What exactly is Forensic Science?
Forensic science applies the knowledge and technology of science to define and enforce laws.
The History of Forensics
Mathieu Orfila (Spain)
“Father of Forensic Science”(1787-1853)
– Established the science of Forensic Toxicology, by studying the effects of toxins on animals
Alphonse Bertillon (France) (1853-1914)
– Developed the science of Anthropometry - a way of taking extensive body measurements to identify people. This technique of personal identification was considered extremely accurate for 2 decades and was eventually replaced by fingerprinting.
Francis Galton (1822-1911)
– Proved the uniqueness of human fingerprints and published a book called “Finger Prints”. Current fingerprinting techniques are based on his research.
Leone Lattes (1887-1954)
– Devised a technique to determine the blood group of a dried bloodstain and applied the technique to criminal investigations. (The ABO blood groups were discovered by a Dr. Karl Landsteiner in 1901)
Calvin Goddard (1891-1955)
– Used microscopy to determine if a bullet was fired from a particular gun, and if that compares to the suspect’s weapon and a crime scene bullet. Modern firearms examiners still use his techniques.
Albert S. Osborne (1858-1946)
– Published a book “Questioned Documents”, and was responsible for the acceptance of documents as scientific evidence by courts. Modern document examiners still use his book as primary reference.
Walter C. McCrone (1916-2002)
– Did extensive work with microscopy to examine forensic evidence.
Hans Gross (1847-1915)
– The first person to write about marrying all arms of science (Botany, anthropology, chemistry, physics, mineralogy, etc.) into one unified investigative science: Forensics.
Edmond Locard (1877-1966)
– Established “Locard’s Exchange Principle” which state that, whenever 2 objects come in contact with each other, there will be an exchange of materials between the two.
Therefore, when a criminal comes in contact with an object or a person, a cross-transfer of evidence occurs. So you can find something of the criminal on the victim and vice versa.
• In 1932, thanks to J. Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI, launched a national lab that would offer forensic services to the entire country’s law enforcement agencies.
• Today, the FBI laboratory is the largest and most reputable in the world.
Basic Services of a Full-Service Crime Lab
• Physical Science Unit
• Biology Unit
• Firearms Unit
• Document Examination
• Photography Unit
Optional Services of a Full-Service Crime Lab
• Toxicology Unit
• Latent Fingerprint Unit
• Polygraph Unit
• Voiceprint Analysis Unit
• Evidence-Collection Unit
Specialized Forensic Services
These are provided by specialized individuals, and are not usually a part of a full-service crime lab.
Body Mystery
http://americasunknownchild.Net/Medical.Html
Www.Crimelibrary.Com
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