Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law

Catalog description

Designed to provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of today’s crime laboratories and investigative techniques used in the proper collection, preservation and analysis of evidence. Students are introduced to scientific and technological procedures as they are applied in today’s criminal justice system. Introduces the basic principles and uses of forensic science and presents basic applications of the biological, chemical, physical and medical sciences and their presentation in court with particular attention to patterned evidence examination. Discusses the expectations and the limitations of the forensic sciences. Study the nature and significance of the relationship between the courts and the forensic sciences while examining issues regarding the philosophy of science, the scientific method, the rules of evidence and the conduct of trials. Discusses the level of scrutiny required to admit forensic evidence and the extent to which forensic evidence squares with usual or expected scientific standards and practices. Discusses whether scientific conclusions actually assist the trier of fact to arrive at a decision. Critical thinking skills are tested as the student applies scientific conclusions to legal principles. Addresses search and seizure, the rules of evidence and the rules of criminal procedure which dictate the manner in which forensic science and analysis are introduced and challenged in court.