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.