1. Chapter 1 Introduction to forensic science and the law

2. WHAT IS FORENSIC SCIENCE? Forensic science: Study and application of science to matters of law between people, things, and events involved in crimes. Forensic scientists use ___________________ to help them examine evidence. Forensic scientist’s job is to ____________ the different types of __________________ found at a crime scene. Forensic scientist can be called to court as an _________________________to presents their data, weigh evidence, and give an ___________________________to the court.

3. What are some types of evidence that a forensic scientist might look at? A: ______________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ What are some of the different types of forensic science you are interested in learning about?

4. Crime Laboratories Most crime labs are ___________________ & funded by taxes at the federal, state or local level. Department of Justice maintains: ______-Federal Bureau of Investigation has the largest crime lab in the world _______-Drug Enforcement Agency has 7 labs that work on major illicit drug activities in & outside of the US. ______-Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms has 3 labs dealing with crimes involving alcohol, weapons, explosives, tobacco, & organized crime.

5. RESEARCH: Each group will be looking at the different types of labs: Group 1 – state labs Group 2 – DEA Group 3 – FBI Group 4 – ATF Group 5 – US Postal Service Group 6 – Department of Treasury (IRS) Group 7 - Department of the Interior/US Fish & Wildlife Service Group 8 – Homeland Security

6. In your research you will need to answer the following questions in the form of an essay: Location(s) of the lab. Services/research performed. Number of cases processed each year. Educational requirements &/or work experience needed for the career. Is travel/field work involved?

7. Highlights in the history of forensic science. You will be divided up into 9 groups. Each group will read 1 page and develop a timeline with the most important forensic contributions to science. Timelines will be combined to create a history of forensic science. Explain to the class why you feel those main points are important to this field of science.

8. Methodology Edmond Locard stated: “Whenever 2 objects come into contact, there is _________ a transfer of material. The methods of detection may not be sensitive enough to demonstrate this, or the __________________ may be so rapid that all ________________ of transfer has ____________________ after a given time. Nonetheless, the transfer has taken place.”

9. You and your desk partner read “The Locard Principle” on pg. 17 and answer the questions. You have 15 minutes to complete the assignment.

10. Scientists solve problems using the scientific method. _________________ a problem or questioned evidence & ___________ objective _________. Form a ______________ for problem based on observation or give direction to the work plan. _________, ________, and analyze to support or ___________ the hypothesis Use deductive _________________ to make a determination as to the significance of the evidence. _______________ & __________ all evidence. ___________________must be stated. Forensic scientist must come up with a theory or ____________ that is able to ___________ to scientific and ____________ scrutiny.

11. Criminal Justice & the Law Laws are established to ______________ relationships between individuals & agencies. Laws are based on what a particular __________________ deems important. US _____________________ is the highest authority on laws dealing with individual rights & the power of government to create laws & create _______________________. All federal laws _____________ state laws. Read pages 18 – 21 & take notes

12. Notes:

14. DISCUSSION: In your group read through the section “Individual Rights Guaranteed by the Bill of Rights” Divide them up into 3 groups: Prior to crime Following crime Trial Write a short paragraph for each of the above groups stating why these rights are important for an individual.

15. Steps in pursuing justice: Crime _________________________ _______________________________ Police _________________ what happened. Information collected Crime scene _______________________ & ________________________ for evidence Information assembled into a ____________ for the prosecutor Investigation happens, __________________ issued ___ the elements of a crime are present

16. After a suspect is arrested: ________________ at the police department ______________________are read to suspect prior to questioning ________________________ in prescribed time _______________ if appropriate & ___________ is entered Suspect brought before __________________ Felony – goes to preliminary hearing or a ______________________________ ___________________ if sufficient evidence & ___________________________set Plea bargain an _____________________ between defendant & prosecution & there will be _______ trial

17. DISCUSSION: Where are courts for this county located? What are some of the crimes committed in Avon? Felonies Misdemeanors Do you know if the majority of them go to trial or are plea bargained?

18. Federal Rules of Evidence ___________________ of evidence govern if, when, how, and for what purpose evidence in a case is placed before a judge. Defines what evidence is ______________ and how it can be used for the jury. Evidence needs to be: _____________________________ Needs to ________ something (probative) Must address the issue of a particular crime Needs to be __________________

19. Evidence is admissible ________ if it is ______________ & the person who presents it is believable & __________ _______________ is inadmissible in criminal court Not reliable Not taken under _____________ Does not allow for ______________ Admissible in _________________

20. Expert testimony: Expert witness: Presents scientific __________________ Must establish his/her credibility through _____________, background, & experience Forensic scientist’s role: _______ law authorities decide whether a crime has been committed & to help ___________________ the perpetrator Brings ________ of evidence & provides results & conclusions through a _________________ ___________________ it to nonscientists

21. Forensic scientists may be asked: Evaluate evidence as an ____________________ in court & give an ________________ about the significance of his/her findings Based on reasonable scientific certainty which comes from _______________ & experience Defense & prosecution can present expert opinions & argue the merits of the testimony Opinion’s significance may be accepted or __________________ by the jury or judge Forensic scientist or expert witness has an obligation to be an advocate of the __________ & not take sides for either the defense or prosecution.

22. DISCUSSION: In a group read pg. 27 Discuss 1.1 Strong Whiskey & Case Study 1.1 Come up with pro & con arguments