Unit 1- intro to Forensics

Forensic Science

The application of scientific principles and techniques to investigate crimes and analyze evidence.

Criminalistics

A subfield of forensic science focused specifically on the physical evidence from crime scenes.

Role of Forensic Scientist

To collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during an investigation.

Major Fields of Science in Forensics

Biology, Chemistry, Physics.

Orfilia

Developed a test for the presence of blood; known as the "father of toxicology."

Henry Goddard

First to use physical analysis to connect a bullet to a murder weapon.

Doyle

Created Sherlock Holmes and studied medicine, contributing to forensic literature.

Bertillon

Pioneered the systemic use of photography in crime scenes and developed the Bertillon system for identification.

Galton

First to apply statistical methods to study human differences.

Gross

Australian criminologist known as the "father of criminal psychology."

Locard

Formulated the principle that "every contact leaves a trace," known as Locard's exchange principle.

Osborn

Recognized as the "father of questioned documents," published "Questioned Documents."

Lattes

First to develop a test for determining AB blood groups.

Pitchfork

The first person convicted based on DNA evidence in the UK.

CODIS

Combined DNA Index System created by the FBI for storing DNA profiles.

IAFIS

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Information System created by the FBI for fingerprint records.

NIBIN

National Integrated Ballistic Information Network created by ATF for ballistic evidence comparison.

Eurodac

A database for processing asylum cases and preventing border shopping.

CSI Effect

The phenomenon where jurors expect more forensic evidence in trials, raising the standard of proof.

Judge's Role

Determines what evidence is admissible in court.

Admissibility Standards

Daubert and Frye standards are used to assess scientific evidence.

Frye Decision

Relies on the scientific community to determine the reliability of evidence.

Daubert Decision

Empowers trial judges to assess the significance of scientific methodology.

Expert Witness

A professional who testifies in court based on their expertise, experience, and training.

Criminalistics

Scientific techniques for detecting and analyzing crime-related evidence.

Digital and Multimedia Forensics

Involves the analysis of stored digital evidence.

Engineering Forensics

Development of new equipment for forensic investigations.

Jurisprudence

The study of law and legal principles.

Odontology

The study of teeth and dental records in forensic contexts.

Pathology

The study of deceased individuals, often through autopsy.

Anthropology

The study of human bones in forensic investigations.

Psychiatry

The study of mental health and its implications in forensic cases.

Questioned Documents

Examination of documents such as checks and notes for authenticity.

Toxicology

The study of toxins, including drugs, in forensic science.

Edmond Locard

French criminologist who established the first crime lab.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

States that every contact leaves a trace, indicating the transfer of evidence.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for establishing facts through testing and experimentation in forensic science.

Independent Variable

The factor that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The factor that is observed or measured in an experiment.

Experimental Group

The group on which the experiment is performed.

Control Group

The group used for comparison that is not subjected to the experimental treatment.