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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 • • • • • • • 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? Private Police Coroner/ medical examiner State University Secret Service FBI ATF What keeps crime labs the busiest? 1. Drugs 2. DNA