Forensic science pre mid-term topics

Forensic Science

The application of science to criminal and civil laws enforced by police agencies within the criminal justice system.

Mathieu Orfila

Recognized as the father of forensic toxicology.

Alphonse Bertillion

Developed the first scientific system of personal identification in 1879.

Francis Galton

Conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints.

Leone Lattes

Developed a procedure for determining blood type from dried bloodstains.

Calvin Goddard

Used a comparison microscope to determine if a particular gun fired a bullet.

Edmond Locard

Known for Locard's Exchange Principle, which states that cross-transfer of evidence occurs when a criminal contacts an object or person.

Documentation of Evidence

Blood spatter, tire marks, and fingerprints must be documented at a crime scene.

Collection of Evidence

Involves gathering discarded items by the perpetrator, such as weapons and fired bullets.

First Responders

Responsible for securing the crime scene, detaining suspects, and calling for additional personnel.

Autopsy

Examination of a body after death to determine the cause and manner of death.

Physical Evidence

Any object that can establish whether a crime has occurred or link a crime to its victim or perpetrator.

Types of Evidence

Common types include blood, documents, drugs, and fingerprints.

Psychological Dependence

Conditioned use of a drug due to emotional needs.

Physical Dependence

A physiological need for a drug, characterized by withdrawal symptoms.

Narcotics

Drugs that relieve pain by depressing the central nervous system.

Alcohol Absorption

Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes, reaching maximum levels before elimination.

Blood Alcohol Level Calculation

The elimination rate of alcohol is approximately 0.015 percent per hour.

Forensic Toxicology

The detection and identification of drugs and poisons in body fluids, tissues, and organs.

Linking Evidence

Physical evidence plays a crucial role in linking suspects to crimes.

Autopsy Objective

The primary goal is to determine the cause of death, which can include blunt force injury, sharp force injury, asphyxia, gunshot wound, or substance abuse.

Manner of Death

Circumstances leading to death classified into homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or undetermined.

Types of Drugs

Include narcotics, hallucinogens, stimulants, and depressants, each with distinct effects and dependencies.

Addiction

The desire to avoid withdrawal sickness leads to physical dependence or addiction.