Forensics Chapter One

Forensic Science

Any science applied to the law.

Science of Association

Emphasis on science in forensic investigations.

Scientific Method

Principles of biology, chemistry, and physics used in forensic analysis.

CSI Effect

Jurors influenced by crime shows, believing forensic scientists are inadequate.

Mattieu Orfila

Known as the "Father of Toxicology" for his contributions to the field.

LaFarge Case

A case where arsenic was undetected until Orfila's correct testing.

Alphonse Bertillion

Pioneer of anthropometry, the first to individualize suspects.

Francis Galton

Developed fingerprinting and its classification, alongside Henry Faulds.

Leon Lattes

First to perform ABO blood typing on dried bloodstains.

Karl Landsteiner

Developed the ABO blood typing system.

Calvin Goddard

Expert in forensic ballistics.

Albert Osborn

Known for document analysis in forensic science.

Walter McCrone

Expert in forensic microscopy.

Hans Gross

Judge who emphasized the use of forensics in law.

Edmond Locard

Proposed Locard's Exchange Principle, stating "Every contact leaves a trace."

First Crime Lab

Established in Los Angeles in 1923.

Largest Crime Lab

The FBI Lab, which handles extensive forensic analysis.

1960’s Boom

A period of rapid growth in forensic science and crime labs.

Accreditation

A set of standards that crime labs must follow, audited every four years.

ANAB

ANSI National Accreditation Board, an accrediting body for crime labs.

ISO 17025

International standard for testing and calibration laboratories.

National Academy of Sciences Report

2009 report with 13 recommendations for forensic science improvement.

Physical Sciences

A section in forensic science dealing with physical evidence.

Serology

The study of body fluids in forensic biology.

DNA

A critical component in forensic identification and analysis.

GSR

Gunshot residue, important in forensic ballistics.

Expert Witness

A witness with specialized knowledge who can provide opinions in court.

Voir Dire

The process of questioning potential expert witnesses.

Melendez Diaz v Massachusetts

A 2009 Supreme Court case regarding the confrontation of witnesses.

Frye Standard

Established in 1923, requires general acceptance of scientific evidence.

Daubert Standard

Established in 1993, sets criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence.

Federal Rules of Evidence

Rule 702 outlines criteria for expert testimony in federal cases.

Brady v Maryland

A case requiring prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence to the defense.