1. Introduction to Forensic Science Chemistry 300 sci·ence n. a.The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena. b.Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena. c.Such activities applied to an object of inquiry or study. 1.Methodological activity, discipline, or study 2.An activity that appears to require study and method 3.Knowledge, especially that gained through experience.

2. Forensic Science the application of science to criminal investigation Forensic Science is multidisciplinary: Chemistry Biology Physics Geology Computer Science Criminology Psychology

3. What information can be gained from a crime scene? A.Corpus delicti - the essential facts of the crime Homicide? Suicide? Sexual Assault? Was there a weapon involved? B.Modus operandi - the way the crime was committed Criminal’s characteristic patterns or style of work C.Links from crime or victim to suspect D. Witness testimony E. Investigative leads

4. Crime Scene Investigation 1.Isolate/secure the crime scene (establish security, boundaries, consider weather) 2. Document the scene ( notes, photos, video, scene diagram) 3. Collect evidence at the scene (very systematic, one person in charge, preserve “chain of evidence”) 4. Send appropriate material to forensics lab for analysis (this is really where the lab science begins)

5. Crime Scene Investigation

6. Evidence to be examined on scene A. splatter patterns B. fingerprints, footprints, tire tracks C. tool marks D. firearms related evidence Appropriate Material to Send to a Forensics Lab 1. Clothing found2. Fingernail scrapings 3. Hairs4. Blood/urine samples5. Swabs 6. Recovered bullets, blades 7. Fibers8. Other materials (glass, tape, soil)

7. American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) organized a set of rules governing the collection and organization of forensic evidence established in 1948 divided forensic science into 9 major fields…..

8. Major Branches of Forensic Science 1. Toxicology/Pharmacology 2. Serology 3. Pathology 4. Anthropology 5. Odontology 6. Questioned Documents 7. Psychiatry 8. Geology 9. Engineering

9. Major Branches of Forensic Science 1. Toxicology/Pharmacology 2. Serology 3. Pathology 4. Anthropology 5. Odontology 6. Questioned Documents 7. Psychiatry 8. Geology 9. Engineering

10. Major Branches of Forensic Science 1. Toxicology/Pharmacology 2. Serology 3. Pathology 4. Anthropology 5. Odontology 6. Questioned Documents 7. Psychiatry 8. Geology 9. Engineering

11. Major Branches of Forensic Science 1. Toxicology/Pharmacology 2. Serology 3. Pathology 4. Anthropology 5. Odontology 6. Questioned Documents 7. Psychiatry 8. Geology 9. Engineering

12. Services of a Forensics Laboratory 1. Physical Science Unit 2. Biological Science Unit 3. Firearms Unit 4. Document Examination 5. Photography Unit 6. Toxicology Unit 7. Identification Unit fingerprint- voiceprint- polygraph 8. Evidence Collection

13. Introducing Scientific Findings into Criminal Court Proceedings 1. The Frye Test 1923 - Frye vs. United States 2. Federal Rules of Evidence - has the evidence/technique been tested by scientific methodology - underlying scientific theories/techniques have been subjected to peer review - What is the potential error rate? - existence of standards for the technique - general acceptance in the scientific community 3. Daubert standard – allows the trial judge to apply above rules to expert witness testimony (is it reliable and relevant?)

14. Important Scientific Advances that have Revolutionized Forensic Science 1. Development of Photography 2. Evolution of Chemistry as a Science / Computing Power 3. Refinement of the Microscope 4. Advances in Medical Pathology 5. DNA techniques