forensic science homework help

forensic science homework help

The Role and Importance of Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations

1. Introduction to Forensic Science

The role and importance of forensic science in criminal investigations is intertwined with the role of the criminal justice system itself. Through the criminal justice system, a person accused of a crime will be afforded the opportunity to present evidence that they are not guilty of the crime with which they are being charged. Equally, the accuser or plaintiff will be able to present evidence against the accused. Through the court system and after all available evidence has been presented and investigated, the accused’s guilt will be determined, and in such findings, the public’s consciousness will be at peace regardless of the decision. If criminal investigations are to be successful, there are three things that both Victimology and Offenderology need. These are a reason to commit the crime, a way to connect the victim and the offender, and some sort of proof the crime has occurred and that the offender can be linked to the crime. To solve a crime and help a criminal investigation arrive at a conclusion, then forensic science can sometimes be used.

Forensic science is an important part of solving big and small cases involving both criminal and civil matters. Investigators have a variety of tools that they can use at their disposal to help them solve cases. These can include statements from witnesses, private investigators, and even forensic accountancy. Forensic science uses a variety of different scientific knowledge bases in order to be able to reach a conclusion. Some people say that it is the application of a wide variety of different sciences to answer a range of different questions and issues.

2. Key Techniques and Methods in Forensic Science

These different methodologies are typically underpinned by the analysis techniques that are used. All of the results within forensic science are then reported as statements that necessarily have to be backed up with evidence.

Within forensic science in general, the use of a priori information to define the kinds of samples and their predicted variations that should be anticipated is exactly the approach that should be adopted. This leaves an enormous number of different methods that could be listed, which are clearly not relevant. Some particular attention is therefore paid to demonstrating specifically how forensic needs are being recognized and developed.

There are several types of investigation that are typically within the remit of the forensic scientists, and these vary from event to event. Within the main areas, there are then individual techniques that are specific to the sub-category of investigation, which are commonly used.

Most recently, forensic profiling, the use of DNA as a tool for identifying people, has become a critical tool in the arsenal of the forensic scientist, particularly when used in a legal context.

Today, there are a wide range of techniques employed within forensic science, and each is specifically designed to address a particular area of investigation. The way that evidence is sampled, processed, and tested can have a great impact on the results that are ultimately obtained. So, when a decision has to be made regarding which method is to be used, a rigorous consultation of all the factors is necessary.

3. Applications of Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations

Criminal investigation is a problem-solving process employing systematic methods or techniques. This process is utilized to establish the time of an offense, the modus operandi (M.O.) leading to its commission, the motive, and the personal factors of the offender to aid in the solution of the offense. There are numerous methods used in the investigation process, some of which are ending and are dependent upon an analysis of human behavior patterns and physical evidence left by the criminal in the realization of his activities. Information, such as who the perpetrator of a crime was, will lead to what evidence will make the identification. It is not enough to merely collect and submit this evidence for laboratory examination; especially in violent crimes, an expert witness must interpret and correlate the results of this examination for the court. It is logical, therefore, that the application of various forensic services should be used not only to identify physical evidence but to substantiate or refute witness statements. The use of forensic science is of particular value in cases of sexual assault, child abuse, and/or elder abuse.

4. Challenges and Future Directions in Forensic Science

The most significant challenges relate to technologies designed for complex samples such as non-human DNA, advanced fingerprint enhancement, and recovery methods for items recovered from fire scenes. Equally, the best forensic technologies must be accessible in crime labs. National and international initiatives are chipping away at this problem, and most jurisdictions now have some access to standardized databases. Scientific journals now also require a minimal amount of raw spectral data in the submission of articles for ‘omics’ investigations. Even though DNA is a mature analyte for forensic purposes, major indicators of sample quality are still absent. Many DNA profiling assays are sensitive enough to yield full profiles from samples with such minimal concentrations, but failure modes can occur in the form of unexpected drop-outs or mixtures.

Forensic science has made significant progress over the past decades, but it has not stagnated. As with all scientific disciplines, advances must continue, and so forensic science faces a number of significant challenges. All technologies used in forensic science present unique challenges, both in terms of validation and sample complexity. Validation is essential in reaching a consensus that the technology is fit for the forensic purpose. Validation studies aim to determine the upper and lower limits of a technology and require satisfaction of robust statistical and quality control/assurance metrics.