1. Forensic Science Introduction

2. What is Forensic Science? Basic Definition: Science in the service of the law Basic Definition: Science in the service of the law “Forensic” = “having to do with the law” “Forensic” = “having to do with the law” Forensic Science ≠ Forensics (“debating”) Forensic Science ≠ Forensics (“debating”) Criminalists: analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence Criminalists: analyze, compare, identify, and interpret physical evidence

4. Forensic Scientist Job Description: Process and document crime scenes Process and document crime scenes Collect and preserve evidence Collect and preserve evidence Analyze and compare evidence in laboratory Analyze and compare evidence in laboratory Reconstruction of data (form the “best theory” of events in the case) Reconstruction of data (form the “best theory” of events in the case)

5. Forensic Scientist Skills Needed: Good observation skills – use 5 senses Good observation skills – use 5 senses Analytical skills – ability to identify problem, organize info, draw conclusions Analytical skills – ability to identify problem, organize info, draw conclusions Deductive reasoning – using logical steps to draw a conclusion based on facts or evidence Deductive reasoning – using logical steps to draw a conclusion based on facts or evidence

6. Examples of Physical Evidence Imprints Imprints Broken glass Broken glass Hairs Hairs Fibers Fibers Paint chips Paint chips Documents Documents Fingerprints Fingerprints Other prints (shoe, tire, etc.) Other prints (shoe, tire, etc.) Body/corpse Toolmarks/firearms Bullets/casings DNA Blood Semen Drugs, chemicals Soil

7. Forensic Science Specialties Forensic Pathology: experts (medical doctors) who determine the cause and manner of death 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 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 Odontology: forensic dentists – identify human remains and analyze bite marks

8. Forensic Science Specialties Forensic Anthropology: examine human skeletal remains Forensic Anthropology: examine human skeletal remains Forensic Toxicology: study the effects of poisons, toxins and drugs in the body Forensic Toxicology: study the effects of poisons, toxins and drugs in the body Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology: evaluate offenders, also profiling criminal cases Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology: evaluate offenders, also profiling criminal cases

9. Forensic Science Specialties Forensic Engineering: investigate transportation accidents, materials failure cases, determine cause of building/structure collapses Forensic Engineering: investigate transportation accidents, materials failure cases, determine cause of building/structure collapses Forensic Computer Science: investigate use of technology and electronic records Forensic Computer Science: investigate use of technology and electronic records