Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics

✍ Scribed by Howard A. Harris, Henry C. Lee

• Publisher: Chapman & Hall/CRC Press
• Year: 2019
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 447
• Edition: 2
• Category: Library

✦ Table of Contents

Content: Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Preface to Second Edition
Acknowledgments
About the Book and Pedagogy
Authors
Contributors
1 Introduction
What is forensic science and what is its role in the justice system?
The role of forensic science
Definition of forensic science
The value of forensic science to society
A brief history of forensic science
Early applications of forensic science
Development of forensic science laboratories and professional organizations
The many faces of forensic science
Human biological and medical sciences Natural sciences-chemistry, biology, and physicsTechnology and engineering
Digital forensic examinations
often computer or processor related
Nature of forensic science and the scientific method
Applicability of scientific method to forensic science and investigation
Elements of forensic evidence analysis-the types of results forensic scientists produce
Evidence recognition
Classification-identification
Individualization
Reconstruction
Forensic ethical concerns and proper professional practice
Professional organizations and their functions Professional organizations and their codes of ethicsProfessional practice and ethical concerns of the organizations
Ethical responsibilities as scientists
Ethics and professional behavior for forensic scientists
Key terms
Review questions
Fill in/multiple choice
References and further readings
2 Physical evidence in the legal system
How physical evidence is produced
Change induced at a scene
Exchange of material upon contact
Deposits, dispersions, and residues
Damage, tears, cuts, breaks, and jigsaw matches
Imprints or indentations
Striations-dynamic marking Physical evidence-classification and usesIdentification of persons-victim, suspect, others
Establish linkages or exclusions
Develop modus operandi (MO), leads, and suspects
Provide suspects or investigative leads from forensic databases
Corroboration-credibility: supporting or disproving statements
Identification and analysis of substances or materials
Establishing a basis for a crime and criminal prosecution-corpus delicti
The physical evidence process
Recognition-critical portion of evidence process requires a trained observer
Documentation and marking for identification Collection, packaging, and preservationLaboratory analysis
Reporting and testimony
The criminal justice system and process-case flow
Trace the evidence pathway through the system
Investigative agency role
Adjudicative agency role
Importance of physical evidence, particularly scientific evidence
Scientific and technical evidence admissibility and the expert witness
Admissibility versus weight
Requirement of relevance and reliability
Daubert case
Key terms
Review questions
Fill in/multiple choice
References and further readings
3 Crime scene processing and analysis