What is Forensics?
The application of science to law. In other words,
applying the knowledge and technology of science
to the definition and enforcement of laws.
Criminalist is another term for forensic scientist
History of Forensics
Limited Knowledge of anatomy and pathology
hampered the development of forensic science
until the late 1600’s, early 1700’s.
Late 1600’s people researched the nature of
fingerprints
Late 1700’s people researched toxicology
(poisons and their affect on animals)
Early 1800’s the microscope was developed
Mid-late 1800’s photography was used in
forensics
Anthropometry is used to distinguish one
individual from another – systematic
procedure which involved taking a series of
body measurements.
Using fingerprints to distinguish one
individual from another
Sherlock Holmes – not a real person…but
popularized scientific crime detection methods
Early 1900’s blood types were discovered and
document analysis accepted in court
1910 – Edmond Locard started a police laboratory
He came up with “Locard’s Exchange Principle”
which says, when two objects come into contact
with each other, a cross-transfer of materials
occurs.
Microscope advances
Knowledge about DNA
Computerized databases for fingerprints, bullets,
shell casings, and DNA
Example of the variety of
Scientific Disciplines involved
in Forensics
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Includes firsthand observations
Eyewitness accounts
Video
Confessions
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Indirect evidence that can be used to imply a
fact, but does not directly prove it.
Can be either Physical or Biological
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Impressions: fingerprints, footprints, shoe
prints, tire impressions, tool marks.
Fibers
Weapons
Bullets
Shell casings
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Body fluids
Hair
Plant parts
Natural fibers
DNA
More persuasive in court than physical
evidence
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Narrows an identity to a group of persons or
things.
ABO blood type
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Narrows the identity to a single person or
thing
Fingerprint
DNA