lecture 1 Flashcards
what is forensic science?
application of science to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system
CSI effect
The unrealistic and detrimental expectation that a prosecutor’s case should always be bolstered by forensic evidence
history of forensic science - Pre 700 BC
Fingerprints are used on clay tablets for business transactions in ancient Babylon
history of forensic science - 287-212 BC
Archimedes talks about being able to prove the crown was not made of gold using density and buoyancy
history of forensic science - 1235-1248 AD
“The washing away of wrongs” is released. The first recorded application of medicine to help solve crimes
history of forensic science - 1447 AD
Charles the Bold’s missing teeth were used to identify his remains
history of forensic science - 1590 AD
The first optical microscope is developed
when did forensic science begin to be recognized as a discipline?
mid 19th century
law is a way to settle _
disputes
difference between criminal and civil law
disputes between individual and the state is criminal
disputes among entities or individual is civil
precent and functions using adversarial system (3)
- two opposing sides arguing
- is outcome based
- judge/jury determines the truth on evidence presented by two opposing sides
hypothesis definition
tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation. It is a testable idea
scientific theory definition
Explanation of some aspect of the natural world that has been substantiated through repeated experiments or testing
- It is an explanation, not just a hunch/guess
- Can be supported, rejected or modified based on new evidence
fact definition
a confirmed or agreed-upon empirical observation or conclusion OR knowledge or information based on real occurrences
how does science help us answer questions? (3 points)
- using observation, testing and interpretation through logic
scientific fact meaning
- an objective, verifiable observation that is the same everywhere
- constantly observed in nature and lab
Lamarckism
- creature cannot reach taller branches
- creature stretches and lengthens its neck over time
- offspring born with longer neck
natural selection
- creature with longer necks reach more food than those with shorter
- creatures with longer necks reproduce more
- longer necks become more common in population
how science works - core logic of science
tests ideas with evidence
how science works - scientific research
- offers framework for how to conduct research
- presented like a recipe
how science works - science is not __
linear
how science actually works (2)
- process of science circles back on itself so that useful ideas are built upon
- process of science is not predetermined -> many possible next steps
science is collaborative
- depends on interactions within scientific community
- different parts of the process of science may be carried out by different people at different times
science is creative
- exciting, dynamic and unpredictable
- science relies on creative people thinking outside the box
- good creative problem solving
- solid methodology
