Overview
The Importance of Forensic Evidence
One of the most powerful parts of a case against a criminal can be the forensic evidence that is collected and presented. Dramatic breakthroughs in both the scientific and technological fields have greatly impacted the criminal justice system.
Imagine that a recent crime wave has swept your city. You came home last night to find that your home had been burglarized. Understandably, the police and crime lab are overworked and in need of help. Physical evidence (meaning any materials at the scene of the crime that could be valuable to a criminal case) was collected by crime scene technicians at your residence and from a possible getaway car. Review the evidence that was collected from the crime scene. You will need to complete the Assignment template provided after considering the following information:
Choose three pieces of evidence that were collected from the crime scene to examine in detail.
Define the physical properties of the evidence collected. Also include any biological, chemical, or other characteristics of the data that would be important to the investigation.
Explain what specific tests would be performed on the evidence and what information can be extrapolated from this evidence
Hypothesize how the evidence could be used in the investigation and at a trial.
Note that although this is largely a hypothetical investigation, the description of a material and how it is tested will be factual and you will need to conduct research using the PG Library to identify reliable sources. The final results and importance of the evidence in an investigation will be up to your interpretation and will be largely hypothetical.
- Review the links below for additional information.
National Forensic Science Technology Center. (2013). A simplified guide to forensic science. http://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/index.htm
- National Institute of Justice. (n.d.) Forensic Sciences. http://www.nij.gov/topics/forensics/pages/welcome.aspx.
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