Forensic Science
Forensic Science
(OP)
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RE: Forensic Science
RE: Forensic Science
RE: Forensic Science
RE: Forensic Science
RE: Forensic Science
There's not nearly as much literature on this aspect of forensics as the others.
RE: Forensic Science
In March of 2009 the National Research Council published its report to Congress entitled Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward.
For a free copy of the Summary of the report go to:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12589
If your understanding of forensics has been gained solely from television shows like CSI Miami, NCIS, or even, Nancy Grace you may be forgiven for believing that all crimes can be solved in 40 minutes, by a team of good looking, higly paid, crack scientists in white lab coats, who also happen to have miraculous ,. instant insights and excellent cleavage.this report will, sadly, disabuse you of such notions. Nor will you find in it any mention of psychic detectives, cadaver dogs, criminal profilers, lie detectors, or experts in body language. But, if you can live without those things, you will find the following main "sciences" discussed:
Nuclear DNA
Finger prints
Firearms examination
Tool marks
Bite marks
Impressions ( tires, footwear..)
Bloodstain pattern analysis
Handwriting
Hair
Coatings ( e.g. paint )
Chemicals ( including drugs )
Materials ( including fibers )
Fluids ( including serology )
Fire and explosives analysis
Digital evidence
As an engineer, it is more than likely that you will have some knowledge of many of these areas and may even be expert in one or more. Perhaps you have even been an expert witness. If you have you will also know about two of forensic science's main legal underpinnings. These are;
The 1993 Supreme Court decision Daubert vs. Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc , and
Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
The ways in which scientists and lawyers approach problem solving contrast significantly. As engineers, we often fall awkwardly between both groups. We are not alone in this position. Others, such as Medical Examiners, Coroners and police and juries are similarly situated.
The report now moves to Congress, which is rich in legal minds but has few scientists or engineers, and fewer still "ordinary" citizens of the kind which might found on juries. If this subject interests you, even a little, you may want to read the Summary of the report and follow its path through the legislative process.
RE: Forensic Science
RE: Forensic Science
I find my work to be challenging, rewarding, and generally fun, once you get past the fact that if someone had not screwed up, I wouldn't have a job!
Cases do not make it to court very often. Most of the time, settlement is offered or mediation induces a settlement dialogue, particularly when the technical issues are clear cut. Determining the party liable for failures is sometimes a difficult and arduous task, which may ultimately be decided by a jury trial, if other means fail. But all in all, it is still a challenging technical process.
One aspect of forensics that often repeats itself....things ain't always as they seem!