Forensic Science

1
Forensic Science

• Applying scientific theory and techniques

2
Forensic Scientist

• Primary role is to analyze evidence that
  establishes or disproves a fact.
• Two categories of evidence.
• Testimonial
• Physical

3
Testimonial evidence

• A statement made by a witness under oath.

4
Physical evidence

• Any object or material relevant to a crime.
• Hair, fiber, soil, glass, body fluids,
  fingerprints, bones.
• Individual-linked to a single source.
• Class- linked to a group of items with similar
  properties.

5
Direct vs Circumstantial evidence

• Direct evidence
• Links the suspect to the crime.
• Circumstantial or Indirect evidence
• Does not provide a conclusion but may point to a
  possible connection between a piece of evidence
  and a suspect.