SC250 Fundamentals Of Science

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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Name: ______________________________
Course and Section: ___________________
Instructor: ___________________________
Choose three pieces of evidence from the list presented and complete the questions in the table below.
The table should also:
•
Use APA style for all citations. In text citations can be placed in the table and a full reference
page located at the end of the assignment template.
•
Avoid plagiarism. Do not cut and paste directly from the source into the table. Note: no more
than 10% of your paper should be directly quoted from any outside source.
•
Utilize at least two reliable sources.
•
Be free of grammar and spelling errors.
Sample 1
Evidence:
Analyze the evidence
and the physical
properties of the
material. Key
properties such as
color, density,
chemical or biological
composition should
be discussed.
Describe how this
evidence was
correctly collected
from the scene.
Necessary tests to be
performed on this
type of sample.
Sample 2
Evidence:
Sample 3
Evidence:
Hypothetical results
recorded. Imagine
that the results came
back from the lab.
Describe what type of
results you would
expect for each piece
of evidence. You may
have to be creative
and decide if the lab
testing reveals more
about the crime or
the criminal or not.
Apply the
hypothetical results
from the evidence
collected to the
investigation and
include discussion
about how the results
could influence a
decision in a trial
setting.
References:
1.
2.