CRJ 211 : Class Notes

Body as a Crime Scene

• A living victim can still be considered a crime scene, which might seem odd.

• They can have physical evidence that is crucial for identifying an attacker (e.g., bruising, DNA).

• Importance of careful evidence collection, including:

  • Photographs of injuries.

  • Fingernail clippings.

  • DNA swabs from the body (hands, face).

Treatment of Living vs. Deceased Victims

• Living victims must be treated with a sense of modesty and respect:

  • For instance, when dealing with a sexual assault victim, approach should remain sensitive (e.g., cover what can be covered).

• Deceased persons do not require the same level of modesty but still deserve respect.

• Evidence preservation must take priority over emotional needs (e.g., a hug from a family member isn't appropriate until evidence collection is complete).

Evidence Collection Concerns

• Minimal handling of victims until evidence like clothing or swabs is collected.

• Example of an attorney emphasizing preservation of evidence over comfort during processing.

Locard Exchange Principle

• Every contact leaves a trace; something is left behind, and something is taken away from that interaction.

• This principle is key in investigations, illustrating how suspects may inadvertently leave traces of evidence on victims.

Post-Mortem Changes and Evidence Collection

• Body changes after death:

  • Rigor mortis: stiffness occurring after death, affecting fingerprint collection.

  • Algor mortis: cooling of the body post-death, useful for estimating time of death (approximation can vary due to external conditions).

• Reliance on environment (e.g., checking milk expiration dates, phone logs) to establish time of death through external evidence is common.

Case Studies and Ethical Dilemmas

• Scenario demonstrating a deceased individual living with a decomposing body for days, complicating legal and ethical implications.

• The father's indifference raises questions about societal responsibilities and potential legal ramifications.

Signs of Death and Condition of the Body

• Condition examples:

  • Mummified bodies may not resemble typical human appearance due to decomposition.

  • Descriptions of conditions vary and include emotional reactions to decay (e.g., preference for cremation over decomposition).

Conclusion

• Overall, the examination of evidence, respect for victims, and ethical dilemmas in the field highlights the complexity of death investigations and the importance of evidence preservation.