Forensic Science

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Forensic Science
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Scientific Method

• Observe the Problem
• Ask a Question
• Collect data, make observations, take
  measurements
• Form a Hypothesis
• Make observations and collect data
• Hypothesis a statement that explains
  observations that can be tested
• Is supported or refuted, never proven to be true
  beyond all doubt.

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Scientific Method

• Test your Hypothesis
• Experimenting process of testing a hypothesis
  by gathering data under controlled conditions
• Compare control group to an experimental group
• Independent Variable experimentally manipulated
  variable
• Dependent Variable the responding variable in
  the experiment

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Scientific Method

• Record and Analyze Data
• Form a Conclusion
• Support or Refute

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Forensic Science

• Forensic Science
• Application of scientific methods to solving
  legal problems.

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Forensic Science

• Collecting Physical Evidence
• Physical Evidence
• Tangible things left at crime scene

Evidence Factor Importance to Court
Where evidence is found May have been planted
Time it is found May have been there before crime
Way it is gathered Could be contaminated
Way it is removed from crime scene Incorrectly labeled could be confused with other cases
How it is documented and preserved If stored incorrectly, it could be contaminated and useless
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Forensic Science

• Crime Scene Procedures
• All witnesses located and identified
• Crime scene is secured
• No evidence removed or moved
• No evidence tampered with or altered
• No evidence is lost
• Non-evidence kept away from scene
• All evidence is identified
• Fingerprints, footprints, tiremarks are preserved
  for later use

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Forensic Science

• Crime Scene Procedures
• Evidence is found and location is documented
• Lift evidence without contaminating
• Mark container w/location, date, time, and name
• Turn evidence to proper area

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Forensic Science

• Finding Trace Evidence
• Fingerprints and other physical impressions
• Dusted to make visible, lift, store

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Forensic Science

• Evidence Gathering Tools
• Five senses
• Gloves
• Notebooks and pen
• Camera
• Plaster
• Dusting powder
• Etc.

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Forensic Science

• Forensic Laboratory
• Sterile Lab
• Fiber
• Fingerprint
• Hair
• DNA
• Etc.

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Forensic Science

• Backpack Mystery