1. Issues in Forensics

2. Discovery of DNA
1953 – English scientists James Watson and Francis Crick discovers the structure of DNA = one of greatest discoveries of 20th century
DNA is the genetic code that determines physical characteristics of living things
Contributed to fields of biology and forensic science

3. No 2 people have same DNA and each cell has a complete blueprint, or genetic makeup, of the individual
Small amounts of blood, saliva, skin, fingernails, hair, and other bodily fluids can allow scientists to make a profile
Comparisons of DNA place people in certain places, like crime scenes

4. DNA has cleared many old cases where innocent people were convicted
DNA at a scene does not mean it is the suspect
Contamination is an issue if proper procedures are not followed
DNA analysis has been highly scrutinized and validated

5. Fingerprinting Before DNA, considered most reliable forensic science
Unique, like DNA, due to scars or inked impressions
Computer databases hold information = FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Does not match latent prints but does narrow possible matches

6. Experts match the prints using ACE-V (analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification)
International Association for Identification trains and provides experts that testify:
To matches
To non-matches
To inconclusive evidence
DNA evidence has disproved fingerprinting evidence, as well as witness identifications

7. Index finger is best print
Stephan Cowans
Brandon Mayfield – 2004 terrorist attack in Madrid, Spain

8. 2009 National Academy of Sciences Report
300 page report Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward
fingerprinting, writing analysis, toolmarks, bite marks, hair comparison require more study
DNA, toxicology, and drug analysis are very reliable

9. Recommendations
Establish independent National Institute of Forensic Science
All crime labs MUST be accredited and scientists certified
Conduct more “research … on human observer bias and sources of human error in forensic examinations”
Replace all coroner systems with medical examiners

10. Read pages
Answer the discussion questions at the bottom of page 104 in detail and complete sentences.
Complete any work that you owe me, whether absent or just work you didn’t finish and turn it in.
If you are caught up with everything, do something SILENTLY!

11. CSI Effect CSI, Numb3rs, NCIS, and more
Glamorize forensic science and make it appear much more advanced
Made jurors expect scientific evidence in every case and acquit any case where there isn’t any
Jurors overestimate the reliability of forensic evidence

12. Simulated trial study
Witness testimony with forensic expert – microscope to determine hair match
Weak case otherwise
Survey for whether they watched CSI
CSI viewers were more skeptical of expert testimony
No difference between conviction decisions

13. Researchers believe the jurors’ expectations come from living in a high-tech, globally connected world, rather than watching CSI
Answer the discussion questions at the bottom of page 104 in detail and complete sentences.