Forensic Science - Chapter 1: Justice and Science
Myths of forensic science
"forensic scientists solve cases" - they are part of the larger investigation "forensic science and criminology are the same thing" - criminology focuses on the social and human aspects of crime; forensic science applies the sciences to the law requiring an understanding of a science subject
What is the difference between accreditation and certification
-Accreditation: ASCLD/LAB, 396 labs in the US accredited, QA/QC, voluntary -Certification: written examination, proficiency testing, multiple disciplinary organizations
Forensic Scientist's day in court
-analysis->report->subpoena -voir dire: background, training, experience -direct examination: lay foundation for the admissibility of the evidence in question -Cross examination: discredit witness or evidence -Re-direct/Re-cross
Ethics
-no one code of ethics, the american academy of forensic sciences -Difference of opinion =/ unethical: present and defend -Bias: prosecutorial bias, report results as they are -North Carolina vs. Michael Peterson
What is the difference between a forensic generalist and a forensic specialist?
A forensic specialist has a specialized topic that they know about such as biology or chemistry
Examples of specialists
Biology - DNA typing, microbiology Chemistry - toxicology, death investigation, trace evidence Anthropology - buried body recovery, biological profile Entomology - time since death
Civil Cases
Individuals - patent infringement, preponderance of evidence (51%)
Bias in forensic science
a forensic scientist's primary responsibility is to perform scientific analyses and report their results regardless of how the results might help or hurt their agency
Scientific Process of Data - Reproducibility
anyone who repeated the experiments should obtain comparable results
How to prevent bias in forensic science
avoid contextual information about the case or suspect; practice sequential unmasking of information regarding the investigation
NAS Report
congress directed the national academy of sciences to determine improvements needed to strengthen forensic science
Scientific Process of Data - Peer Review
data and methods should be clearly stated so that others can evaluate it
Jurisdictions
different legal rules and procedures
Criminal Cases
government and individual - violation of criminal laws (felony/misdemeanor), guilty beyond a reasonable doubt (99%)
Scientific Process of Data - Falsifiable
if scientific findings are incorrect, they are clearly stated as false
