Forensic ScienceIntroduction

Do Now:

What does the term Forensics Stand for? What does the term criminalistics stand for? What branches of science does criminalistics

encompass?

What is Forensic Science?

Basic Definition: Science in the service of the law

“Forensic” = “having to do with the law” Forensic Science ≠ Forensics (“debating”) Criminalists: analyze, compare, identify, and

interpret physical evidence

Forensic Scientist

Job Description: Process and document crime scenes Collect and preserve evidence Analyze and compare evidence in laboratory Reconstruction of data (form the “best theor

y ” of events in the case)

Forensic Scientist

Skills Needed: Good observation skills – use 5 senses Analytical skills – ability to identify problem,

organize info, draw conclusions Deductive reasoning – using logical steps to

draw a conclusion based on facts or evidence

Examples of Physical Evidence Imprints Broken glass Hairs Fibers Paint chips Documents Fingerprints Other prints (shoe,

tire, etc.)

Body/corpse Toolmarks/firearms Bullets/casings DNA Blood Semen Drugs, chemicals Soil

Basic Services Provided by Crime Laboratories

Physical Science UnitBiology UnitFirearms UnitPhotography Unit

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Physical Science UnitChemistry (drugs, explosives)

Physics (glass, scratches)

Geology (soil, rocks)

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Biology Unit

Bloodstains Body fluidsHair and fiberBotanical materials (wood and plants).

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Firearms Unit

FirearmsBulletsCartridge & ShellsAmmunitionGarments

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What are some of the specialties of Forensic Science?

Forensic Science Specialties Forensic Pathology: experts (medical doctors)

who determine the cause and manner of death

Forensic Entomology: experts who study insects to determine time of death and location of a corpse

Forensic Odontology: forensic dentists – identify human remains and analyze bite marks

Forensic Science Specialties

Forensic Anthropology: examine human skeletal remains

Forensic Toxicology: study the effects of poisons, toxins and drugs in the body

Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology: evaluate offenders, also profiling criminal cases

Forensic Science Specialties

Forensic Engineering: investigate transportation accidents, materials failure cases, determine cause of building/structure collapses

Forensic Computer Science: investigate use of technology and electronic records

What is the main role of a criminalist?

Collect and AnalyzePhysical Evidence

Demands & ConstraintsWhen and where do we collect?

How do we collect?For what purpose?

DECODING YOUR EMAIL PERSONALITY

Introduction: This article looks at a law suit that involves the

fabrications of emails and the forensics behind discovering if those emails are real of fake.

Activity: Step 1: Read and annotate the article SILENTLY.

You have 10 min to do so. Step 2: As a class lets share out what we found

within the article and our impressions on this case.

Step 3: Create two questions based on the article and answer the questions. Be specific in your answers, including the paragraph in the article where you find the answer.