Conducting a successful investigation is relatively important in solving a case. Through each of the components of the investigation, the tasks may vary; however, the end goal is moderately similar. Once a report has been made, the investigation has begun. Investigators take it upon themselves and their team to interact with the crime scene they see best fit. Crime scenes can accompany any given setting, terrain, and/or location. Therefore, there is an importance in how investigators conduct their investigation. The use of scientific knowledge solely applies to forensic investigators which is fairly important in a crime scene examination. According to Criminalistics, “forensic science is the application of science to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by the police agencies in a criminal justice system”. Applying scientific knowledge to a crime scene allows the investigator to have a greater understanding of the events that have occurred. However, forensic investigators can only perform their job well through a standard of properly recovered and preserved evidence.
The preservation of evidence at the crime scene is often the focus of the case. Through evidence, a connection can be made to link certain suspects to a crime. Locard exchange principle suggests when a criminal comes in contact with an object or person, a cross-transfer of evidence occurs. Evidently, the preservation of evidence begins with the first responding officer. First responding officers
Forensic Science is the process of finding evidence or material connected to the crime. When a crime is committed, police officers take over and secure the scene so if needed, special investigators can search the area to collect and transport evidence to the crime lab. In addition, forensic scientists work in laboratories, courtrooms, etc. But forensic scientists do not carry a weapon or have the authority to arrest someone, even if proven guilty. They research evidence connected to a crime scene to figure out and uncover who committed the crime. It is often used in cases like airplane crashes, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, crimes committed during the war and cause of sudden death (Funkhouser). Forensic science can
The popular television show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigations has been on the air for 12 years, and it has brought forth the behind-the-scenes actions of criminal investigations, even if its portrayals are not always scientifically accurate. This has caused an interest in the forensic sciences that has led most people to a skewed view of how a criminal investigation actually works. The reality of a criminal investigation is that it is generally more tedious and difficult than the theory of criminal investigation would have you believe. By examining the forensic and investigative procedures of the case of Pamela Foddrill, it is apparent that the theory of criminal investigation was not representative of the procedures concerning examination
Forensic science can be defined as the relationship between law and science; it answers the questions of how, why and who committed the crime, with the input of multiple actors. However, there are currently problems with
Its imperative to understand that crime scene investigation and forensic science are both similar fields of study. Both of these careers require a criminal justice degree and solely focus on the aftermath of a crime. The ultimate objective of both is to gather and analyze evidence to solve a crime. Each of these professions playing an integral role in the flow of analysis in the criminal justice system. By working together, an CSI examine the location and gather evidence at the scene and bring the evidence back to a forensic scientist to analyze. They both utilize the scientific and
One of the biggest legal challenges of crime scene investigations is whether federal or state procedural laws were followed correctly, failure to properly conduct procedural steps in the collection of evidence could result in the evidence being contaminated, altered, or if stored improperly it would result in the lost of evidence (Buckles, 2006, p. 29). Evidence that is not properly documented will not be admissible in court or if the evidence was obtained illegally meaning that the evidence was collected without a warrant when a warrant was needed the evidence will not be admissible in court therefore it is crucial for law enforcement and investigators to be familiar with the laws that govern crime scene investigations (Buckles, 2006, p.
Forensic scientists are important to the world of justice. Forensic scientists are tasked with the collection, preservation, and analysis of scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. An important aspect
The definition of forensic science is any scientific research, method, or theory used to analyze evidence in an attempt to solve legal cases (Cho). In recent years, there has been growing public interest in forensic science, arguably because of the numerous television programs that glamorize its practices. This phenomenon is part of what is known as the CSI effect, or the process through which devoted fans of popular crime dramas develop unrealistic notions of forensic science methods, practices, and their applications in real life cases (Mancini 544; Stevens 37; Ley, Jankowski, and Brewer 52). The CSI effect has had more negative impacts on forensic science and society than positive impacts, especially in regards to what goes on in the
Behind every court case there’s a train of forensic science evidence and research. Forensic science is the application of scientific principles of criminal justice. In many court cases a forensic scientists is the one on the scene collecting finger prints, photos, blood samples and other evidence. Unfortunately one of the controversial issues in the forensic world is the evidence and its lack of verification of its reliability. In the field of forensics there are issues in finding proof in generating conclusion, fundamental knowledge to solve problems, and the whole false memory defense in the court. These issues can be solved in many ways like extensive research, preparation and training. These issues
Forensic science is defined as the practice of utilizing scientific methodologies to clarify judicial inquiries. The field of forensic science contains a broad range of disciplines and has become a vital aspect of criminal investigations. Some forensic disciplines are laboratory-based; while others are based on an analyst’s interpretation of observable patterns (Kourtsounis, 2009). According to the Innocence project’s website; in greater than fifty percent of wrongful convictions, the use of invalidated or improper forensic techniques played a role in cases; which were later
After doing their job in he crime scene, the evidence they took will be taken to the forensic scientist. Crime scene investigators will look at the photographs and connect their theories based on the crime that occurred. The forensic scientists will also examine the victim’s clothes, while the medical examiner will analyze the victim’s body for more clues and evidence that they may find and they will all be doing this in the crime lab. The things they may find could be hair, fiber, semen, blood, another person’s DNA, bruises and many more. After the forensic scientists
The book gives a general overview of the field of forensic science. The sections of the book include “The Scene of the Crime; Working the Scene--The Evidence; Working the Scene of the Body Human;
The purpose of this project is to provide the reader of this paper with a descriptive analysis of an episode of Crime Scene Investigations (C.S.I.). The intent is to show what is provided by the television series of what happens in a crime and what is supposed to happen during a crime scene investigation. The reader should be able to understand during this analysis to what in fact is non-realistic in this television episode and what is reality as determined by what has been researched. This will show what really happens in a crime scene investigations lab.
Forensic science is a broad term that refers to the use of science or technology in a court room environment. Forensic science plays an important role in modern popular culture; the police procedural is highly dependent upon cutting-edge forensic science. Moreover, many people are aware of the impact of DNA testing on the modern criminal justice landscape. However, forensic science actually predates many modern scientific advances; almost as long as there have been controversies, there has been some type of forensic science.
Forensic science involves the use of science to solve criminal and civil crimes but mostly lies on the side of criminal investigations. It makes it possible to identify the criminals based on the DNA traces they leave behind. It involves analyses of blood, DNA and other evidences and later on uses the findings as evidence in the court of law. It helps in solving the various crimes in the world and this has been the greatest contributor to the growth of the sector. Cases that were previously considered impossible due to lack of evidenced tracing to the victim can now be solved using forensic science evidences. The essay aims at analyzing the different aspects of forensic science that are used in the process of solving criminal activities. It will also look at the different cases that forensic science was used to solve crimes in a court of law.
Locard’s Exchange Principles suggests that there is an exchange of particles, fibers, hairs, and other physical evidence when an individual makes contact with an individual or object (Muraskin & Roberts, 2009, p.35). This means that despite the crime a criminal will leave some trace of evidence that he or she was there and the crime scene should be controlled and examined immediately. Evidence is crucial to any investigation when a crime as occurred. The more physical evidence left at a crime scene the odds of finding their person of interest climbs significantly higher. This means the better chance for an arrest to be made and justice for the victims involved.