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Chapter 1 Overview of The Course
Forensic Science (CHEM1118)
Fairleigh Dickinson University
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Chapter 1
Forensic ● Pertaining to, or connected with, courts of law or public debate Science ● Knowledge of the physical world gained through observation and experimentation Forensic Science ● Application of natural sciences to matters of law Forensic Science Has Many Fields ● Forensic Odontology ● Forensic Anthropology ● Forensic Toxicology: Drugs in the system ● Forensic Biology ● Forensic Chemistry ● Trace Analysis ● Ballistics ● Impression Analysis ● Question Documents ● Forensic Photography The Forensic Laboratory ● Federal ○ 1 ○ 2 ○ 3 ○ 4 ● State Systems ○ Regional NJ E/S/Central Labs ○ Centralized CT ○ Combination NY ● County ○ Union County Prosecutors Office NJ ○ Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office NY The function of the forensic lab is to aid the criminal justice system in the pursuit of the “truth.” ● Aid the court in proving guilt or innocence.
● Answer basic questions as to whether or not a crime has been committed. who? what? when? where? ● Aid in the investigation. (Crime scenes) Functions of the Forensic Scientist ● A forensic scientist applied the principles and techniques of science to the analysis of evidence. Must use a Scientific Method ● Observation: Collect data ● Hypothesis: Reasonable explanation of data. ● Testing: Experiments to prove/disprove hypothesis. ● Theory: Verified hypothesis. Forensic scientists provide expert testimony in a court of law as an Expert Witness. ● Expert Witness: A person who can establish to the satisfaction of a trial hudge that they possess knowledge in a profession relevant to the trial that is not expected of the average person. ● In court, Qualifying questions are asked to demonstrate the expert’s ability and competence pertaining to the case. ● Opposing counsel can cross-examine .... Expert witness vs. Lay witness ● Expert: Called to evaluate evidence and give an opinion as to the significance of their results. ● Lay: Can only testify to events or observations from personal experience or knowledge. Cannot express an opinion. The Forensic Scientist ● Is an advocate of the “truth” ● Is unbiased ● Draws conclusions based only on the results obtained from the analysis of evidence submitted to the laboratory Physical Evidence in the Courtroom There are three standards for the admissibility of physical evidence in a court of law:
- Frye Rule (States choice)
- Rule 702 (Federal)
- Daubert Rule (States choice) Frye v. U.
Chapter 1 Overview of The Course
Course: Forensic Science (CHEM1118)
University: Fairleigh Dickinson University
