Chapter 1: Introduction to Forensic Science

Criminalistics

• Definition: Branch of forensic science involving the collection and analysis of physical evidence from criminal activities.

• Examples: Drugs, firearms, fingerprints, blood, trace evidence.

Forensic Pathology

• Definition: Conducted by a medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death in suspicious cases.

• Involves: Autopsy or post-mortem examination.

Forensic Anthropology:

• Definition: Study of human skeletal remains to identify individuals without soft tissue features.

• Analyzes: Age, sex, height, and other characteristics.

Forensic Odontology:

• Also Known As: Forensic Dentistry.

• Involves: Identification of human remains using dental records, analysis of bite marks.

Forensic Engineering:

• Involves: Investigation and testing of materials, products, or structures that fail.

• Goal: Locate the cause of failure for legal cases or product improvement.

Toxicology:

• Definition: Chemical analysis of body fluids and tissues to detect drugs or poisons.

Behavioral Sciences:

• Involves: Forensic application of behavioral sciences like psychology and psychiatry.

• Applied to: Study human behavior in investigations and courtrooms.

Questioned Documents:

• Involves: Comparison of handwritten or typewritten documents to determine source or authenticity.

• Analysis: Papers, inks, erasures, forgeries, altered documents.

Digital Forensics:

• Involves: Collection, analysis, and preservation of electronic evidence.

• Techniques: Data recovery, password cracking, metadata analysis.

Forensic Entomology:

• Uses: Insects to estimate time of death.

• Analyzes: Predictable patterns of insect colonization.

Forensic Serology:

• Identifies and analyzes: Bodily fluids for connecting suspects to crime scenes.

International Forensic Cooperation:

• Importance: Sharing expertise and resources globally.

• Organizations: INTERPOL, standardization of forensic procedures.

Emerging Technologies:

• Examples: 3D printing, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in DNA analysis.

Ethical Considerations:

• Importance: Maintain objectivity, impartiality, and integrity in forensic work.

• Guidelines: Set by professional organizations like AAFS and IAI.

Case Studies:

• Examples: O.J. Simpson trial, Amanda Knox case, DNA evidence in cold cases.

Quality Control Measures:

• Importance: Ensures reliability of forensic analyses.

• Includes: Validation, proficiency testing, adherence to protocols.

Challenges in Forensic Science:

• Examples: Addressing biases, managing digital evidence, adapting to evolving technologies.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Importance: Collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and experts.

• Enhances: Overall investigative process.