Fundamental Concepts in Forensic Science and Criminalistics

Fundamentals and Processing of Evidence (Evidencia)

  • Definition of Evidence (Evidencia): In Criminalistics, evidence is defined as any material element or piece of information that, after being located, documented, collected, preserved, and analyzed, can provide relevant information for the clarification of an event.
  • Sequential Stages for Handling Evidence:
    • Localization (Localización): Pinpointing and identifying the material element or information.
    • Documentation (Documentación): Formally recording and documenting the location, state, and characteristics of the element.
    • Collection (Recolección): Safely gathering the material element or data from the scene.
    • Preservation (Preservación): Safeguarding and maintaining the integrity and state of the evidence.
    • Analysis (Análisis): Examining and evaluating the collected material through scientific methods.

Qualifications and Function of the Forensic Expert (Perito)

  • Definition of a Forensic Expert (Perito): A qualified professional possessing specialized knowledge, practical experience, and formal technical or scientific background in a specific subject matter.
  • Scope of Intervention:
    • Examination, Analysis, and Interpretation: Examining, analyzing, and interpreting physical or informational elements connected to an event.
    • Technical Opinion: Formulating and issuing a well-founded technical opinion (opinión técnica fundamentada) based on specialized evaluation.

Structure of the Investigation Case File (Carpeta de Investigación)

  • Definition of the Case File (Carpeta de investigación): The organized set of records, documents, data, interviews, reports, expert opinions, and other elements generated or gathered during the investigation of a potentially delictual event (hecho posiblemente delictivo).
  • Essential Components:
    • Records (Registros): Official entries and logs of investigative activities.
    • Documents (Documentos): Written, physical, or digital records collected during the inquiry.
    • Data (Datos): Factual and objective information recaved throughout the process.
    • Interviews (Entrevistas): Statements and testimonial accounts collected from relevant individuals.
    • Reports (Informes): Narrative updates and official accountings provided by investigating authorities.
    • Expert Reports (Dictámenes): Scientific and technical determinations rendered by expert professionals.
    • Other Elements: Any further evidence or items gathered while investigating the potentially unlawful act.

Characteristics and Scope of the Expert Report (Dictamen Pericial)

  • Definition of an Expert Report (Dictamen pericial): A technical and scientific document prepared and authored by a forensic expert (perito).
  • Core Contents and Purpose:
    • Results of Analysis: Detailed findings stemming from specialized analysis, research, or scientific studies.
    • Conclusive Findings: Technical conclusions derived directly from the examination of clues/indications (indicios), physical evidence (evidencias), or analyzed material elements (elementos examinados).