L2: The forensic science paradigm Flashcards
What does physical evidence do ?
Confirms a crime as happened Provides leads Links individual to scrne Identify suspect Induce confessions Exonerate innocent Provide expert testimony
What are the four actions when dealing with evidence ?
Idenitfy
Compare
Classify
Individualise
What question is asked with identify ?
What is it ?
How do you compare ?
Subject the evidence and control to the same test
Ie fingerprints or dna profiles
Whats class characteristics ?
In between generic identification and establishing individual characteristics
When combined with further evidence
Ie - blood gorup, colour of fibre
What was the mark kempster case ?
Ear prints 2001 Convicted of burglary Appealed successfully in 2008 Ear print can change depending on pressure
Whats a paradigm ?
Map of conceptual frame work which guides then practice of the profession
What are the six basic principles and practice of forensic science ?
Divisible matter transfer identification Classification and individualisation Association Reconstruction
What can individual characteristics be acquired by
Bullets, tool marks, shoe prints, fingerprints , dna
How many traits needed for evidence to become individualised ?
Bullet stritations - 8, or 2 gorups of 5.
Handwriting- sufficeint number of unique characters
Fingerprints - 8-20 points second kevel detail -3 experts in uk
What is reconstruction ?
Ordering events in relative space and time based on physical evidence
what is forensic science ?
the use of scientific methods and evidence in support of a legal debate
what is criminalistics and is it used in the uk?
the scientific study and evaluation of physical evidence in the commission of crimes
not really used in the uk
what are some key scopes of forensic science?
- Forensic entomology
- Forensic toxicology
- Forensic anthropology
- Forensic engineering
- Forensic odontology
- Forensic pathology
what is transfer?
Contact between objects will always result in transfer of material (Locard)
