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Transcript of Forensic Science currclickwatermark.currclick.com/pdf_previews/38201-sample.pdf · Simple Schooling...
Simple Schooling Forensic Science ©2010
2
“Forensic Science”
Is a Product of
TheSimpleHomeschool.comAnd
Simple Schooling
All contents copyright 2010 by The Simple Homeschool and Simple Schooling. All rights
reserved. The original purchaser does NOT have any resale rights to this digital media.
Original purchaser may print and copy these materials for their immediate family only. No
part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by
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preparing this book, and the information provided herein is provided "as is." The Simple
Homeschool and Simple Schooling make no representation or warranties with respect to the
accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and shall in no event be liable for any
loss or other damages.
Check out all our Interactive Unit Studies and courses at
our website.
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Simple Schooling Forensic Science ©2010
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“Forensic Science”
Table of Contents
Unit Page
1 What is Forensic Science 4
2 Intro to CSI 15
3 Intro to Death Investigation 26
4 Crime Scene Case Study 37
5 Documentation, Evidence, and Witnesses 48
6 Forensic Ballistics 60
7 Fingerprints 71
8 Introduction to DNA 82
9 Arson and Explosion Investigations 94
10 Trace Evidence 104
11 Death, Investigation, and Certification 115
12 The Autopsy 125
13 Entomology, Anthropology, and Odontology 136
14 Pharmacology and Toxicology 148
15 Drug Scheduling and Illegal Drugs 159
16 Prescription Drugs 169
17 Preliminary and Confirmatory Drug Testing 180
18 The Toxicology Report 192
19 The Legal System and Expert Testimony 203
20 Solving the Crime 213
Parent Guide 220
Sam
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Simple Schooling Forensic Science ©2010
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Unit One – What is Forensic Science
Everyone, at one time or another, has seen the science of forensics in
action. Most of the time people see this unique and interesting field
portrayed while watching TV, but few truly realize what forensic
science is or what a “forensic scientist” does and does not do.
Forensic science is a very broad term used to describe the methods
used to make sense of a criminal event. Literally speaking, forensics
comes from the Latin word forensis, which means “before the forum.”
The forum referred to here is the ancient Roman marketplace which
was used not only as a place to purchase things, but as a place for the
community to gather to conduct business.
If a person was accused of a crime they were brought before the
forum to present their case. Often the criminals would have
representatives, much like lawyers, to present their cases for them.
The art and science of public speaking, rhetoric, and logic were used
during this presentation and the person who made the best case won.
Today the term forensics is used to specifically pertain to the legal
system and Forensic science is the actual act of gathering and
interpreting that evidence. Then the evidence is presented to a jury
or judge in order to persuade them that an act has or has not taken
place.
Listed below are the many different forms that forensic science can
take, along with a brief explanation of each one.
Forensic Accounting – the forensic account will gather evidence
pertaining to accounting methods to try and figure out a money trail.
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This type of forensics is often used during tax audits or a criminal
investigation involving money hidden overseas.
Computer Forensics - the forensic computer specialist will find or
reconstruct digital media such as graphic images, files, or folders
contained on a hard drive or disc to use in the court as evidence. This
is a very common form of forensics and almost every case can expect
to involve some sort of digital reconstruction. For example, when
investigating a missing person, their e-mail and personal computer can
be accessed through a court order so information about a suspect can
be obtained.
Forensic Document Examination - this field deals mostly with
handwriting analysis and or establishing a “fingerprint” of sorts on a
printer or typewriter.
Forensic Dentistry – is used to establish identity for fire or drowning
victims, victims of natural or catastrophic disasters, or victims who are
no longer recognizable for any reason.
Forensic Economics – is used in personal injury cases where an accident
has cost a person benefits or actual pay. It can also be used to assess
business lost, future medical expenses, and future labor. Much of this
falls under the category of compensatory damages.
Forensic Engineering – is used to reconstruct buildings or mechanical
devices after malfunction or collapse to see if the design was flawed.
Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry – is used to evaluate defendants
or witnesses and establish that they are able to stand trial or deliver
testimony. It can also be used to determine a motive in some cases. It
is a subjective rather than objective science. That means that an
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expert’s opinion is used instead of factual data. These opinions will
almost always have a counter opinion presented in court which states
the exact opposite.
Forensic Anthropology – is used to reconstruct human or non-human
remains for the purpose of establishing a timeline or events.
Criminalistics or Crime Scene Investigation - is used to describe the
act of gathering physical evidence relating to any part of the crime at
hand. It can include, but is not limited to, fingerprints, blood, blood
spatter patterns, weapons, bullets, hair, fibers, paint, glass, and tire or
shoe tracks.
Forensic Serology – involves the analysis of bodily fluids collected
during a Criminalistics investigation. It can include blood, semen, saliva,
sweat for the purpose of identification of an individual involved in a
crime.
Forensic Biology – is a broad term used to describe a combination of
fields such as forensic anthropology, forensic dentistry, forensic
serology, forensic entomology, and forensic botany.
Forensic Entomology - is used to help determine the time and location
of death based on the type of insects found near, on, or in the body.
Forensic Pathology - is the use of an autopsy performed by a medical
examiner to determine specific cause of death and injury
identification. The end result is the signing and issuing of a death
certificate.
Forensic Toxicology - is the study, evaluation and identification of the
effects of poisons, chemicals, or drugs in and on the human body.
Sam
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