Forensics The Lovett School Seventh Grade Unit

What is forensic science? Application of science to law in events subject to criminal or civil litigation.Application of science to law in events subject to criminal or civil litigation. Technical fields includes: Technical fields includes: physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, psychology, and medicine

History of Forensics It has been around for 900 years!It has been around for 900 years! Blood typing has been used since 1900, when blood types were discovered by Karl LandsteinerBlood typing has been used since 1900, when blood types were discovered by Karl Landsteiner

Suspect vs. Person of interest Investigators consider someone a suspect once he/she becomes an official focus of the investigation as a result of initial evidence or circumstancesInvestigators consider someone a suspect once he/she becomes an official focus of the investigation as a result of initial evidence or circumstances Person of interest – police can do initial probing for information without initial restrictionsPerson of interest – police can do initial probing for information without initial restrictions

Types of Evidence FingerprintsFingerprints Blood splattersBlood splatters fibers fibers HandwritingHandwriting DNA samplesDNA samples Shoe printsShoe prints Insect or mold growth on bodyInsect or mold growth on body Gunpowder burnsGunpowder burns Bullet casingsBullet casings

Collecting Evidence

Fingerprints They are unique to each person, even identical twins do not have the same fingerprintThey are unique to each person, even identical twins do not have the same fingerprint Loops, whorls, and archesLoops, whorls, and arches

Hair Analysis Hair left behind at a crime scene is examined for the structure (morphology) of the individual hairsHair left behind at a crime scene is examined for the structure (morphology) of the individual hairs This evidence is not conclusive it is presumptive.This evidence is not conclusive it is presumptive. This means the hairs do Not provide absolute proofThis means the hairs do Not provide absolute proof It helps to narrow down the suspectsIt helps to narrow down the suspects Conclusive tests are done next.Conclusive tests are done next.

DNA Longest lasting, stable evidence.Longest lasting, stable evidence. Researchers have uncovered usable DNA from Egyptian mummiesResearchers have uncovered usable DNA from Egyptian mummies DNA evidence isDNA evidence is conclusive evidence Karyotyping DNA fingerprint

CSI effect

The Body Farm A body farm is a research facility where human decomposition can be studied in a variety of settings.A body farm is a research facility where human decomposition can be studied in a variety of settings.research decompositionresearch decomposition The Body Farm, the facility was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bill Bass, a professor of anthropology at University Of Tennessee. Before the Body Farm was established, information on human decay was astonishingly inadequate, leaving criminal investigators poorly equipped for determining abandoned bodies’ time of death.The Body Farm, the facility was founded in 1981 by Dr. Bill Bass, a professor of anthropology at University Of Tennessee. Before the Body Farm was established, information on human decay was astonishingly inadequate, leaving criminal investigators poorly equipped for determining abandoned bodies’ time of death.