Chp 1 Supplementary Questions.docx (1)

Forensic Science Introduction

Definition of Forensic Science

  • The application of science to law is termed forensic science.

Historical Figures in Forensic Science

  • Sherlock Holmes: Inspired a generation of forensic scientists and criminal investigators.

  • Alphonse Bertillion: First devised a system of personal identification using body measurements.

  • Henry Galton: Developed the first statistical study proving the uniqueness of fingerprints.

  • Dr. Leone Lattes: Created the first workable procedure for typing dried bloodstains.

  • Calvin Goddard: Developed the comparison microscope, essential for firearms examination.

  • Albert S. Osborn: Associated with early scientific principles in document examination.

  • Hans Gross: Advocated the application of science to criminal investigations.

  • Edmond Locard: Established the principle of transfer of evidence; directed one of the first functional crime labs in Lyons, France.

Forensic Laboratories

  • First U.S. Forensic Laboratory: Established in 1923 by the Los Angeles Police Department.

  • California: Example of a state with integrated regional and satellite laboratories.

  • British Crime Laboratory System: National system of regional laboratories, unlike the U.S. decentralized system.

Expansion of Crime Laboratory Services

  • The increasing demand for drug analyses is a critical factor in the expansion of crime lab services in the U.S.

  • Important federal agencies providing forensic services include:

    • FBI

    • Drug Enforcement Administration

    • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

    • U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Crime Laboratory Units

  • The U.S. has a decentralized crime laboratory system across various levels of government (federal, state, county, municipal).

Types of Units in Crime Laboratories

  • Physical Science Unit: Application of chemistry, physics, and geology to evidence identification and comparison.

  • Biology Unit: Examination of blood, hairs, fibers, and botanical materials.

  • Firearms Unit: Examines bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition.

  • Toxicology Unit: Studies body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons.

  • Crime-Scene Investigation Unit: Sends trained personnel to crime scenes to collect evidence.

Legal Standards in Forensic Science

  • Frye v. United States: Established the "general acceptance" principle for scientific evidence admissibility in court.

  • Daubert v. Merrell: Supreme Court ruled that trial judges do not solely rely on "general acceptance" for admissibility of scientific tests.

  • Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael: Expanded trial judge discretion beyond scientific testimony.

  • Coppolino v. State: A Florida case highlighting the trial judge's flexibility in scientific inquiry.

Role of Expert Witnesses

  • An expert witness possesses specialized skills or knowledge to assist the court.

  • The demeanor of an expert witness can significantly impact the weight given to their testimony.

  • Expert witness testimony may include personal opinions based on studies or examinations.

Importance of Training

  • The ability of investigators to collect and recognize crime-scene evidence effectively is reliant on the training received from crime laboratories.