Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics

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