Forensic ScienceAn Introduction…

What is Forensic Science?

• Forensic science is the application of science to law.

• The fundamental principle of forensics comes from Edmond Locard (early 1900s):• “Whenever two objects come in contact, there is always a transfer of material.”

Forensics incorporates…• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and

Geology• Ballistics• Odontology• Pathology• Entomology• Palynology• Polygraphy• Toxicology

Criminal Law vs Civil Law

Civil Law• Deals w/ relationships between individuals•Ex. Contracts, wills, marriages, divorces, property transfers, products w/ hidden hazards.

• Concerned with establishing blame.• Only requires a “preponderance of evidence”• Judge renders verdict• Penalties = fines and/or transfer of property.

Criminal Law vs Civil Law

Criminal Law• Comes from medieval England,

“King’s Peace”• Crimes that are offensive to society.• Three categories: • Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies.

• Jury renders verdict.

The Miranda Rights

• Come from Miranda vs Arizona (1966)• Ernesto Miranda committed armed

robbery, then kidnapped and raped a teenage girl.• Was never offered counsel or told he

can remain silent.• Self-incriminated and found guilty. • Appealed and case went to Supreme

Court.• Result was the Miranda Rights:

Miranda Rights

Infractions• Minor offenses• Almost always result in a fine or

community service.•Examples: Most traffic violations, jaywalking, littering.

Misdemeanors• More serious crimes than infractions.• Up to 1 year of jail time possible.• Fines between $250 - $2,500•Examples: shoplifting, trespassing, simple assault, prostitution, DWI (first offense).

Felonies• The most serious crimes.• Always a grand jury hearing first.• Fines of up to $100,000 per offense.• Five years to life (or death) in jail.•Examples: arson, rape, burglary, homicide, manslaughter, robbery, grand theft auto, etc.

The Death Penalty• 32 states have the death penalty as an option.• NJ abolished the death penalty December 17,

2007 (one of Gov. Corzine’s last actions as governor)• NJ has executed 361 people, but none since

1976.• There were 8 people on death row at the time

it was abolished, including Jesse Timmendequas, whose crimes led to Megan’s Law.• Megan Kanka