Forensic Science: The Use Of Evidence In Incident Cases

Moreover, the feature correlates what governs the use of evidence, and how civil and criminal trials work. There are two types of evidence the first being direct, which provides “information that is beyond reasonable doubt.” The second, circumstantial, which may suggest proof, but does not absolutely prove something. The acceptable criminal evidence “provides

Edmond Locard (1877-1966) was a French scientist specialised in both medicine and law. Inspired by the work of Hans Gross, it was Edmond that created the concept that all objects of any material should leave traces of itself upon whatever it touches, even if it is the minutest amount, simply put as “Every Contact leaves a trace,” Locard (1923). This is commonly known as Locard’s Exchange Principle. He believed that in circumstances such as a crime, his principle could be used to find evidence of who and perhaps even how that crime was committed by finding small materials, either physical or chemical at the scene of the crime that would directly link back to the offender.

Forensic science and law are often seen as two opposing disciplines; forensic science is often presumed to be factual and law can be interpreted in multiple ways. Science and law reach conclusions in different ways which is an issue. Due to these differences, miscommunication is often the cause for miscarriages of justice. In order to address this problem, people working in the criminal justice system should have more knowledge of forensic science. There are many factors that contribute to the lack of understanding between forensic science and the people involved in the court process. Firstly, the adversarial model will be discussed in relation to how these procedures prevent effective communication between forensic evidence and lawyers. Secondly, the role that expert witnesses play in the presentation of scientific evidence and how jurors play a role in interpreting their evidence, will be considered. Thirdly it will be argued that lawyers and judges lack adequate knowledge of forensic science that is needed to conduct accurate trials. Lastly, possible solutions to improve the communication between forensic science and the actors involved in the criminal justice system. Juries, lawyers and judges should be more educated in understanding forensic science.

The evidence does not lie, a crime scene investigator and a forensic scientist uses solid physical evidence to process a crime scene to help detectives apprehend the assailant, these two fields of study work together to process a crime scene to gather all evidence that may help an detective to solve the case.

A crime scene investigator is responsible for multipart crime scene investigations, evaluation of the crime scene, various types of equipment along with developing, securing, and packaging physical evidence for scientific evaluation and comparison (U.S. Department, 2007). Detailed reports on the observations and activities at the scene next to testimonies in court regarding the findings and processing methods used at the scene are also conducted by the investigator (U.S. Department, 2007). The greatest challenge of this position is to apply scientific expertise in crime scene evidence identification and processing with the ultimate

According to Young and Ortmeier (2011), the forensic value of firearm and ballistics evidence is associated with the ability to link the firearm to the crime and the shooter. Markings and striations of the firearm on expended cartridge casings and projectile discovered at a crime are collected and compared to known bullets in a database of known firearm types and test-fired bullets. By checking these national databases, the firearm can be linked to several crimes or not connected to any crimes whatsoever. However, other evidence such as DNA and fingerprints can be linked to other crimes and therefore can link the person to the crime as well (Ortmeier, 2011).

I have always loved suspenseful whodunit television shows, movies, and books that use forensic science to crack the cases. My favorite television show is The First 48, my favorite movie is The Silence of the Lambs, and my favorite book is The Body Farm. Therefore, I was excited to have the opportunity to take this course and learn even more about the subject of forensics. This essay gives a summary of N. E. Genge’s book, The Forensic Casebook: The Science of Crime Scene Investigation, and includes the things I disliked and liked about the book.

The scientific examination of evidence in criminal cases found in a crime scene is called forensic science. Forensic scientists use the same technology, tools and methods used by other scientists doing other types of research, including microscopes, computers, and lasers. As forensic science has advanced over the years, so has the ability to gather evidence and solve crimes. At crime scenes, lasers provide lighting to track blood sample that not visible to the naked eye. Forensic imaging technology is technology that lets the first responding local police department or crime scene investigators immediately send a photo or fingerprint image to a central database for identification. Computers can enhance pictures taken by a camera and use features like the facial recognition software to clearly identify blurred images. Lasers can also vaporize small portions of paint specimens to determine the exact paint used on a car in a hit-and- run case(How Forensics Work). Although this science has been used for years, wrongful convictions have brought to the attention that forensic science has been faulty for decades. The chilling truth is that forensic science has contributed to convicting innocent people over the decades and will continue to do so if the normality continues.

The forensic experts are able to determine if someone faked a signature or tried to impersonate someone. The most common use of forensic science is to investigate criminal cases involving a victim, such as assault, robbery, murder, rape, or kidnapping. There are many zones of forensics. This includes general crime scene investigation,

Forensic scientists break down non-natural trace evidence found at crime scenes with a specific end goal to recognize obscure materials and match tests to known substances. They additionally investigate medications/controlled substances taken from scenes and individuals keeping in mind the end goal to distinguish and once in a while evaluate these materials. Working in a lab, they run tests on tests gathered by specialists. They utilize a mixed bag of methods, including microscopy, optical examination, (for example, UV, infrared, X-beam), gas chromatography and different advances. They deliberately record their discoveries and compose reports that are utilized to bolster criminal examinations. Measurable scientific

Autopsies and post-mortem examinations range back to the 2nd century. Throughout the years, autopsies became more accurate with the advancement of technology. As technology advances, the need for autopsies is questioned. The most useful tool in the examination of the deceased is Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT). Computed tomography is an imaging procedure that creates detailed scans and pictures of the body. There is currently a debate on whether PMCTs will make the need for a forensic autopsy extinct. Several experiments and case studies have been done on this topic. The most common outcome for studies comparing the two concludes that PMCTs should not replace the need for autopsies, but instead should be used with autopsies when finding

Today, more than ever, the quality of evidence in criminal cases is scrutinized because of contamination. Contamination is the introduction of something that physically corrupts a substance at a crime scene that was not previously there; it comes in many forms and most often times comes from the humans who investigate a crime scene. It is imperative that prevention of cross-contamination is implemented when gathering evidence. Several of the more sensitive forensic techniques such as trace analysis, bloodspatter interpretation, and DNA comparison are not being used to their fullest potential. Items of physical crime scene evidence are not always visible to the naked eye and may be easily overlooked so deliberate and methodical approach to collection and preservation of evidence is essential. Prosecutors have lost cases due to crime scene contamination; this could be prevented by simple and productive behaviors. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a leading case on physical evidence, stated:

2. While the Forensic Scientist will take that evidence and analyze it to find the matter of death, time and piece the clues together that are important to find the suspect. They analyze all evidence does not have to be a case involving death. As well as there are many types of forensic science fields.

When it comes to convicting someone it is necessary to have the most accurate form of the evidence presented before a judge or jury. The reliability of the evidence and its analysis is almost never brought into question due to strict guidelines on quality control and storing. In the Canadian judicial system, the use of forensic evidence is essential in determining the guilt or innocence of an accused person because it reduces errors in the sampling, testing and handling stages of evidence.

Forensic Science is the application of scientific methods to matters involving the public or application of science in legal matters. Forensic science is synonymously also called as Medical jurisprudence. Forensic skies uses highly developed scientifically sound technologies to understand scientific evidence. Modern forensic science may be used for