Introduction to Forensics

Criminalistics

the scientific examination of physical evidence for legal purposes

Odontologist

studies teeth

pathologist

physician who studies diseases

Toxicology Unit

examines body fluids and organs for the presence of drugs and poisons

polygraph test

lie detector test

scientific method usually begins with

making observations

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory

Multidisciplinary means that Forensics

involves two or more subject areas

A biological unit may study

DNA, blood or bones

Firearms Unit (Ballistics)

Analyze guns, bullets, shells, gunpowder residues, tool marks

an entomologist

scientist who studies insects

Civil law is concerned with

rights and duties between individuals

examples of criminal law

Assault, murder, theft, criminal trespass, etc.

infraction

Minor violation of a rule or law, punishable by a fine

A misdemeanor could result in

heavy fines and potential jailtime

Felony

an offense, as murder or burglary, of graver character than those called misdemeanors, especially those commonly punished in the U.S. by imprisonment for more than a year.

Statutory Law

Law passed by the U.S. Congress or state legislatures

Common or Case Law

the body of law made up of judicial opinions and precedents

pleabargain

To plead guilty to a lesser crime to avoid court

Junk Science (Pseudoscience)

theories based on distorted, flawed, or untested hypotheses not derived from or tested by the scientific method

Frye Standard (1923)

the evidence in question must be "generally accepted" by the scientific community

Daubert Ruling (1993)

-Peer Reviewed and trusted science admissible in court
-Standard of care based on valid & reliable scientific evidence

Miranda Rights

Rights possessed by persons who are arrested by the police. (Remain silent, Attorney, etc.)

A forensic scientist

investigates crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence

Administrative Law

The body of law created by administrative agencies (in the form of rules, regulations, orders, and decisions) in order to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

A coroner

a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes

Edmond Locard

Father of the Crime Lab

Exchange Principle

Every contact leaves a trace - Edmond Locard 1910

FBI Crime Lab

largest crime lab in the world, established in 1932

DEA stands for

Drug Enforcement Agency

ATF stands for

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

Chemical evidence includes

fibers, glass, soil, gunpowder, metal, mineral, narcotics, drugs, paper, ink, cosmetics, paint, plastic, lubricants, fertilizer