Introduction to Forensic Criminology:
What is the “New Forensic Science”?
(Visit webpage----www.sfponline.org/forensic criminology/“links” and click on the prompt for
“The New Forensics / NY Times”).
Plugging Holes in the Science of Forensics By HENRY FOUNTAIN
Task 1: Everyone will read the lead article by Henry Fountain, “Plugging Holes…”.
Task 2: Each group member will be assigned to read one of the 6 listed articles below and one of the case files. I
would suggest linking the case file with the science described in the preceding articles (ex. 1 and C, 2 and D, 3 and E, 4
and B, 5 and A, 6 and A)
Task 3: Type up to 2 pages on: What are the current technologies and techniques in forensic science
and what issues do some of them raise? How did the new science help solve a difficult case?
Feel free to add graphics, charts and/or graphs to help you share this information with your group. Extra credit:
research the internet and find an article or case that was solved by your assigned “new science” technology.
Incorporate it into your paper. Print it out and attach it to your paper.
*You will share your findings with your group members and submit a group packet at the end of
class.
1.
A Hit in School, Maggots and All By NATALIE ANGIER
2.
Judging Honesty by Words, Not Fidgets By BENEDICT CAREY
3.
Tracking Cyberspies Through the Web Wilderness By JOHN MARKOFF
4.
In a Lab, an Ever-Growing Database of DNA Profiles By SOLOMON MOORE
5.
The Marks of Childhood or the Marks of Abuse? By PERRI KLASS, M.D
6.
GRAPHIC: From
2-D Photo to 3-D Crime Scene
Case Files
a.
The Early Days of Toxicology: Poisonous Powder
B. Cold Case Is Closed by DNA Match: Green River Killer
C. The Truth, Revealed by Bugs: The Case of Brookey Lee West
D. Speech Patterns in Messages Betray a Killer
E. Audio Analysis: Getting a Jump on Gun Violence