Roanoke College
Department of Public Affairs
Syllabus
Spring 2012
CJUS-215E
Criminal Justice Forensics
Instructor: David Clayton
Office: 378-5148 (Judi Pinckney)
mobile: 540-520-2588
Classroom: West 123
clayton@roanoke.edu
Office hours: Wednesdays 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – West 223
Class meetings: Wednesdays 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Textbook: Fisher, B. (2004) Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, (7th. Edition) New York,
NY, CRC Press, ISBN 0-8493-1691-X
Course Objectives
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary features of the forensic sciences. Students
will examine interrelationships between modern forensic science laboratories, law enforcement
agencies and the court system. Emphasis will be placed on crime scene investigations, which
encompasses collection, preservation, evaluation and interpretation of physical evidence.
Selected criminal case histories will provide practical and comprehensive understanding of the
various practitioners, institutions and decision-making points related to investigative and judicial
processes. Hands-on examination and processing of crime mock scene materials, utilizing
rudimentary investigative/forensic implements will be included in this course as time permits.
Students are cautioned in advance that in-class lectures, materials and characterizations
may be offensive to some; due to depiction/discussion of human anatomy, interpersonal
violence/ mutilation, sex crime modus operandi, race, ethnicity, social class/ culture,
religion, politics, extreme anti-social deviance, gender, homosexuality, ethics, morality and
raw human emotions – effort will be made to accommodate the various student tolerances
to such material.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Detail the history of forensic science and examine the importance of forensic science.
 Identify, interpret and illustrate legal methods of evidence collection.
 Identify and describe evidence preservation methodology.
 Describe and demonstrate crime scene processing methodology.
 Evaluate admissibility guidelines for forensic evidence and predict their applications to
crime scene evidence.
 Describe and demonstrate forensic documentation techniques.
 Understand technological advances in forensic science and assess the positive and
negative outcomes of the advances.
Course Requirements
Quizzes/Examinations
Quizzes: short answer questions prepared exclusively from the textbook will be given week 3
(02/01/12) and week 11 (03/28/12)
Midterm: (02/22/12, 6-9 PM) short-answer questions prepared from the text and material
presented in class
Final: (04/25/12, 6-9 PM) short-answer questions prepared from the text and material
presented in class
Research Paper
An essay of eight pages, detailing historic and/or contemporary applications/perspectives of the
forensic sciences as related to criminal investigations and the justice system. The essay may
represent a general chronology of the development of the forensic sciences and the attendant
medico-legal ramifications, or, may focus on a specific forensic science discipline of particular
interest to the student. Research topics/objectives should be submitted for approval prior to
February 15, 2012. Completed research papers are due April 18, 2012, 2:00 PM. Research
papers should be submitted through Inquire to Turnitin.
Required writing resource: Scott, Gregory and S. Garrison. The Political Science Student Writer’s
Manual, 7th Ed. New York: Pearson-Longman, 2112, available at the bookstore or on reserve at
the library.
Weighted averages of quizzes, examinations and research paper
Quiz 1: 10% of final grade
Quiz 2: 10% of final grade
Research Paper 20% of final grade
Midterm: 30% of final grade
Final Exam: 30% of final grade
Text Reading Assignments
Reading assignments are designed to correspond with class lecture/discussion, therefore, it is
imperative that students read assigned material prior to class in order to optimize comprehension
and to permit effective class participation/discussion.
Class Format
Students will not be penalized for passive classroom demeanor; however, verbally demonstrating
comprehension can aid the instructor to more accurately grade tests and essays. Each class
session will feature selected text material and will typically include a non-text criminal case study
to illustrate interesting and practical applications of the forensic sciences. As time permits,
students will examine/process items for latent fingerprints and collect inked fingerprints necessary
to determine identity and pattern/classification types.
Attendance
Regular class attendance is encouraged. Be assured, students will not succeed in this course if
classes are missed and they fall behind. Students will be dropped from class after three
unexcused absences. After the second and third absences, written notice will be will be provided
to the student; copy to: the student’s advisor, the registrar, and the Chair of the Public Affairs
department.
Make-up Exams
It is the student’s responsibility to arrange make-up exams (in advance when possible) for exams
not taken when scheduled. Make-up exams will not be taken during regularly scheduled class
times – substantial justification will be required.
Extra Credit
It is recommended that students commit all of their resources to completion of the ambitious
requisites of this course. There are no extra credit assignments.
Academic Integrity
Students enrolled in this class will be strictly accountable pursuant to the Roanoke College
academic integrity policy and other applicable policies contained in the Academic Catalog.
Office Hours
I will be available to meet individually with students by appointment, or during the one hour period
immediately preceding class. If a need to consult arises between class sessions, students may
phone me at the mobile number listed on page one.
Grading Formula
Grading Scale
93+ A
90-92 A87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-82 B77-79 C+
73-76 C
70-72 C67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D59 or less F
Weighted Percentages
Quiz 1
10%
Quiz 2
10%
Research Paper
20%
Midterm Exam
30%
Final Exam
30%
Total=100%
Example
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Research Paper
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Grade Earned
80
80
80
80
80
Calculation
(80x.1= 8)
8 points
(80x.1= 8)
8 points
(80x.2 16)
16 points
(80x.3=24)
24 points
(80x.3=24)
24 points
Total = 80 points (letter grade = B-)
Tentative Lecture and Class Schedule
Date
01/18/12
01/25/12
02/01/12
02/08/12
02/15/12
Chapter
1&2
3&4
5
6
8
02/22/12
Case Study
Footpath Murders – Landmark DNA Case
The Wilson Murder – Forensic Experts at Odds
Southside Strangler – Psychological Profiling/DNA/Serology, (Quiz 1)
The Disappearance of Helle Crafts – Multiple Forensics
The Blood Trail – Blood, Fiber, and Imprint Evidence
Midterm Exam (taken during regularly scheduled class period)
• Deadline for submission of research paper topics
02/29/12
7&9
03/07/12
Spring Break
03/14/12
03/21/12
03/28/12
04/04/12
04/11/12
04/18/12
10
11
12
13
14&15
16
04/25/12
Postal Mortem – Explosives and Document Evidence
The Magic Bullet – External and Terminal Ballistics
Charred Remains – Unidentified Deceased Investigation
(Quiz 2)
The Common Thread – Multiple Forensics
Missing Person – Blood Spatter Interpretation, Luminol
Insect Clues – Forensic Entomology
• Research papers due by 2:00 PM
Final Exam (6:00 to 9:00 PM) in assigned classroom
Electronic Devices
Cell phones and pagers must be turned off prior to entering the classroom or lab.
The use of any electronic device during a quiz or exam is strictly prohibited. This includes
PalmPilots, Pocket PCs, and Blackberrys. Any use of such devices during a quiz or exam will be
considered a breach of academic integrity. Basic handheld calculators may be used on quizzes
and exams only when authorized by the instructor by the instructor.
Special Academic Needs
Students on record with the College’s Special Services as having special academic or physical
needs requiring accommodations should discuss this with me as soon as possible.
Accommodations must be discussed before they can be implemented. Also, please note that
arrangements for extended times on exams and testing in a semi-private setting must be made at
least one week before the exams.
If you believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted Special
Services, contact the Office of Academic Services (x2247).