Introduction to Forensics

It’s All About the Connections

Physics

Engineering

Biology

Mathematics

Forensic Science

Law

Technology

Chemistry

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

• Pathology

• Fingerprints

• Toxicology

• Entomology

• Anthropology

• Botany

• Odontology

Branches of Forensics• Serology• DNA electrophoresis• Document examination• Impression evidence

– Tool marks– Tire prints– Shoe prints

• Computer analysis• Arson

Branches of Forensics

• Profiling• Environmental forensics• Wildlife forensics• Firearms/Ballistics• Trace Evidence

– Hair– Fibers– Soil– glass

• Engineering

Branches of Forensics

• 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?

PrivatePoliceCoroner/ medical examinerStateUniversitySecret ServiceFBIATF

What keeps crime labs the busiest?

1. Drugs

2. DNA