Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis

CJ328: Forensic Fingerprint Analysis

Assignment : Library Search

Explore the Kaplan Library. Using the available references, find a court case where automated fingerprint identification was used. You may use an Internet search but make sure that only a reliable source is used.

Note: Make sure that your court case is AFIS related. Do not use statistical summaries or incident summaries. A court case is necessary.

In a 1–2 page paper, write a summary of the article you have chosen and briefly explain the purposes and limitations of computerized fingerprint search systems.

Using the AFIS System

This Seminar will discuss how fingerprint identification is made using the AFIS system. What issues may arise during this process that may become problematic in court?

Additional Seminar Information

To receive credit for the Seminar if you are unable to attend, you are required to listen to the Seminar in the Seminar archive, read the transcript, and write a 300–500-word paper on the Seminar topic above.

Discussion post

Topic: The Livescans System- 250 word minimum

What issues and problems may be experienced with the Livescan System? What are the benefits of AFIS as a complete system? Consider Livescan, ten-print management, and latent prints.

CJ385: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis

Unit 4 Assignment: Physical Evidence Essay

A suspect was apprehended soon after a burglary took place and was observed to have tiny specks of glass-like particles on his shoes and clothing.

In a 3- to 5 page essay discuss how this evidence should be processed using the concepts in your learning from the class.

·         Summarize the three major functions of a forensic scientist.

·         Discuss the two methods used by forensic scientists when examining physical evidence.

o   Define individual and class characteristics and include examples of evidence containing class and individual characteristics. (An excellent answer would include a total of at least six examples of evidence that contain class and individual characteristics.)

·         Discuss how the crime lab would examine and compare the evidence from the burglary. (An excellent answer would include at least four major points.)

o   The proper method of collecting and preserving glass evidence.

·         Use at least one outside research source including academic journals to support your view.

Forensic Science and the Kennedy Assassination

Ever since President Kennedy was killed in November 1963, questions have lingered about the validity of the assertion that Kennedy had only one assailant. Having covered reconstruction and now the analysis of inorganic and organic substances, you are most likely forming opinions about the actions taken during the investigation.

In this week's Seminar, be prepared to discuss the importance of the assassination reconstruction as performed by the Warren Commission.

Additional Seminar Information

To receive credit for the seminar if you are unable to attend, you are required to write a 300 – 500 word paper on the seminar topic above.

Discussion post

Topic 1: Collecting trace elements- 250 word minimum

Why is it important for forensic scientists to be concerned with collecting physical evidence containing trace elements?

Topic 2: Inorganic analysis- 250 word minimum

How do forensic scientists analyze and compare trace elements?