an individual, but at the end they are not the ones who “certify” the cause of death. The anthropologists can easily tell what bones are human and which ones are not. A thing I learned is that in California there are a lot of Native American bones that are not of a forensic value as well as the medical specimens. The Native American bones have to stay where they were at and they have an act known as NAGPRA. The anthropologists observe what kind of knifes or saws they use when there is an amputation which I find really scary. Also they have to find out how dead an individual has been and there are many ways to find that out, for example algor mortis is the temperature and rigor mortis is the position they died in, these ways can tell you how long a person has been dead. The age determination has also many ways to find out through the teeth and the cranial structure. The anthropologists also receive “trophy skulls” which...
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...Forensic Science is the application of science to the law. In recent years the use of forensic science has become increasingly necessary to help with criminal and civil investigations. Although forensic evidence is admissible in court one must keep in mind how that evidence made its way to the court system. I will take you through the process. For there to be admissible evidence for a court case there must be physical evidence which would have been collected at a crime scene therefore there must have been some kind of crime committed. A crime with physical evidence doesn’t necessarily mean something violent but it can be. Theft, arson, car accident and murder are just a few examples of what a crime can be. The process begins when the crime has been committed, to the officers arriving on the scene, to surveying the scene, collecting the evidence, submitting it to the lab, submitting it as evidence and finally the acceptance of the evidence. When a call is sent out regarding a possible crime and the first officer arrives on scene it is that officer’s obligation to do a few things as precise as possible: 1. seek medical attention for those who may need it, 2. arrest or detain any perpetrators, and 3. secure the crime scene. Securing the crime scene is extremely important because you want to be able to retrieve as much evidence as possible. By securing the crime scene you are blocking off the area from unauthorized personnel. You want to keep the foot traffic to...
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...FORENSICS Forensics, by and large, is the application of science to the legal process. It is an emerging research domain in India. There are many different types of forensic sciences baring their vital presence possibly in every field of human endeavor. Of these, let us now discuss about the computational, cyber and the DNA forensics. COMPUTATIONAL FORENSICS: The development of computational methods or mathematical and software techniques to solve forensic issues is called computational forensics. These methods analyze the evidence beyond human cognitive ability. They scrutinize a large volume of data, which is at any case impossible for a human mind to figure out. In spite of this, we can’t say that these techniques alone would serve our purpose because computational forensics is a field which needs huge collaboration between recognition and reasoning abilities of humans combined with comprehension and analytic abilities of the tool or a machine, which is most of the times, a computer. Computational forensics aids us to model the uncertain. At the crime scenes, we usually get incomplete or broken evidences. These evidences are later on modeled by the computational forensic tool which gives us first clues from its largest biometric database (fingerprints, criminal histories, mug-shots, scar and tattoo, physical characteristics like height, weight, hair and eye color and aliases), which is a collection of significant information regarding the criminals, their criminal history...
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...Computer Forensics Through the Years Prof. Pepin Galarga Computer Forensics Sep 11, 2010 Table of Content Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………Page 2 The Early Years……………………………………………………………….......................Page 3 Early Training Programs …………………………………………………………………....Page 4 Typical Aspects of Computer Forensic Investigations ……………………………………..Page 5 Legal Aspects of Computer Forensics …………………………………………..……...…..Page 6 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………….Page 7 References………………………………………………………………………………..…Page 8 Introduction If you manage or administer information systems and networks, you should understand computer forensics. Forensics is the process of using scientific knowledge for collecting, analyzing, and presenting evidence to the courts. (The word forensics means “to bring to the court.”) Forensics deals primarily with the recovery and analysis of latent evidence. Latent evidence can take many forms, from fingerprints left on a window to DNA evidence recovered from blood stains to the files on a hard drive. Because computer forensics is a new discipline, there is little standardization and consistency across the courts and industry. As a result, it is not yet recognized as a formal “scientific” discipline. Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Steve Jurvetson Computer forensics is the study of extracting, analyzing and documenting evidence from a computer system or network. It is often used by law enforcement officials to seek...
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...Forensic Accounting in Practice Twana Bethea BUS 508 May 21, 2013 Dr. Phyllis Praise Abstract Forensic Accounting is the application of the skills and training of a chartered accountant to disputes and investigations. Fraud is usually hidden in the accounting systems of organizations and that’s where forensic accountants play a critical role. Forensic accountants are contacted by companies when they need to figure out where a fraud was committed in their company. The accountants interview witnesses, analyze evidence such as email traffic between all parties involved. They will also freeze bank accounts if needed. They are hired to find out what happen and who was involved. If the case goes to trial they can be called to testify. The key skill of the forensic accountant is communicating complex financial transaction or data in a concise manner using images, graphs and languages that can be easily understood by non-accountants, the judiciary, and juries. With the growing complexity of business related investigations, Forensic Accounting professionals are increasing and the need is as well for investigations of business and financial issues. Forensic Accounting Practices Forensic Accounting has been in exist for many years, today there have been an increase in the need for this type of profession. Forensic accounting is the practice of integration of accounting, auditing and investigative skills. The accountings provide a court with an accounting analysis on the basis...
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...Mathematics and Forensics 8 March, 2015 Math History - 109 In a world filled with technology, accountability, and a desire for higher quality of living; the world owes it all to math. As children grow up and are taught mathematics in countries all over the world; they are all being taught the same language. Math is the universal language of the world and math has changed the world from the time of the Egyptians to the present day era of technology. Mathematicians like Nicolaus Copernicus gave the world the truth of the universe with heliocentrism, while Isaac Newton gave the world the modern laws of physics. Mathematics has even paved its way into music with each beat of music being timed by numbers. Math is everywhere and people with brilliant minds can use mathematics to contribute to the world in very positive ways. One such way is the science of forensics. Without math, forensics could not exist. As population growth increases at an alarming rate, people have to find ways of holding people accountable for unlawful behavior. Forensic science has allowed civilization to evolve and become less barbaric and move towards factual based evidence when solving crimes against nature. Forensic science measures facts involving a crime and figure out the truth behind those measurements. Whether it is the skid marks from a vehicle collision or blood splatter analysis; mathematics is the reason why this can be done. Forensics have paved the way to a better justice system providing...
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