INTRODUCTION TO:

What is Forensic Science? Forensic science is the study and application of science to matters of law. Forensic science is the study and application of science to matters of law. Criminalistics is another term you can use for forensic science. They are interchangeable. Criminalistics is another term you can use for forensic science. They are interchangeable.EOS

What is Forensic Science?

The job of a forensic scientist is to: 1. study the different types of evidence found at a crime scene. 2. Testify as an expert witness at a trial or hearing by: Presenting data Presenting data Weighs evidence Weighs evidence Gives an impartial opinion of the court Gives an impartial opinion of the court Consults with other scientist in all scientific fields. Consults with other scientist in all scientific fields. 3. Train and educate other forensic scientists. EOS

Scientific fields that apply to forensic science: 1. Anthroplology: The study of the origin and behavior of societies and cultures. 2. Psychiatry: Concerned with the study, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the mind. 3. Odontology: Bites marks and dentistry. 4. Engineering: The application of science in designing things. 5. Computer technology. EOS

Scientific fields that apply to forensic science: 6. Pathology: The causes, nature, and effects of diseases. 7. Geology: The study of science dealing with the physical nature and history of the earth. 8. Environmental science: The branch of biology concerned with the relations between organisms and their enviornment. EOS

Scientific fields that apply to forensic science: 9. Entomology: The study of insects as related to the cause of death. 10. Palynology: The study of pollen and spores. 11. Polygraphy: The use of a lie detector. 12. Voice print analysis. EOS

CRIME LABORATORY A crime laboratory is a laboratory where experts analyze, identify, and interpret evidence connected with a crime. A crime laboratory is a laboratory where experts analyze, identify, and interpret evidence connected with a crime. There are 5 major crime laboratories in the United States. There are 5 major crime laboratories in the United States.EOS

5 Major Crime Labs in the USA Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) This is the largest crime lab in the world.This is the largest crime lab in the world. It is under the Department of Justice.It is under the Department of Justice. Houses and controls CODIS (Combined DNA index systerm)Houses and controls CODIS (Combined DNA index systerm) Investigates each of the following:Investigates each of the following: Trace evidenceMetallurgy Trace evidenceMetallurgy Questionable documentsPaints Questionable documentsPaints Tool marksToxicology Tool marksToxicology Facial reconstructionCryptoanalysis Facial reconstructionCryptoanalysis Drug recordsShoe print database Drug recordsShoe print database Racketeering (examinations of documents concerning loan sharking, internet gambling, prostitution, sports bookmaking) Racketeering (examinations of documents concerning loan sharking, internet gambling, prostitution, sports bookmaking) Training in crime scene investigation and forensic science. Training in crime scene investigation and forensic science.EOS

5 Major Crime Labs in the USA Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) Collects results from drug analyses conducted by State and Local forensic laboratories across the country.National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) Collects results from drug analyses conducted by State and Local forensic laboratories across the country. NFLIS is a unique source of information for monitoring and understanding drug trafficking in the US, including the diversion of legally manufactured drugs into illegal markets.NFLIS is a unique source of information for monitoring and understanding drug trafficking in the US, including the diversion of legally manufactured drugs into illegal markets.EOS

5 Major Crime Labs in the USA U.S. Postal Service U.S. Postal Service Crimes involving the mail.Crimes involving the mail. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensic Laboratory U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensic Laboratory Only lab in the world dedicated to crimes against wildlife.Only lab in the world dedicated to crimes against wildlife.EOS

5 Major Crime Labs in the USA Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF or BATF) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF or BATF) Crimes involving sale and use of alcohol, weapons, explosives (including arson), and organized crime.Crimes involving sale and use of alcohol, weapons, explosives (including arson), and organized crime. Under the Department of JusticeUnder the Department of Justice Integrated Ballistic Identification System.Integrated Ballistic Identification System.EOS

How do Criminalists Analyze? They use the scientific method for problem solving. They use the scientific method for problem solving. This is a step by step process, that allows a specific question to be answered. This is a step by step process, that allows a specific question to be answered. The forensic scientist must come up with a theory or opinion that is able to stand up to scientific and legal scrutiny. The forensic scientist must come up with a theory or opinion that is able to stand up to scientific and legal scrutiny.EOS

The Scientific Method 1. Observe a problem or questioned evidence and collect objective data. 1. Observe a problem or questioned evidence and collect objective data. 2. Consider a hypothesis (a testable solution to the problem). 2. Consider a hypothesis (a testable solution to the problem). 3. Examine, test, and analyze to support or refute hypothesis. 3. Examine, test, and analyze to support or refute hypothesis. 4. Use deductive reasoning to determine the significance of the evidence. 4. Use deductive reasoning to determine the significance of the evidence. 5. Evaluate and verify all evidence. 5. Evaluate and verify all evidence.EOS

Kinds of Law in the U.S. Criminal Justice System Statutory Law: Written law or “Law on the books”. These are based on the Constitution. Statutory Law: Written law or “Law on the books”. These are based on the Constitution. Common Law: also known as case law. The body of law made up of judicial opinions and precedents. Common Law: also known as case law. The body of law made up of judicial opinions and precedents. Criminal Law: regulation and enforcement of rights setting the acceptable limits of conduct in society. Criminal Law: regulation and enforcement of rights setting the acceptable limits of conduct in society.EOS

Kinds of Law in the U.S. Criminal Justice System Civil Law: deals with noncriminal suits brought to protect or preserve a civil or private right or matter. Civil Law: deals with noncriminal suits brought to protect or preserve a civil or private right or matter. Equity Law: the is preventative, such as a restraining order. These are for cases not covered by common law. Equity Law: the is preventative, such as a restraining order. These are for cases not covered by common law. Administrative Law: These are laws established by agencies (IRS, SSA, or military braches). Administrative Law: These are laws established by agencies (IRS, SSA, or military braches).EOS

Types of Crimes There are 3 types of crimes. There are 3 types of crimes. Infractions: These are minor offenses such as jaywalking, traffic violations, and littering. Infractions: These are minor offenses such as jaywalking, traffic violations, and littering. Misdemeanors: Are punishable by no more than one year in jail. Fines may range from $250 - $2500. Community service may also be assigned. Vandalism, shoplifting, simple assault, trespassing, or prostitution can be misdemeanors. Misdemeanors: Are punishable by no more than one year in jail. Fines may range from $250 - $2500. Community service may also be assigned. Vandalism, shoplifting, simple assault, trespassing, or prostitution can be misdemeanors. Felonies: More serious crimes that carry stiffer penalties. Arson, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, homicide, and rape are all felonies. Felonies: More serious crimes that carry stiffer penalties. Arson, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, homicide, and rape are all felonies.EOP