Anthropology 2235A/B Lecture 2: Lecture 2 – Historical Overview of Forensic Science

• School: Western University
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: Anthropology 2235A/B
• Professor: Eldon Molto

Document Summary

Lecture 2 historical overview of forensic science. Forensic science owes it origins to the first individuals who developed the principles and techniques needed to identify and compare physical evidence. Historical divisions used in this course are somewhat arbitrary but it is a means to try and organize the forensic individuation data. Can be an excellent researcher but a poor forensic scientist. Called speculative since there was vague utilization on how biological characteristics could be used to individuate. Early, non-literate populations likely used individuation methods but these are lost in time. First attempt was an individuation from a sickle in ancient. First type trait used in individuation was fingerprints. Many examples of direct and indirect attempts at individuation but there was no formal recognition of the field. Evidence of miscarriage of justice and the first book written on the impact of wrongful convictions was written in 1803: b. formative: 1807 1947.