Abstract
This paper looks at the evolution of the crime laboratory. Some of the advances in the last two decades have been: forensic photography and electronic imaging, fingerprints to DNA fingerprinting, ccounterfeit detection, toxicology, and CATCH software. All these have helped in advancing the fight against crime.

Abstract
This paper discusses the three major functions of a forensic scientist. The paper looks at the type of evidence to be retrieved from a deceased victim for examination in the crime laboratory. The paper also describes the proper collection and preservation of paint evidence from an automobile suspected of being involved in a hit-and-run incident.

From the Paper
"Criminalistics is the forensic science of analyzing and interpreting evidence. Forensic scientists examine and identify physical evidence to reconstruct a crime scene. Physical evidence can be a weapon, a piece of clothing, a bloodstain, semen, hair, skin, fibers, dust, pollen, dirt, etc. Criminalists try to use physical evidence to prove a link between a suspect and a crime."

Tags:forensic scientist, medical examiner, coroner, evidence, deceased victim, crime laboratory, proper collection and preservation of paint evidence

Abstract
This paper discusses the rather narrow issue of whether a judge has the authority to order employees of the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to freeze laboratory testing on forensic DNA samples before the samples are consumed by testing. The paper discusses issues of state and federal evidence law, and briefly discusses DNA testing and how it is performed in New York City criminal investigations. The following are the sections of the paper, which is six pages long and cites to twenty different sources:

Question Presented
Short Answer
Discussion
State and Local Law
Federal and State Law
Conclusion

Tags:crime, criminal, law, new, research, science, york, judge, ocme

Abstract
According to Saferstein (2011), forensic science requires the use of precise scientific techniques to answer questions related to criminal investigations. It is essential that the information gained from the application of these techniques is accurate and reliable. Therefore, to ensure the best possible service, it is necessary to apply scientific methods to forensic science. This paper examines the four steps of the application of scientific methods to forensic science, including observations and discussions, formulation of hypotheses, the use of hypotheses to predict the existence of other phenomena, and the predictions of independent experimenters.

Outline:
Hypothetical Crime
Observation and Discussion
Formulation of Hypotheses
Use of Hypotheses to Predict the Existence of Other Phenomena
Predictions of Independent Experimenters
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Adequate observations and discussions are essential in the aforementioned case of Jane Doe. The evidence gathered from the ally between 345 and 351 Main Street, which was the initial crime scene, may provide information regarding the crime. Physical evidence, such as DNA, discarded items, and signs of a struggle may offer insight into the crime. Furthermore, surveillance footage from surrounding retailers, banks, and ATMs may provide a photographic or video image of the suspect. Additionally, a review of the surveillance footage along Doe's route of travel may corroborate the suspected timeline. Interviewing witnesses and the victim may provide conflicting information; however, the facts may be pieced together. Lastly, the collection of medical evidence may provide valuable DNA indicators that can be used to identify the suspect (Vergano, 2009). This may include skin found until the victim's fingernails, bodily fluids, and fingerprints."

Tags:hypotheses, evidence

Abstract
This paper discusses the application of the scientific method and how it is used in forensic science. The paper explains that the applications of forensic science are distinctly different from the applications of the natural and physical sciences, as forensic science developed from the concerns of society and in an increased effort to solve crimes. The paper outlines the scientific method of physical science - observation, forming a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions from the test results - and applies it to forensic science, where these techniques must be applied objectively to examine physical evidence. The paper notes that the Supreme Court established in Daubert that the scientific method must be used in testing forensic evidence to prove it conclusive. The paper concludes that despite the consensus on the value of the physical scientific method, currently no single method is a blanket catch-all for all sciences.

Outline:
Abstract
Scientific Method and Forensic Science
Observation and Data Collection in Forensic Science
Hypothesis
Hypothesis Testing
Analysis, Conclusions, Results
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"The next step in the scientific method involves testing the hypothesis. In terms of forensic science, lab technicians in a homicide case will test the weapons thought to have been used in the commission of the crime. This is known as forensic ballistics is the science of analyzing firearm usage in crimes. Forensic ballistics involves analysis of bullets and bullet impacts to determine the type. Lab technicians will take the suspected weapon in the hypothesis and test fire it in a water tank. If bullets or fragments were retrieved from the crime scene, a firearm or caliber type will help in forming the hypothesis depending on the markings on the casings. Once the weapon is test fired, comparisons will be made between the markings of the barrel and the markings on the casing. Additional methods of testing a weapon can also include firing the weapon at a simulated body with simulated blood. Technicians will be looking for the type of spatter produced. This will help to conclude how far away or close the shooter was when the individual was shot as well as determine the angle. For example, it will help to confirm whether the victim was sitting and the shooter was standing or vice versa."

