1. Key Points for Starters: Jennifer, definitely bring me frozen yogurt with colorful sprinkles. I like chocolate flavor especially. Forensic Science-(def.) application of science to criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police and criminal justice system Anthropometry-distinguished individuals via body measurements; first system of personal identification (p. 9 of text)“…that cross-transfer of materials occurs when two objects come in contact with one another…”—Locard’s Exchange Principle Jasmine stop talking behind my back

2. Key Points for Starters Basic Services of Full-Service Laboratories (Stop talking Ariel) • Pnysical Science Unit-applies chemistry, physics, geology to identification and comparison of crime-scene evidence; encompasses use of chemical tests and analytical instrumentation • Biology Unit-consists of biologists and biochemists; they perform DNA profiling via dried blood stains, other body fluids, hairs and fibers, etc. Benny what’s up? “Benny” is definitely better than “Ben” • Firearms Unit-examines firearms, bullets, cartridge cases, all types of ammunition , and their connection with objects/clothing • Document Examination Unit- studies hand written and typed documents under question; look for erasures, burned documents, analyze the type of ink/paper • Photography –photographic means of examining and also recording physical evidence; use of special techniques such as making invisible information become visible through normal vision. Gabby I’ll need you to fix my itunes later…

3. Figure 1-10 (p. 21) • Indented Handwriting • Type of Handwriting • Licking the Envelope=Saliva Residue=DNA • Paper Examination-ID the manufacturer • Fingerprints-ID the fingerprints via chemical developing techniques What you really didn’t know: that the letter was actually signed “XOXO Gossipgirl” in tiny, unreadable font —yes she sent the anthrax letters, it was her…I know, scandalous.

4. Optional Services Provided by Full-Service Crime Laboratories • Toxicology unit: presence/absence of drugs and poisons • Latent fingerprinting unit: examines evidence for latent fingerprints • Polygraph unit: lie detector test • Voiceprint analysis unit: tracking a voice to person • Crime-Scene Investigation Unit: collection and preservation of evidence from the crime scene • Forensic Psychiatry: relationship between human behavior and legal proceedings • Forensic Odontology: dental evidence (usu. Used when victim’s body is unidentifiable. • Forensic Engineering: failure analysis, accidence reconstruction, causes and origins of fires/explosions • Forensic Computer and Digital Analysis: preserving this type of evidence Didi, why did you switch into my class??? Same question for the other new students…Oh well it’s not my fault you’re stuck with me the rest of the year! Best wishes… … … xoxogossipgirl

5. Dr. Coppolino’s Deadly House Calls (pp.27-28) • Things to think about: • Conflicting findings (poisoning versus strangulation) • Traceability of drug…“digging deeper” • Thus use of logic, physiology, chemistry, and biology (most all the scientific disciplines!) • Science and the Law • Agreement? Conflict? • New scientific method versus the law: what if some scientists don’t agree with the new method used? Ans.: In this case it was ruled that “it doesn’t matter by law since the method will prove the point that is under question”.

6. Four Major Reasons for Increase in Crime Laboratories • Requirement to inform /advise criminal suspects of their constitutional rights and their right to immediate access to counsel does not help in the suspect’s will to confess • Increase in crime rates in the U.S. • All drug seizures must first be sent to a forensic laboratory for confirmatory chemical analysis before case can be taken to court • DNA Profiling

7. Analyzing Physical Evidence • Forensic scientist must be skilled in applying the knowledge (principles and techniques of physical and natural sciences) to many types of physical evidence. • Three major types of evidence: Confessions, Eye-witness account, physical evidence (free of error or bias) • Scientists use the scientific method for collecting, organizing, analyzing • Validity of a newer method must accord with rulings in older, related cases and must be associated with “general acceptance” • some courts use this still, but federal courts say: “general acceptance” is not always an absolute prerequisite;

8. Detection of Curare in Jascalevich Murder Trial (pp.36-37) • Things to think about: • Detection and identification! Always a central theme you’ll notice. • The biological factors in a specimen , i.e. human tissue • Break down and/or interaction with drugs; what happens over time (esp. long periods of time!)? Thus also… • The nature of a drug/chemical; partial (chemical) or total decomposition • Interaction with and thus effect of other species or agents (i.e. bacteria or embalming fluids) with evidence (i.e. the specimen under study)