Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law 1

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Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law 1

Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law 1

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Botany-examination of plant residue

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Botany-examination of plant residue or plant fragments, pollen, seeds and soil • Forensic Anthropology-identification of human skeletal remain to determine age, sex, race, injuries, cause and manner of death, and time of death. (duties may also include identify victims of mass disasters or those interred in mass graves 2

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Forensic Entomology-Application of the

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Forensic Entomology-Application of the life cycles of insects that feed on corpse to determine approximate time of death. Use of insect habitat to determine if a body had been moved • Forensic Odontology (forensic dentistry)-matches dental patterns with previous x-rays, dental casts, or photographs in order to identify an unknown corpse • Matches suspects teeth with bite mark on victim or food products left at a crime scene 3

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Forensic Pathologist-performs autopsy to

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Forensic Pathologist-performs autopsy to determine manner and cause of death, injuries inflicted, when and how the injuries were inflicted. • Compiles his information from police reports, suspects and eyewitness accounts, and medical records • Forensic Psychiatry-studies and analyzes the state of mind of perpetrators. Provides information about the sanity of criminal to determine their competence to stand trial, sign documents, or give informed medical consent. 4

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Serology- analyzes blood and

Introduction to evidence Circumstantial evidence Biological forensic science services • Serology- analyzes blood and other body fluids such as semen, and saliva. Blood typing, paternity testing, and DNA profiling are performed by serologist. • Toxicology-study of drugs and poison. Duties include: determining if drugs or poison is present both living and deceased. • Assess contribution of drugs or alcohol to aberrant behavior or death. • Identify confiscated drugs 5