1. Introduction
Forensic science begins at the crime scene.

2. What is Forensic Science?
…..applies the knowledge and technology of science for the definition and enforcement of criminal and civil law.
……encompasses many scientific disciplines e.g.. Chemistry, biology, physics, geology etc.
Role of the criminalist
must supply accurate and objective information that reflects the events that occurred at the crime.

3. A crime scene ready for analysis

4. Organization of a crime lab.
4 major federal crime labs.
1. Federal Bureau of Investigation (Dept. of Justice).
2. Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratories
(Dept. of Justice).
3. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
(Dept. of Treasury).
4. U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

5. Services of a Crime Lab. Physical Services Unit Biology Unit
Firearms Unit
Document Examination Unit
Photography Unit

6. Optional Services 6. Toxicology Unit 7. Latent Fingerprint Unit
8. Polygraph Unit
9. Voiceprint Analysis Unit
10. Evidence Collection Unit

7. Other specialized forensic science services.
Pathology
Anthropology
Entomology
Psychiatry
Odontology
Engineering
Pathology – time of death and manner of death
Manner of death// 1. Natural//2. Homicide//3. Suicide//4. Accident// 5. undetermined/.
Time of death// potassium in ocular fluid.
Algor mortis//decrease temp…1-1.5 degree per hour.
Rigor mortis//1st 24 hours
Livor mortis//o-12h after death
Psychiatry//relationship between human behavior and legal proceedings…competent for trial.
Engineering//failure analysis//accident and fire causes//explosions.

8. Functions of a Forensic scientist.
Apply the principles of the natural and physical sciences to analysis of many types of evidence recovered from a crime scene.
Provide expert testimony in court.
Participate in training of law enforcement personnel in the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence.
Expert witness// evaluate evidence based on specialized training and experience. The expert will then express n opinion as to the significance of his/her findings.

9. Admissibility of Evidence
Frye v. United States
Decision set the guidelines for determining admissibility of scientific evidence
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
US Supreme court ruled that Frye Standard is not an absolute requirement. Trial judges are ultimately responsible as “gatekeepers” for admissibility and validity of evidence.
Scientific testing must be “generally accepted” by the scientific community.