introduction to forensics. it’s all about the connections physics engineering biology mathematics...
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It’s All About the Connections
Physics
Engineering
Biology
Mathematics
Forensic Science
Law
Technology
Chemistry
Anatomy/Physiology
• It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of truth.
» John Locke (1632-1704)
Branches of forensics
• Pathology
• Fingerprints
• Toxicology
• Entomology
• Anthropology
• Botany
• Odontology
Branches of Forensics• Serology• DNA electrophoresis• Document examination• Impression evidence
– Tool marks– Tire prints– Shoe prints
• Computer analysis• Arson
Branches of Forensics
• Profiling• Environmental forensics• Wildlife forensics• Firearms/Ballistics• Trace Evidence
– Hair– Fibers– Soil– glass
• Engineering
Branches of Forensics
• Photography
• Polygraphs
• Audio specialists/Voiceprints
• Video analysis
• Psychiatry – Competence– State of mind– Profiling
• An expert is someone knowing more and more about less and less, eventually knowing everything about nothing.
Attributed to Sir Bernard Spillsbury, MD
Expert witnesses
• Allowed to offer an opinion during testimony
• 1923 Frye Standard (general acceptance)
• 1993 Daubert Standard
Daubert vs Merrell Dow
• Morning sickness drug caused birth defects
• Plaintiffs had many experts
• Court ruled against the experts saying the methods were not generally accepted within the profession
Daubert standards
• Judge determines who is an expert:
• A) Has the expert’s scientific method been tested?
• B) Has the expert’s method been the subject of peer review and testing
• C) What is the actual or potential rate of error?• D) Do other scientists generally accept the
expert’s methods?• E) Technique must follow standards.
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