1. Introduction to Forensics What it encompasses

2. Forensics application of science to law

3. Branches of forensics Pathology Pathology Fingerprints Fingerprints Toxicology Toxicology Entomology Entomology Anthropology Anthropology Botany Botany Odontology Odontology

4. Branches of Forensics Serology Serology DNA electrophoresis DNA electrophoresis Document examination Document examination Impression evidence Impression evidence Toolmarks Toolmarks Tire prints Tire prints Shoe prints Shoe prints Computer analysis Computer analysis Arson Arson

5. Branches of Forensics Profiling Environmental forensics Wildlife forensics Firearms/Ballistics Trace Evidence Hair Fibers Soil glass Engineering

6. Photography Photography Polygraphs Polygraphs Audio specialists/Voiceprints Audio specialists/Voiceprints Video analysis Video analysis Psychiatry Psychiatry Competence Competence State of mind State of mind profiling profiling

7. Locard Exchange Principle When two objects come into contact, material is exchanged.

8. Expert witnesses Allowed to offer an opinion during testimony 1923 Frye Standard (general acceptance) 1993 Daubert Standard

9. Daubert vs Merrell Dow morning sickness drug caused birth defects morning sickness drug caused birth defects plantiffs had many experts plantiffs had many experts court ruled against the experts saying the methods were not generally accepted within the profession court ruled against the experts saying the methods were not generally accepted within the profession

10. Daubert standards Judge determines who is an expert: Judge determines who is an expert: A) Has the expert’s scientific method been tested? A) Has the expert’s scientific method been tested? B) Has the expert’s method been the subject of peer review and testing B) Has the expert’s method been the subject of peer review and testing C) What is the actual or potential rate of error? C) What is the actual or potential rate of error? D) do other scientists generally accept the expert’s methods? D) do other scientists generally accept the expert’s methods?

11. Who runs forensic labs? privatePolice coroner/medical examiner stateuniversity Secret Service FBIATF

12. What keeps crime labs the busiest? 1. Drugs 2. DNA