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Forensic Science

Criminal cases are very dependent upon evidence to prove or disprove the facts of the case. The analysis of evidence requires a wide breadth of scientific knowledge and the latest scientific techniques as well as proper evidence procedures.

1,792 Questions

Who was first criminologists to attempt to formally classify criminals for statistical comparison?

Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909) is recognized as one of the first criminologists to formally classify criminals for statistical comparison. In his published work, The Criminal Man (1876), Lombroso compared similarities of like offenders, such as race, age, gender, physical characteristics, education, and geographic region. Lombroso deduced that the motivations of criminal behavior could be better understood, and even predicted, by profiling the criminal (Turvey, p. 19). Lombroso's study consisted of 383 Italian prisoners. Through his research, he concluded there were three major types of criminal. The first he described were born criminals. These individuals could be identified by their physical characteristics. Lombroso described 18 physical characteristics indicative of a born criminal in his theory of anthropology, ranging from the physical characteristics of the facial structure to excessively long limbs. As the name suggests, they were, in Lombroso's opinion, predestined for criminal activity. The next, insane criminals, were offenders who suffered from a mental deficiency of physical ailment that caused them to commit crime. The final type Lombroso described was the criminaloid.Criminaloids were a large class of offenders without specific characteristics. They did not display the physical or mental deficiencies of the other two categories, but their mental state predisposed them to commit criminal behavior under extenuating circumstances. This classification of offender has been compared to psychopathic personality disorder (Turvey, 2012, p. 19).

Other body-type theorists have attempted to follow in the footsteps of Lombroso in an effort to classify criminals and potential criminals based on biological and environmental factors. In 1914, Gerald Fosbroke published his first work, Character Reading through Analysis of the Features (1938).Fosbroke argued that it is not biological factors and nature that shape the facial structure of an individual, but an individual's own maturation. Fosbroke believed that what kind of person one is would be reflected in the characteristics of their physical structures (Turvey, 2012, p. 20).

The era of criminal profiling was also impacted by a German criminologist named Dr. Erich Wulffen, who served as the ministerial director and head of the Department of Crime-Pardon and Parole-and of the Administration of Prisons of the Ministry of Justice of Saxony. Wulffen published a text called Woman as a Sexual Criminal(1935). Dr. Wulffen's work researched social, psychological, biological, and moral causes of crime involving the female criminal. Throughout the text, Dr. Wulffen maintains that most crime committed by women is related to sexuality and sexual abnormalities (Turvey, 2012, p. 21-22).

Another German criminologist, Ernst Kretschmer, evolved Lombroso's original theories of physical characteristic into a more predictive arena. Kretschmer believed that the type of crime and individual was subject to commit could be predicted by observing physical characteristics. However, Kretschmer never submitted any of his research for peer review, therefore his work is unfounded (Turvey, 2012, p. 21).

The works of these individuals, especially Lombroso, is yet to be abandon by the currently scientific community of forensics neurology, psychiatry, and psychiatry. Oftentimes, these early findings are still used as a last-ditch effort to gain insight into the criminal mind and understand why an individual is driven to commit crime.

Reference:

Turvey, B. E. (2012). Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis (4th Edition). Burlington, MA: Academic Press.

How do detectives use forensics to solve crimes?

Detectives use forensics to solve crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes, such as fingerprints, DNA, fibers, and gunshot residue. This evidence can help connect suspects to the crime, establish timelines, and reconstruct events that occurred. Forensic analysis can also help generate leads, corroborate witness statements, and provide crucial information for building a case against a suspect.

Why do forensic scientists look for blood at a crime scene?

Forensic scientists look for blood at a crime scene because it can provide evidence of the identity of the individuals involved, the type of weapon used, the sequence of events, and the location of the incident. Blood spatter patterns can also help recreate the crime scene and establish what occurred during the crime.

A paleo-anthropologist does work similar to that of what other type of anthropologist?

A paleo-anthropologist is similar to a biological anthropologist as they both study human evolution, biological adaptations, and the behavior of early humans, but a paleo-anthropologist specifically focuses on the study of fossil evidence and ancient hominins to understand human origins and evolution.

What types of evidence can be found at a murder scene?

At a murder scene, evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, weapons, bloodstains, clothing fibers, and surveillance footage can be found. Additionally, other items like footprints, hair, tire tracks, and any potential trace evidence can be crucial in identifying suspects and building a case.

What three things is DNA fingerprinting used for?

DNA fingerprinting is used for forensic identification to solve crimes and establish paternity in legal cases. It is also used in medical diagnosis to detect genetic disorders and diseases. In addition, DNA fingerprinting is utilized in conservation biology to study genetic diversity and track endangered species.

Is forensic science and criminal science same thing?

Forensic science and criminal science are related fields, but they are not the same. Forensic science involves the application of scientific methods to solve crimes, while criminal science focuses on understanding the causes and prevention of criminal behavior. In essence, forensic science deals with the analysis of physical evidence in relation to a crime, while criminal science is concerned with the study of criminal behavior and the justice system.

Why do police take your finger print when you are stoped for a traffic citation?