Tags:criminology, hypothesis, DNA, testing

Abstract
The article outlines the development of forensic science over the past 50 years and its growing contribution to crime solving. It also presents some case studies of court cases and deals with the roll of forensic evidence in the courtroom. The author points out that until DNA testing was introduced in the early 1980s the main form of forensic identification was fingerprinting which is not accepted by all as valid evidence.

From the Paper
"Though forensic science has been aiding police work for a long time, it is only in the last two decades that it gained any real prominence. With better technologies being adopted by police departments worldwide, forensic evidence stands a better chance of entering formal investigations. But while these technologies have helped accentuate the significance of forensic science, they have also played a dominant role in discrediting forensic evidence. For example finger printing which is the oldest form of forensic evidence is widely being considered part of junk science that should be kept out of the court. Similarly no case involving DNA matching as primary evidence has ever made it to the Supreme Court in the United States."

Tags:fingerprint, DNA, innocence

Abstract
This discusses forensic science. Forensic science is science applied to law to correctly identify perpetrators and exonerate the innocent. It is accurate and meant to lead to resolution. DNA cloning is an important aspect of science as forensic science involves many different areas of finding evidence in the cause of justice. If misapplied, forensic science can become a curse. Genetic information plays a crucial role and perhaps the most promising role in forensic science.

Abstract
This paper explains that the history of forensic science can be traced as far back as when prehistoric man left behind evidence of fingerprints in early paintings and rock carvings and to the 700s A.D. when the Chinese began using fingerprints to establish the identity of documents and clay sculpture but without any formal classification system. The author points out that a German immunologist Paul Uhlenhuth is believed to have performed the first autopsy in 1901. The paper concludes that forensic science is an important development because it has helped to solve so many crimes which would otherwise have remained a mystery, and has made important strides in solving cases from the past, which have been left open.

From the Paper
"By the nineteenth century, advances in forensic medicine, as it was first called, became much more frequent. Around 1800, Thomas Bewick, an English naturalist, identified the books he published by using engravings of his own fingerprints. In 1810, Eugene Francois Vidoq made a deal with police to establish the first detective force (oddly enough, this deal was made in return for a suspension of arrest and a jail sentence). Also, in 1810, the first recorded use of question document analysis was performed in Germany."

Tags:prehistoric, fingerprints, oxicology, anthropometry, tools

Abstract
This paper discusses how the development of forensic science and its use in the criminal justice field has had far reaching ramifications. DNA evidence has exonerated people who were convicted prior to the ability to analyze DNA. The paper also looks at how the media's inaccurate depictions of forensic science on television shows have prompted what is known as the CSI effect where jurors in court room trials expect analysis of DNA evidence and are not willing to convict individuals without it.

Outline:
Abstract
Importance of Forensics in the Criminal Justice System
Types of Forensic Science
Media Influence and Accuracy
CSI Effect
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Forensic science has been used in massive crime scenes, the most recent being the September 11th attacks. The methods used for identification in a mass casualty incident include recognition and comparison of distinguishable physical attributes (e.g., birthmarks, tattoos, medical implants, clothing and jewelry), forensic anthropology, fingerprints, odontology, and radiology. DNA identifications are made by comparing DNA profiles from human remains to DNA profiles from reference samples. References samples are items such as personal items used by the victim, testing of biological relatives, and human remains previously identified through other fragmented remains. Forensics encompasses many forms of science and does not stop with just DNA analysis of human blood. Other evidence examined includes animal hair, textile fibers and fabric, rope, feathers, soil samples, glass, building materials, and shoe imprints for examples. It also involves the study of geological and entomological research, arson and explosive investigations, audio and visual examinations, and ballistics."

Tags:DNA, csi, physical, evidence

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of forensic science to policing and criminal investigations, court processes, and security efforts. It then explains the accuracy of the media representation of forensic science and how the media influence popular opinion in justice-related issues.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Importance of Forensic to Policing

From the Paper
"Forensic science is a science made use of for the intentions of the law, and offers unbiased scientific evidence for use in the in a criminal investigation, courts of law, and a trial. Forensic science is a range of topics, illustrating mainly from chemistry and biology, but also psychology, social science, geology, and physics. Forensic science examples are the use of gas chromatography to categorize detained drugs, odontology practitioners to provide information to help identify a victim's remains that is unrecognizable, and DNA profiling to help classify a murder suspect from a bloodstain or hair obtained at the crime scene (Standfordshire, 2007)."

Tags:dna, media, criminal, investigation, court