1. Other Forensic Science Services
Beyond the Crime Lab
Other Forensic Science Services

2. Forensic Pathology
Investigation of sudden, unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths

3. Role of medical examiner
To determine the cause of death
May perform an autopsy (the medical dissection and examination of a body in order to determine the cause of death)

4. Stages of Decomposition
Rigor mortis
-results in the shortening of muscle
tissue and the stiffening of body parts in the
position they are in when death occurs
- disappears within 36 hours after death

5. Stages of Decomposition
Livor Mortis
- Results in the settling of blood in areas of the body closest
to the ground causing the skin to appear purple or blue
- Discoloration does not occur if body is restricted by
clothing or an object is pressing against the body. This
information can help determine if the victim’s position
was changed after death occurred.
- continues up to 12 hours after death

7. Algor mortis
Process in which the body temperature continually cools after death until it reaches ambient or room temperature.
Factors such as location and size of the body, the victim’s clothing, and weather conditions affect the cooling rate.
Generally, the body 1-1 ½ deg. F per hour until the body reaches the environmental temperature.

8. Other Factors Useful in Determining Time of Death
Potassium levels in ocular fluid (vitreous humor)
Amount of food in the stomach

9. Forensic Anthropology
The identification and examination of human skeletal remains

10. Forensic Entomology
The study of insects and their relation to a criminal investigation
Adult female blow flies arrive within minutes to lay eggs on a cadaver. Each deposits about 250 eggs in the natural openings of the body and open wounds

11. Forensic Psychiatry
The relationship between human behavior and legal proceedings is examined.
Civil cases: determine whether people are competent to prepare a will, settle property or refuse medical treatment.
Criminal cases: examine behavioral disorders, determine competency to stand trial, help to determine a suspect’s behavioral profile

12. Forensic Odontology
Identification of victims when the body is left in an unrecognizable state
Teeth are composed of enamel- the hardest substance in the body.
Teeth characteristics, alignment, and mouth structure provides individual evidence for identification
Bite mark analysis

13. Forensic Engineering
Failure analysis, accident reconstruction, and causes and origins of fires or explosions