Introduction To Forensics (Chapter 1)

Definition of Forensic Science

Forensic Science is the application of science to criminal and civil law.

Ex. Police agencies and Criminal justice system

Who are Hans Gross?

First person to apply scientific principles to the field of criminal investigation

Who was Edmond Locard?

Locard's Exchange Principle

states that when a criminal comes in contact with an object or person, a cross-transfer of evidence occurs

Ex. DNA, bodily fluids, etc.

Crime Scene Units

team of people who specialize in specific lab services

Physical Science Unit

Uses chemistry, physics, and geology to identify and compare physical evidence

Biology Unit

Uses biological sciences to investigate blood samples, bodily fluids, hair, and fiber samples.

Ex. Forensic Pathologists

Document Unit

Utilizes handwriting analysis and other questioned document issues

Photographic Unit

Uses photography for recording an examining physical evidence

Computer Science

examination of digital evidence

What is the difference between observation and inference?

obervation: uses the 5 senses while inferences involves a judgment or assumption