FORENSIC SCIENCE

Forensic Hair Analysis

Abstract

Successful problem solving specifically crime investigation depends on collection and analysis of various kinds of evidence. Forensic science has long played a pivotal role in facilitating problem solving and decision making regarding crimes. Forensic science classifies evidence into various categories. Each evidence category is dealt in a different way. Physical and biological evidence are two broad categories. The research paper presents a case study of a murder case in Kansas and analyzes the forensic science knowledge used to investigate the case and help the decision makers with problem solving. The report of the forensic team consists of evidence collected and helps in policy decisions and legal processes.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Application of scientific methods to forensic evidence for decision making and problem solving1

Casework3

Conclusion5

References6

Forensic Hair Analysis

Introduction

Successful problem solving specifically crime investigation depends on collection and analysis of various kinds of evidence. Forensic science has long played a pivotal role in facilitating problem solving and decision making regarding crimes (Helsloot, 2011). Forensic science classifies evidence into various categories. Each evidence category is dealt in a different way. Physical and biological evidence are two broad categories. Anything that has its origin from a living being classifies as biological evidence whereas anything that falls into the non-living category classifies as physical evidence. Building material, fingerprints etc. are examples of physical evidence. Parts of the body are examples of biological evidence.

Application of scientific methods to forensic evidence for decision making and problem solving

Forensic science helps judicial or criminal investigation process in that it not only collects evidence for the investigators of crime but also constructs the sequence of events in detail as they occurred at the time of the crime (Kirk, 1983). Forensic science is based on the principle that every contact leaves a trace popularly called Locard's principle. Results of forensic discoveries are authentic, objective and conclusive. Breakthroughs in forensic science help investigators point fingers at the guilty. The scientific methods of forensic evidence collection not only help in identification of the criminal but also help in creating a link between several crimes. Decision making for the judicial figures is much easy as any decision made in the court of law is based on evidence and not mere judgment.

Forensic evidence makes it easier for investigators to generate profiles of criminals. The DNA based method of evidence detection has long been used by forensics to prevent habitual criminals such as child molesters and rapists from committing the crime again and again. For minor crimes, the general methods of evidence collection include examination of fingerprints and handwriting, document analysis, DNA testing etc. Moreover, for complex crimes new forensic techniques are used such as mass spectrometry, statistical validation, condom trace evidence, automotive airbag contact, analysis of ink, Fourier transform infrared micro spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence.

Extensive research work is being done in the field, but there is still need for improvements. For instance, in the US, forensic scientists are using the same methods for interpretation of DNA as they were using ten ...