Forensic History DeathThe 7 S’sCareers DOUBLE TIME
The word forensics comes from the Latin word forensis, which means “forum.” Describe the purpose of a forum.
The purpose of a forum was to determine who was innocent or guilty after a crime occurred. The person accused of the crime and the accuser would give speeches, and the people who were gathered around would vote on who they believed was right.
What is the name of the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?
Sherlock Holmes
How long has DNA evidence been commonplace?
About 20 years.
What forensic pioneer is famous for his “exchange principle”, the idea that where there is contact between two items, there will be a cross transfer of physical evidence?
Edmond Locard
Describe an early example of forensic science practiced in a Chinese village in the 1200s.
In 1235 A.D., a stabbing occurred in a Chinese village. By testing different blades on an animal carcass, it was determined that the wound was caused by a sickle. After further questioning, the investigator had all villagers bring their sickles and lay them out before the crowd. Blow flies were attracted to a single sickle because invisible remnants of blood and tissue still adhered to it. The owner of the alleged sickle later broke down and confessed the crime.sicklesBlow flies
What is happening here?
Rigor Mortis
What is livor mortis?
Livor mortis is a settling of the blood in the lower (dependent) portion of the body, causing a purplish red discoloration of the skin. blood
What is algor mortis?
The decrease in a body’s temperature after death.
What is the approximate time of death if the body temperature was 24°C ?
Approximately 21.3 hours
What is the post-mortem interval for a body at maximum rigor?
About 12 hours
Why is it important to secure the scene?
To keep everyone in the area safe. Also to maintain the integrity of the crime scene.
When scanning the scene, you want to determine whether you are at a primary or secondary crime scene. What is the difference between a primary crime scene and secondary crime scene?
Primary crime scene – The original location of a crime or accident. Secondary crime scene – An alternate location where additional evidence may be found.
Draw and name one of the grid patterns used to search for evidence.
Spiral Grid Strip or Line Quadrant or Zone
Draw a picture of a bindle, and explain what it is used for.
A bindle is a folded piece of paper used to hold trace evidence.
Name the Seven S’s of CSI.
1. Securing the scene 2. Separating the witnesses 3. Scanning the scene 4. Seeing the scene 5. Sketching the scene 6. Searching for evidence 7. Securing and collecting evidence
Explain what a forensic entomologist does.
They use insect evidence to solve crimes.
How is a coroner different from a medical examiner?
A medical examiner is always a certified doctor/physician. Coroners are sometimes doctors, but sometimes they are people who just got elected to the position with no medical background.
What does a forensic anthropologist do?
They examine human skeletal remains to solve crimes.
Do forensic scientists usually testify for the defense or the prosecution?
Technically, they don’t testify for either side. The testify only to the truth as they can ascertain it. BUT according to Elizabeth, each side hires their expert witne$$e$…
What does a forensic odontologist do?
They are a forensic dentist – they use teeth and bite mark evidence to solve crimes.
What is the innocence project?
The Innocence Project is a national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing.
Write a multiple choice question plus answers that you think will be on the test.
[various]
Your learning partner claims to have seen Mr. Cater at the dry cleaners picking up some shirts. Mr. Cater denies this claim. Explain whether this eyewitness testimony is direct evidence or indirect/circumstantial evidence.
Direct evidence. Even though the person is lying, their testimony is direct evidence because they claim to have actually seen the crime occur.
Define deductive reasoning, and write an example.
[various answers]
Write an example of Locard’s principle.
[various answers]