Download Forensics - Science2012-2013

Forensics
Phillip O Berry Academy of
Technology
Ms. Newsome
Case #2
Trash Tosser
T. Trimpe 2006 http://sciencespot.net/
An inconsiderate slob dumped trash on Rachel
Rabbit's lawn.
One of these two suspects is guilty. Slylock Fox found
evidence that may identify the loathsome litterbug.
What did Slylock observe to help him identify the trash tosser?
Hint: Notice the bones in the trash.
Source: http://www.slylockfox.com/arcade/BrainBogglers/index.html
Slylock found bones in the trash.
The bull is an herbivore and only eats
plants.
The raccoon is an omnivore and eats
both plants and animals. The raccoon
is the trash tosser.
What is Forensics?
• The study and application of science to
matters of law
• FORENSIC SCIENTISTS examine the
association among people, places,
things and events involved in a crime
FIVE Ws to Solving a Crime
• WHO was the victim
and/ or perpetrator
• WHAT happened
• WHEN did it happen
• WHERE did it
happen
• WHY did it happen
California
DNA Crime Lab
Departments Within a Crime Lab
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Physical Science
Biology
Ballistics
Document Examination
Photography
Toxicology and Drug Analysis
Fingerprints
Trace Evidence
Locard Principle
• “Whenever two objects
come into contact, there is
always a transfer of
material. The methods of
detection may not be
sensitive enough to
demonstrate this, or the
decay rate may be so rapid
that all evidence of transfer
has vanished after a given
time. Nonetheless, the
transfer has taken place.
Scientific Method
• Observe a problem or questioned evidence
and collect objective data
• Formulate a hypothesis
• Examine, test, and analyze to support or
refute the hypothesis
• Use deductive reasoning to make a
determination as to the significance of the
evidence
• Evaluate and verify all evidence
What’s being transferred?