Chapter 1 Powerpoint Flashcards
Applications of Forensic Science include:
criminal (drug possession, homicide, sexual assault)
civil (paternity, product failure liability)
national security (fingerprints, explosive residue)
Forensic Science
application of a natural science to matters of the law
Criminalistics
used to refer to the services provided by a laboratory
corpus delicti
elements of the crime
body of the crime
proof beyond a reasonable doubt
supporting role
support statements
disprove statements
victim, suspect, witness
important during investigation and during trial
identify substances/materials
controlled substances and narcotics
accelerants
counterfeit documents
gunshot residue
blood
semen
identify unknown persons
fingerprints
biological evidence
dental records
identify victim
identify suspect
identify unknown human remains/missing persons
AFIS
Automated Fingerprint Identification System: fingerprints
CODIS
Combined DNA Index System: DNA
NIBIN
National Integrated Ballistic Identification Network: Casing and Weapons
Linkage Triangle
Scene, Victim, and Suspect are all linked (like in a triangle) through evidence
Locard’s Principle of Exchange
when two objects come in contact with each other, there is a mutual exchange of material across the contact boundary
Edmond Locard
1st crime laboratory in Lyons, France
Calvin Goddard
origination of the Chicago Police Department Lab (Fire Arms Identification Studies)
AAFS
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
IAI
The International Association for Identification
NEAFS
Northeast Association of Forensic Scientists
ASCLD/LAB
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (most crime labs and units are accredited)
the Scientific Method
multi step method by which scientists approach problems, formulate a hypothesis to explain the problem, test their hypothesis, and validate it
Observation
Formulate a Hypothesis
Test using a controlled experiment
Retest and refine
Specialities: Pathology
Cause of death (medical reason listed on death certificate)
Manner of death (choice of five)
US has two systems of death investigation:
coroner and medical examiner
Coroner
Elected
No medical knowledge or training needed (can be a pathologist; may call specialists for technical determinations)
Can hold Coroner Inquest and take sworn testimony
Medical Examiner
Required to be an MD
Specialization in pathology
Will make determinations using all available information (crime scene/evidence photos, investigative information, toxicology reports, autopsy results)
Examples of cause of death:
blunt or sharp force trauma asphyxiation gunshot wound to head heroin toxicity undetermined