Police may take your fingerprint during a traffic stop to confirm your identity. This is done to prevent false identification and to ensure accurate information for any citations issued. Additionally, fingerprints can be used for background checks if needed.

How does a forensic anthropologist gather information?

Forensic anthropologists gather information by examining skeletal remains, analyzing bone structure and characteristics to determine age, sex, ancestry, and possible cause of death. They also take note of any trauma, pathology, or unique identifying features present on the bones. Additionally, they may consider the context of the burial site and any associated artifacts or evidence.

What are the underlying reasons for the rapid growth of crime labs in the US since the late 1960s?

The rapid growth of crime labs in the US since the late 1960s can be attributed to advancements in forensic science, increased demand for forensic evidence in court cases, the influence of popular media showcasing forensic investigations, and the rising awareness of the importance of evidence-based criminal investigations. Additionally, government funding and support have played a significant role in expanding crime lab capabilities and resources.

Is spiral search method one evidence search technique that is more utilized in an outdoor crime scene rather then indoor scenes?

Yes, the spiral method is more effective outside due to the ability to search a large area where as using the spiral method indoors, the room isnt too big (depending on house size) so easier to check around in sections, to be honest it really depends on size and ammount :)

What benefits do a forensic anthropologist get?

most forensic anthropologists receive fringe benefits that include paid vacation, sick leave health insurance, and pension plans. If they are a faculty member such as a university professor, they have access to campus facilities, housing and travel allowances, and paid sabbatical leaves.

What are the requirements of forensic anthropology?

To be certified by the board of forensic anthropology you must have your PhD in forensic anthropology and three years of internship after you have received your PhD. After that you may sit the exam which is a written and a practical. Most people do not pass the exam the first time. After you pass the exams the board will then look at what you have done and decide if they think you should be certified.

What is storytelling in forensics?

Storytelling in forensics is the practice of presenting forensic evidence in a way that tells a narrative or story to the judge or jury. It involves structuring the evidence and testimony in a clear, coherent manner to make it more compelling and easier to understand. By framing the evidence as a cohesive narrative, it helps to persuade the audience of the validity of the arguments being made.

What are the objectives the analysts should accomplish during preliminary investigation?

During preliminary investigation, analysts should aim to gather initial information about the issue or problem, define the scope of the investigation, identify key stakeholders and potential sources of data, and establish a plan for the detailed investigation. This phase helps set the foundation for the analysis to come.

What is the difference between crime scene investigator and crime scene analyst?

A crime scene investigator collects physical evidence from crime scenes, documents and preserves it for analysis. A crime scene analyst, on the other hand, works in a lab to analyze evidence collected by investigators, such as DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics, to provide conclusions and insights to aid in investigations.

Is the following topic suitable for a research paper Why or why not all the methods forensic scientists use to help solve crimes?

Yes, the topic is suitable for a research paper. It provides a comprehensive scope to explore the various methodologies employed by forensic scientists that aid in crime-solving. By delving into the effectiveness, limitations, and advancements in these methods, a research paper can offer valuable insights into the field of forensic science.

Can CSI use the zone search method when searching a house?

Yes, CSI can use the zone search method when searching a house. This method involves searching a crime scene in specific zones or areas to ensure thorough coverage. It allows investigators to systematically examine and document evidence to reconstruct the crime scene.

How do you know if someone committed suicide or if they were murdered?

Unfortunately, even the best forensic science can't always rule out the possibility that a death is a suicide. You cannot know, for example, if a person who dies driving into an abutment at night fell asleep or did it deliberately. But forensics is very often able to detect a death that is likely to have been caused by someone else. Sometimes killers will try to stage a shooting as a suicide, for example, but there will always be some detail overlooked by the shooter that will expose the scene as staged. Things like spatter patterns, skin burns, gun powder residue, position of the body, etc. will tell a different story from that given by the shooter.

What does a forensic antrhopologist do?

Forensic anthropologists analyze skeletal remains to determine the identity, age, sex, ancestry, and cause of death of individuals. They assist law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations by providing expertise in identifying human remains and helping to reconstruct the circumstances surrounding a person's death.

When is blood evidence most often found?

Blood evidence is most often found at crime scenes involving violent crimes such as homicides, assaults, and stabbings. It can also be found in cases of accidents, suicides, or medical emergencies where there is significant bleeding.

What type of document is a finger print and identity document?

A fingerprint and identity document is typically known as a "biometric identification document." This document contains biometric data, such as fingerprints, to uniquely identify an individual. It is commonly used for security and identification purposes.

Does the finger print change after a cut on the finger?

No. A cut (or even several) on the finger does not change the whorls and ridges of a fingerprint enough to disguise a print.

Why can the use of profiling be dangerous?

Even expert criminal profiling is a 'guesstimate', an educated 'guesstimate' but still a guess. Investigators who rely soley on a criminal profile can be led astray, and worse, leave a dangerous criminal free to continue committing their crimes anonymously.

Profiling the general public in the name of public safety targets a high number of innocent citizens while possibly missing suspect actions by individuals who don't fit a target profile.