Download Introduction to Forensic Science

Introduction to Forensic Science
Human Biology and Forensics
September 28, 2011
What is Forensic Science?
• Forensic comes from Latin word forensis:
public; to the forum or public discussion
• Today: forensic means belonging to, used in or
suitable to courts of judicature or to public
discussion or debate
• Forensic science is science used in public, in a
court or in the justice system.
• Any science used for purpose of the law is a
forensic science
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Involved in all aspects of criminal cases to
serve defense or prosecution
• Goal is evenhanded use of all
available information to
determine facts and
therefore the truth
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Reduce number of cases by assisting decision
makers before court
• Provides information and expert opinion to
investigators, attorneys, judges and juries
• Work with police, deputies, attorneys, DEA,
CIA, FBI, CSI
What is a Forensic Scientist?
• Scientist who applies scientific knowledge to
assist juries, attorneys and judges in
understanding science
• They are
– Good thinkers
– Good with details
– Good with putting pieces
together
– Curious
How do you become a Forensic
Scientist?
• Bachelors Degree (at least) in science with
chemistry, biology, math and English
• Good note-taking skills
• Good speaking skills
• Ability to write a good report
• Intellectual curiosity
• Personal Integrity
Where do Forensic Scientists Work?
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In labs
At Crime Scenes
In morgues
Government
Hospitals
Universities
Types of Forensic Science
• Criminalistics
– Analyze, compare, identify and interpret physical
evidence
– Two functions:
• Indentify evidence
• Link suspect, victim and crime scene
– Physical evidence may be: hair, fibers, blood, glass,
soil, bullets (anything left at the crime scene)
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Engineering Sciences
– Apply art and science of
engineering to the law
– Accident reconstruction,
origin of fires, etc.
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• General
– Lab investigation, field investigation, clinical work,
communications, computer investigation, etc.
– Examples: speech scientist, marine biologist,
artist, polygraph examiner
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Jurisprudence
– Lawyers and judges
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Odontology
– Dental science used to identify unknown human
remains and bite marks
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Pathology and Biology
– Autopsy
– Study disease
– Examine tissues removed
– What caused a person’s death
– Circumstances surrounding
death
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Biological Anthropology
– Identify a skeleton
– Killed in plane crashes, explosions, fires,
mutilation of bodies
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
– Criminal Profiling
– Rehabilitation
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Questioned Documents
– Forged Checks
– Ransom notes
What do Forensic Scientists Do?
• Toxicology
– Harmful effects of chemicals or drugs
– Did illegal drugs or toxins contribute to person’s
death