(IFSCJ) Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminal Justice Module Overview

Introduction

Do you watch television crime shows and wonder if Forensic Science is realistically that efficient and perfect? Have you ever considered Forensic Science as a career you'd be interested in? This module will provide a brief introduction to Forensic Science, the history of Forensic Science, explain the different specialty areas of a forensic laboratory, and discuss the responsibilities of a Forensic Scientist. Forensic Science is such a rich and colorful applied science that is woven with both science and the law to provide information. It can both exonerate and incriminate through the use of time tested techniques and cutting edge technology. Jump right in and begin learning about this fascinating world of crime and intrigue, and how both are uncovered!

Essential Questions

  1. How have scientific discoveries influenced the development of forensics as it applies to the law?
  2. What different specialties and techniques are used in a crime lab to process evidence and report findings?
  3. What are the responsibilities of the Forensic Crime Lab and Forensic Scientist?

Key Terms

  1. Forensic Science - Application of scientific knowledge as it pertains to the law.
  2. Matthieu Orfila - Father of Toxicology.
  3. Alphose Bertillion - Father of Anthropometry.
  4. Francis Galton - Father of Fingerprinting.
  5. Calvin Goddard - Father of Ballistics, helped develop the comparison microscope and established the first crime lab in the US.
  6. Albert S. Osborn - Father of questioned documents.
  7. Edmond Locard- Established the "Principle of Exchange".
  8. Locard's Exchange Principle - Every crime leaves a trace of evidence that could link the crime and criminal. In his own words, "It is impossible for a criminal to act, especially considering the intensity of a crime, without leaving traces of his presence".
  9. Frye Standard - A test to determine the admissibility of scientific evidence. It provides that expert opinion based on a scientific technique is admissible only where the technique is generally accepted as reliable in the relevant scientific community.
  10. Daubert Ruling - Revision of the Frye Standard when expert scientific evidence is being presented. Daubert Ruling requires more rigorous application of the scientific method including hypothesis testing, estimates of error rates, peer-reviewed publication, and general acceptance.
  11. Forensic Entomology - The study of life cycles of insects that feed on the flesh of the dead, to establish time of death and occasionally identify chemicals present in a person's body at the time of death.
  12. Forensic Pathology - The branch of medical science that uses medical knowledge for legal purposes.
  13. DEA - Federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations.
  14. FBI- Federal Bureau of Investigation an agency of the Justice Department responsible for investigating violations of Federal laws.
  15. ATF - The law enforcement and tax collection agency of the Treasury Department that enforces federal laws concerning alcohol and tobacco products and firearms and explosives and arson.
  16. USPIS - United States Postal Inspection Service has a specialized crime lab which includes a Questioned Documents Unit, Fingerprint Unit, Physical Science Unit and a Digital Evidence Unit.
  17. Crime Lab - Is a scientific laboratory, using primarily forensic science for the purpose of examining evidence from criminal cases.
  18. Forensic Anthropology - Is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are in the advanced stages of decomposition. A forensic anthropologist can also assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable.
  19. Forensic Psychiatry - Is a sub-specialty of psychiatry and criminology. A forensic psychiatrist provides services; such as determination of competency to stand trial.
  20. Forensic Odontology - Is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence as part of a criminal case.
  21. Forensic Engineering - Is the investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing personal injury or damage to property.
  22. Deductive Reasoning - Is reasoning which constructs or evaluates deductive arguments. Deductive arguments are attempts to show that a conclusion necessarily follows from a set of premises.

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