Introduction Flashcards
The philosophical foundation of the Justice system . . .
Law and Science
What are two things both law and science have in common?
Protect the innocent and ensure the truth emerges
Laws goal?
obtain a favourable outcome
Science’s goal?
Describe workings of the world through the natural world.
Who relies on Outcome within a trial?
Legal system
- Trier of fact (jurors, and judge)
Who relies on justification within a trial?
Science
- Objective fact, and scientific method.
Forensis (Latin)
Forensics
Knowledge (Latin)
Science
“Forensic science”
“the application of scientific knowledge and technique to legal matters”.
Types of evidence
Direct and circumstantial
Direct:
A direct objection to the fact, with no need for further analysis.
Circumstantial:
A type of reasoning that is not objective to the fact
- more subjective (out-dated)
Forensic expert:
Declared by a judge based on (degree, integrity, and experience)
what must a forensic expert do?
Must remain objective, and advocate for the facts.
- again it’s justification based
Lay witness:
What was heard, seen, done, and experienced.
- Subjective, and opinion based
A Forensic expert may . . .
Offer an opinion on the work done, or a explain the significance of the findings.
Forensic evidence if often referred to as . . .
“The silent witness”
Scientific method:
“A methodological process in which observation, measurements, experimentation, formulation (question), and a modification (hypothesis) occurs”.
What are the 5 steps of the Scientific method?
- Formulate a question
- generate a hypothesis
- collect data
- interpret data
- Draw conclusions
What is the scientific method used for?
It is used to analyse evidence
CSI in Canada is called . . .
Forensic identification officer
What is the difference between the CSI and forensic scientists?
CSI attends the scene and collects evidence.
Vs.
Forensic scientist works in a lab, and analyses evidence.
Crime scene identification is . . .
- Methodological process: Follows a set of principles and procedures
- Dynamic and thoughtful process: requires an active and unique approach to every scene
- Experience/observation is key (scientific method).
