Transcript Slide 1

Introduction to
Forensics
What it encompasses
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
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Toolmarks
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
Branches of Forensics
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Photography
Polygraphs
Audio specialists/Voiceprints
Video analysis
Psychiatry
Competence
 State of mind
 profiling
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Locard Exchange Principle
When two objects come into
contact, material is exchanged.
Expert witnesses
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Allowed to offer an opinion
during testimony
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1923 Frye Standard (general
acceptance)
1993 Daubert Standard
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Daubert vs Merrell Dow
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morning sickness drug caused
birth defects
plantiffs had many experts
court ruled against the experts
saying the methods were not
generally accepted within the
profession
Daubert standards
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Judge determines who is an expert:
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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?
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Who runs forensic labs?
private
Police
coroner/medical examiner
state
university
Secret Service
FBI
ATF
What keeps crime labs the
busiest?
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Drugs
DNA