Forensic Science

What is the relationship between science and the

law?

Discuss the functions of the forensic crime lab

Understand key contributions to the evolution of forensic science

Define the role of the forensic scientist

Discus the various types of law and the difference in admissability of evidence

Forensic Science

Forensic science: the interactions of science and the law

Vocabulary

Anthropology: study of the human race, including physical features

Psychiatry: dealing with mental disorders

Odontology: dealing with the anatomy and physiology of the teeth

Pathology: the study of disease and conditions of the body

Entomology: study of insects

Palynology: study of pollen and spores

Ballistics: study of trajectory of an object

Ballistics

Jobs in Crime lab

Most done by police officers

Only call state lab for murder

May use civilians for Chemistry Medical examiner

Crime Labs

State crime lab

Large cities have labs

Post office

FBI has largest crime lab

DEA

ATF

US fish and wildlife

A forensic scientist may….

Have a degree in the sciences

Have an advanced degree in Forensic Science

Work in the police force

Law

US Constitution overrules laws of individual states

Bill of Rights: 1st 10 amendments to the Constitution 1. Freedom of religion 2. The Right to bear arms 3. Protection from housing troops 4. Protection from unreasonable search and seizure 5. Due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination 6. Trial by jury, speedy, rights of the accused (criminal)

7. civil 8. Prohibit excessive bail and cruel, unusual

punishment Protection of Rights of 9. people 10. States

Law

Statutory law: law that starts as a bill, signed into law

Common law: set by precedent in court. Clears up the written law

Law

Civil v. criminal law Civil: deals with contracts, custody, divorce Criminal: crimes against a person (robbery, assault,

murder)

Civil: can be filed by anyone (person, organization) Criminal: district attorney

Civil: punishment: fine Criminal: punishment: probation to death penalty

Misdemeanor: minor crime up to 1 year in prison Felony: major crime: up to death penalty

Marijuana law

DECRIMINALIZED: for people over 18 to

possess less than an ounce or marijuana.

Used to be a misdemeanor, now get “violation”

Anti-bullying law

Define bullying: Repeated Power imbalance

Teachers, nurses, bus drivers: mandated reporters

School must have written plan of action

Steps in pursuit of justice

Arrest: may be first or may happen later

Booking: photo, fingerprint

Arraignment: charges explained, enter plea: 72 hours Guilty: hearing before judge for sentencing Not guilty: evidenciary hearing before judge or before: TRIAL

Grand jury: decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial. In murder trial always get grand jury

Court : trial goes to court

Miranda Rights

Right to remain silent

2. Anything you do or say may be used against you in the court of law

3. You have right to consult an attorney before speaking to police and have an attorney present

4. If you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed to you

5. If you decide to answer questions without an attorney present, you still have right to stop at anytime until you talk to an attorney

6. Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer my questions without an attorney present?

Arrest & Booking

Arraignment

Locard principle

Every contact leaves a trace

Whenever two objects come into contact, there is always a transfer of material.

He believed: a criminal could be connected to a crime by trace evidence

Foundation of forensic science

Evidence

Frye standard: General acceptance in the scientific field Jury decide how much value it has in court

Daubert standard: Must be testable Must have undergone peer review (acceptance by scientists

in the field) Scientist must give the rate of error (to the court, jury) JUDGE decides if evidence meets the criteria (allow in court)