Forensic Science

Mathieu Orfila

“Father of toxicology”

Alphonse Bertillon

body measurements

Francis Galton

First to study fingerprints and classify them for filing

Calvin Goddard

Determined the comparison of bullets in guns (ballistics) using microscopy

Albert S. Osborn

Developed principles of document examination

Walter C. McCrone

Developed advances in microscopic

Hans Gross

“Founding Father” of criminal profiling

Edmond Locard

Pioneer in the use of the scientific method in criminal investigation

Forensic Pathology

Forensic Pathology

Forensic Anthropology

Examines human skeletal remains to help determine identity, age, sex, ancestry, and trauma.

Forensic Odontology

uses teeth and dental records for identification and analysis of bite marks.

Forensic Toxicology

Detects and identifies drugs, alcohol, poisons, and other chemicals in biological samples.

Forensic Ballistics

examines guns bullets cartridge cases and gunshot evidence.

Forensic Serology

Examines blood, semen, saliva, and other biological fluids.

Forensic Linguistics

Analyzes language and writing in legal investigations, such as threatening messages or disputed authorship.

Algor mortis

cooling of the body after death. Time: begins immediately; ~18–24 hours.

Rigor mortis

stiffening of the muscles after death. Time: begins 2–6 hours; fully developed around 12 hours.

Livor mortis

settling of blood in the lower parts of the body, causing purplishdiscoloration Time: begins 20 minutes–2 hours; becomes fixed around 8–12 hours.