Transcript Introduction to Forensics

Introduction to Forensics
It’s All About the Connections
Mathematics
Physics
Engineering
Biology
Technology
Forensic
Science
Chemistry
Law
Anatomy/
Physiology
• It is one thing to show a man that he is
in error, and another to put him in
possession of truth.
» John Locke (1632-1704)
Forensics
Application of science to law
Branches of forensics
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Pathology
Fingerprints
Toxicology
Entomology
Anthropology
Botany
Odontology
Branches of Forensics
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Serology
DNA electrophoresis
Document examination
Impression evidence
– Tool marks
– Tire prints
– Shoe prints
• Computer analysis
• Arson
Branches of Forensics
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Profiling
Environmental forensics
Wildlife forensics
Firearms/Ballistics
Trace Evidence
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Hair
Fibers
Soil
glass
• Engineering
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Photography
Polygraphs
Audio specialists/Voiceprints
Video analysis
Psychiatry
– Competence
– State of mind
– Profiling
Locard Exchange Principle
When two objects come into contact,
material is exchanged.
• An expert is someone knowing more
and more about less and less,
eventually knowing everything about
nothing.
Attributed to Sir Bernard Spillsbury, MD
Expert witnesses
• Allowed to offer an opinion during
testimony
• 1923 Frye Standard (general acceptance)
• 1993 Daubert Standard
Daubert vs Merrell Dow
• Morning sickness drug caused birth
defects
• Plaintiffs had many experts
• Court ruled against the experts saying the
methods were not generally accepted
within the profession
Daubert standards
• Judge determines who is an expert:
• A) Has the expert’s scientific method been
tested?
• B) Has the expert’s method been the subject of
peer review and testing
• C) What is the actual or potential rate of error?
• D) Do other scientists generally accept the
expert’s methods?
• E) Technique must follow standards.
Who runs forensic labs?
Private
Police
Coroner/ medical examiner
State
University
Secret Service
FBI
ATF
What keeps crime labs the busiest?
1. Drugs
2. DNA