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Introduction
What is Forensic Science?
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…..applies the knowledge and technology of science for
the definition and enforcement of criminal and civil law.
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……encompasses many scientific disciplines e.g..
Chemistry, biology, physics, geology etc.
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Role of the criminalist
must supply accurate and objective information that
reflects the events that occurred at the crime.
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A crime scene ready for analysis
Organization of a crime lab.
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4 major federal crime labs.
1. Federal Bureau of Investigation (Dept. of Justice).
2. Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratories
(Dept. of Justice).
3. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
(Dept. of Treasury).
4. U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Services of a Crime Lab.
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Physical Services Unit
Biology Unit
Firearms Unit
Document Examination Unit
Photography Unit
Optional Services
6. Toxicology Unit
7. Latent Fingerprint Unit
8. Polygraph Unit
9. Voiceprint Analysis Unit
10. Evidence Collection Unit
Other specialized forensic science
services.
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Pathology
Anthropology
Entomology
Psychiatry
Odontology
Engineering
Functions of a Forensic scientist.
1.
Apply the principles of the natural and physical sciences
to analysis of many types of evidence recovered from a
crime scene.
2.
Provide expert testimony in court.
3.
Participate in training of law enforcement personnel in
the proper recognition, collection and preservation of
physical evidence.
Admissibility of Evidence
Frye v. United States
Decision set the guidelines for determining
admissibility of scientific evidence
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
US Supreme court ruled that Frye Standard is not an
absolute requirement. Trial judges are ultimately
responsible as “gatekeepers” for admissibility and validity
of evidence.