FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY - Introduction to the Forensic Sciences (Chapter 12)

Forensic Science

Knowledge based on scientific method used to investigate and establish facts in criminal and civil courts of law.

T/F Any systematic form of knowledge applied to legal issues can be called a forensic science

True

Technical specialties include:

• fingerprint identification

• questioned documents examination

• blood splatter analysis

• accident reconstruction

• photography

Scientific disciplines actively contributing to the growth of the forensic sciences:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Anthropology

• Engineering

Evidence

Any object or testimony offered as a basis for belief

Key element of evidence

Power to convince

Two main categories of evidence:

• Verbal (Testimonial)

• Physical

Demonstrative Evidence

Third category of evidence, did not originate with the event or crime

Verbal Evidence

Oral or written testimony from a witness about their own observations or knowledge

T/F The person who gives verbal evidence can only be an eyewitness, not a character witness.

False - Both are acceptable.

T/F The words within a document are verbal evidence, but the document itself is physical evidence.

True

Physical Evidence

Tangible evidence; material that can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted by scientific method

T/F Physical evidence may be substantial but not delicate (as in trace evidence)

False - It may be both.

Expert witness

Person who presents physical evidence in a court of law

Edmond Locard

French scientist trained in both medicine and law who introduced the concept of minute physical evidence now known as trace evidence

Locard’s Exchange Principle

Locard’s assertion that information is exchanged whenever two objects come into contact. This information is in dust, hair, dye, pollen, etc. that constantly transfer from surface to surface.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

Guiding theory of modern forensic science

Forensic

Adjective used for anything relating to, used in, or appropriate for courts of law, public discussion, argumentation, or debate

Science

Noun which encompasses the wide range of systematic methodologies used to increase understanding of the physical world

Forensics

Noun used to encompass all forensic sciences and technology