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Forensic science and scientific method
Forensic science and scientific method
Forensic science and scientific method
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“Forensic Science is used to predict not the future, but the past”(Ken Goddard). When it comes to crime analysis there are four main forensic fields involved. These fields all have different techniques that help contribute information, and fit all the different puzzle pieces of evidence together.
First, there is the most common field, forensic biology. In forensic biology examiners are able to conclude the time of a person's death, the cause, and provide information that narrows down suspects. Evidence such as blood, saliva, fecal material, urine, hair, and bones are examined (“List of Forensic Techniques”). There are three specific techniques used for this. One is the polymerase chain reaction method, which is a molecular technology used to amplify the magnitude of the cells and create multiple copies of them (“Forensic Biotechnology”). Another one is the short tandem repeat method, this helps intensify the differences between two pieces of DNA. The last method involves mitochondrial DNA and allows examiners to determine the source of the evidence (“Forensic Biotechnology”). Since
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Analysts will explore the content of hard drives, folders, and systems for any useful data (“Computer Crime Investigation Using Forensic Tools and Technology”). If information is lost or not found then it is most likely hidden or encrypted, and will have to be recovered (“Computer Crime Investigation Using Forensic Tools and Technology”). Once recovered the data will go through two steps. The first step includes the data being compacted, and going through detailed analyzation. To do this software tools such as Paraben, Forensic Toolkit, and Linux DD will be used. Then reports that will represent the information gathered are written (“Computer Crime Investigation Using Forensic Tools and Technology”). As digital technology continues to advance, methods are kept up to date and
. DNA can be left or collected from the hair, saliva, blood, mucus, semen, urine, fecal matter, and even the bones. DNA analysis has been the most recent technique employed by the forensic science community to identify a suspect or victim since the use of fingerprinting. Moreover, since the introduction of this new technique, there has been a large number of individuals released or convicted of crimes based on DNA left at the crime scene. DNA is the abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid.
DNA analysis is a scientific process among the newest and most sophisicated of techniques used to test for genetic disorders, which involves direct examination of the DNA molecule itself (Lyman, 2014) . Today crime labs use mtDNA analysis. This type of analysis allows smaller degraded pieces of DNA to still be successfully tested (Lyman, 2014) . There are several steps taken when analyzing DNA in forensics. When testing scientists must first isolate the DNA so it is not contaminated and can't be used. Lab technicians the take small pieces of the DNA, conserving as much as they can encase they need to test again. Once testing is done the next step is determining the DNA test results and finally there is the comparison and interpretation of the test results from the unknown and known samples to determ...
Now however, DNA like blood stains can microscopic and still be found and tested. These techniques led to the findings of blood, hair and fibres, all of which proved to be vital evidence. (www.metro.co.uk).
Once a crime has been committed the most important item to recover is any type of evidence left at the scene. If the suspect left any Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at the crime scene, he could then be linked to the crime and eventually charged. A suspect’s DNA can be recovered if the suspect leaves a sample of his or her DNA at the crime scene. However, this method was not always used to track down a suspect. Not too long ago, detectives used to use bite marks, blood stain detection, blood grouping as the primary tool to identify a suspect. DNA can be left or collected from the hair, saliva, blood, mucus, semen, urine, fecal matter, and even the bones. DNA analysis has been the most recent technique employed by the forensic science community to identify a suspect or victim since the use of fingerprinting. Moreover, since the introduction of this new technique it has been a la...
Ballantyne, Jack, George Sensabaugh, and Jan Witkowski. DNA Technology and Forensic Science. New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989.
Abstract: Digital forensics is the process in which a computer is forensically examined in order to ascertain what it has been used for, and to examine whether any contraband material has been stored on the device. As this is a creative process, relying heavily on the skills and intuition of the examiner, it is difficult to provide tool support. It is possible, however, that the exploratory and interactive nature of information visualisation can be utilised in tool format to increase the efficiency of digital forensic investigations. This paper will discuss potential approaches to utilising information visualisation in digital forensics.
