Anthropology 2235A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Forensic Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Psychology

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

Document Summary

January 6th , 2015: what is forensic science. The juxtaposition of science and the law : multidisciplinary nature of forensic science with emphasis on areas that key on individuation (individualization, historical overview. All forensic cases deal with evidence, which is testimony, documents, or physical evidence. Preferred definition of forensic science: the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in the criminal justice system. Class* (group affiliated based on common characteristics) The colonel williams case illustrates how class traits may be used to justify a suspicion of a person of interest; the case was sealed with the physical evidence. All evidence must be interpreted within the context of the scene of the crime. There are three hypotheses governing physical evidence recognition: 1. Forensic scientists deal with the first two but could be asked for an opnion on the third. Forensic scientists help interpret the physical evidence left at a crime scene.