The Science of Forensics

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the breakthroughs made in the field of forensics. The paper begins by providing an explanation of exactly what forensics is and its purpose. The paper then proceeds with a discussion on gathering and analyzing evidence from a crime scene and concludes that forensics make up an immense part of crime solving. Not only can the tools of forensics science help catch terrible criminals, but it can also set the innocent people free.

From the Paper:

"First, the scene must be carefully and thoroughly documented in order to preserve the site. Next, a time of death must be established by calculating the drop in body temperature. Once these steps have taken place, the evidence may begin to be collected. While completing all of these steps, the scientist is required to wear protective clothing, so that the scene will not become contaminated . Dr. Edmund Locard, an accomplished forensic scientist, made considerable advancements with his research on two-way transfer. Locard observed that, "Every contact leaves a trace."'

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dowswell, Paul. Investigating Murder Mysteries. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2004.
• Drell, Daniel. "Is DNA effective in identifying persons." 8 December 2006 <http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techreasources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml#2>.
• "Forensic Science." Gale Encyclopedia of Science, 3rd ed. 6 vols. Gale, 2004. Student Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 13 December 2006 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SRC>.
• Parker, Janice. Forgeries, Fingerprints, and Forensics. Austin: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2000.
• Pentland, Peter and Pennie Stoyles. Forensic Science. Australia: Chelsea House, 2002.

More papers on The Science of Forensics:

• Analytical Essay # 86787 : "The Analysis of Glass Fragments"
• Persuasive Essay # 116412 : "The Impact of a C.S.I. Forensic Education"
• Essay # 3735 : "The Problem of the Small Sample of Forensic DNA"

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