Recognized as the greatest breakthrough in forensic science since fingerprinting, DNA analysis has made a dramatically positive impact on criminal investigations. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the basic genetic code within each cell that determines a person's phenotype and genotype. Since the early 1980s, DNA testing has been used in genetic disease research, finding matches for transplants, and in anthropological investigations.1 Typically in forensics, DNA analysis is used on specimen samples such as blood, hair, or semen that are left at a crime scene. This new technology has opened many doors to new methods and techniques in forensic genetics. Using techniques such as PCR and STR, analysts are able to create DNA profiles and easily compare
According to the American academy of forensic science, the forensic sciences form a vital part if the entire justice and regulatory system. Forensic science is an enticing career having to do with science and criminal justice, a large variety of schooling is needed to start this job Despite the fact that it can be a dangerous environment it can be an exciting profession to pursue. There are many different fields in forensic science that you can study or major in but they all have the same objectives.
Forensic Science, recognized as Forensics, is the solicitation of science to law to understand evidences for crime investigation. Forensic scientists are investigators that collect evidences at the crime scene and analyse it uses technology to reveal scientific evidence in a range of fields. Physical evidence are included things that can be seen, whether with the naked eye or through the use of magnification or other analytical tools. Some of this evidence is categorized as impression evidence2.In this report I’ll determine the areas of forensic science that are relevant to particular investigation and setting out in what method the forensic science procedures I have recognized that would be useful for the particular crime scene.
scientific method for things such as DNA samples from hair and body fluids, fingerprint analyses and
The transitional growth in the forensic science sector has not been without challenges. Though the world has experienced increased capabilities and scientific knowledge, which has led to faster investigations and results, many forensic experts have argued that forensic laboratory testing, in the light of 21st century technological advancements, is yet to meet the expected rate in quick available testing and analysis (Mennell & Shaw, 2006). This is with respect to the growing rate of crime and the high demand of quick crime scene testing and analysis. In the science of crime scene, analysis and interpretation of evidence is majorly dependent on forensic science, highlighting the change in the role of forensic sciences (Tjin-A-Tsoi, 2013). In the business of forensic science, time is beginning to play important role in the evidence testing and analysis which is becoming crucial in reducing ...
Forensic science has paved the way to a new world of technological advancements in solving crime, through DNA analysis, new technology such as M-Vac, improving systems such as CODIS and other investigative methods. As forensic science technology advances, the chance of an individual being able to commit a crime and walk away free without leaving any trace of evidence will lessen. While forensic science has its limitations, it can be the only way to provide an accurate account of what actually occurred at some crime scenes.
The topic I find such fascinating is Forensic Science and how forensic science has significantly changed over the years. “The area of forensic science has grown considerably over the last 150 years and more so since the mid 1980’s.” (Lyman, 2016) Forensic science has gone from taking basic information, and fingerprints to DNA and blood splatter. During a crime scene investigation evidence is collected, analyzed in a crime laboratory and then if needed are presented to the court. However, today the crime laboratory is becoming mobile and can go to the scene to analyze the evidence. Each crime scene and investigation is unique and distinctive, with the help of forensics it can help solve a case.
The biggest challenge investigators face and who is involved with high tech crime is the fast-paced constant evolving nature of technology. When companies come out with new devices or new versions of old devices which is almost all the time, and those who gather digital evidence must remain current to be able to locate and preserve all potential evidence. As technology evolves the capacities of these devices will rapidly increase while their form factor grows continually smaller. Investigators must preserve digital evidence to make sure it is suitable for presentation in court as well. Investigators must first never change a crime scene or alter evidence. It is their goal to document and preserve the scene exactly as it was when the crime occurred. Extreme caution and care is needed because the mere act of documenting or cataloging a crime scene means that investigators are interacting with the scene. The second concern is the physical fragility of the evidence. Care must be taken to keep items from getting wet, stepped on etc, this can also be applied to digital evidence. Investigators have been able to examine hard disk drives that have been through fires because the drives are usually air and water tight and impervious to temperatures into the thousands of degrees. The third issue is that digital evidence can be lo...
In our modern society, computers and other digital devices are becoming ubiquitous. In the late 1970’s the number of crimes that involved digital devices and computers has been increasing rapidly. As a result of that, computer experts specified the need for permanently improving digital forensic tools and practices.