1. What is truth?

2. Forensic Science
Application of science to the criminal and civil laws.
This course will focus on aspects related to chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and computer technology

3. American Academy of Forensic Science
Criminalistics
Engineering Science
General
Jurisprudence
Odontology
Pathology/Biology
Physical Anthropology
Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
Questioned Documents
Toxicology

4. Beginnings
Earliest record of applying forensics to solve criminal cases comes from 3rd century China
Advances in science during the early to mid 1800s led to greater development of forensic science
Forensic Toxicology
Microscope
Blood Tests
Photography

5. Applying Scientific Principles to Crime
Alphonse Bertillon
Developed the first system of personal identification – Bertillon's System a.k.a. anthropometry
involved taking a series of body measurements to distinguish one individual from another

6. More Developments
In the early 1900s fingerprinting replaced Bertillon's system
Best known figure in 19th century forensics
– Sherlock Holmes
Applied the newly developing principles of serology, fingerprinting, firearms identification, and questioned-documents examination

7. Modern Scientific Advances
Computer technology and sophisticated instruments have advanced the analysis of evidence relating to a crime
Significant modern advances
Discovery and refinement of DNA typing
Establishment of computerized databases
Fingerprints, Ballistics, DNA

8. Influence
Francis Galton (1892)– developed method for classifying fingerprints
Hans Gross (1893)- first described application of science to crime (book)
Leone Lattes (1915)- developed blood group testing for dried samples
Albert Osborn – applied principles of document examination
Edmond Locard – started 1st police lab

9. Influence
Calvin Goddard – used microscopy to examine firearm/bullet comparisons
Mathieu Orfila (1814) – father of forensic toxicology
Alec Jefferys (1984)- developed 1st DNA profiling test
**Locard’s Exchange Principle**: when two objects come into contact, there is a cross-transfer of materials (example)

10. Crime Laboratories
Oldest forensic lab in the US - LA Police Dept, created in 1923
FBI organized a national laboratory that offers forensic services to all law enforcement agencies in the country
The US has no national system of forensic laboratories

11. Crime Laboratories
Size and diversity of crime labs make it impossible to select a “typical” one
operate as part of a police dept.
operate under direction of a prosecutor or DA
some work with the ME or coroner
associated with universities
completely separate entities

12. Four Major Federal Crime Labs
FBI – largest crime lab in the world
DEA – analyzes drugs
ATF – analyzes alcohol and documents relating to alcohol; firearm law enforcement, examine weapons, explosive devices, and related evidence to gun control
USPS – concerned with criminal investigations related to the postal service

13. Demand for Forensics Major growth since 1960’s: Increase in crime rate
Requirement to inform suspect of rights; eliminated confessions
All seized drugs must be sent and analyzed at lab before trial
DNA profiling ~ huge backlog

14. Crime Lab Services Basic Services Optional Services
Physical Science Unit
Biology Unit
Firearms Unit
Document Examination Unit
Photography Unit
Optional Services
Toxicology Unit
Latent Fingerprint Unit
Polygraph Unit
Voiceprint Analysis Unit
Crime-scene Investigation Unit

15. Functions of a Forensic Scientist
Laboratory work – analyzing the evidence
Courtroom Testimony – presenting the evidence
Training – teaching agencies how to identify and collect evidence

16. Admissibility of Evidence
Testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data
Testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods
Witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case

17. Providing Expert Testimony
Expert Witness – court determines one to possess a particular skill or knowledge beyond that of average layperson and will aid court in determining the truth
Knowledge may be acquired through experience, training, education, or a combination
Important: demeanor and ability to explain data and conclusions clearly, concisely, and logically