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Introduction to Forensic Science Human Biology and Forensics September 28, 2011 What is Forensic Science? • Forensic comes from Latin word forensis: public; to the forum or public discussion • Today: forensic means belonging to, used in or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion or debate • Forensic science is science used in public, in a court or in the justice system. • Any science used for purpose of the law is a forensic science What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Involved in all aspects of criminal cases to serve defense or prosecution • Goal is evenhanded use of all available information to determine facts and therefore the truth What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Reduce number of cases by assisting decision makers before court • Provides information and expert opinion to investigators, attorneys, judges and juries • Work with police, deputies, attorneys, DEA, CIA, FBI, CSI What is a Forensic Scientist? • Scientist who applies scientific knowledge to assist juries, attorneys and judges in understanding science • They are – Good thinkers – Good with details – Good with putting pieces together – Curious How do you become a Forensic Scientist? • Bachelors Degree (at least) in science with chemistry, biology, math and English • Good note-taking skills • Good speaking skills • Ability to write a good report • Intellectual curiosity • Personal Integrity Where do Forensic Scientists Work? • • • • • • In labs At Crime Scenes In morgues Government Hospitals Universities Types of Forensic Science • Criminalistics – Analyze, compare, identify and interpret physical evidence – Two functions: • Indentify evidence • Link suspect, victim and crime scene – Physical evidence may be: hair, fibers, blood, glass, soil, bullets (anything left at the crime scene) What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Engineering Sciences – Apply art and science of engineering to the law – Accident reconstruction, origin of fires, etc. What do Forensic Scientists Do? • General – Lab investigation, field investigation, clinical work, communications, computer investigation, etc. – Examples: speech scientist, marine biologist, artist, polygraph examiner What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Jurisprudence – Lawyers and judges What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Odontology – Dental science used to identify unknown human remains and bite marks What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Pathology and Biology – Autopsy – Study disease – Examine tissues removed – What caused a person’s death – Circumstances surrounding death What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Biological Anthropology – Identify a skeleton – Killed in plane crashes, explosions, fires, mutilation of bodies What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Psychiatry and Behavioral Science – Criminal Profiling – Rehabilitation What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Questioned Documents – Forged Checks – Ransom notes What do Forensic Scientists Do? • Toxicology – Harmful effects of chemicals or drugs – Did illegal drugs or toxins contribute to person’s death