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Articles 1 - 17 of 17
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Examining The Relationship Between Legal Systems And Forensic Science: Current Issues And Proposed Solutions, Rowan Dunton
Examining The Relationship Between Legal Systems And Forensic Science: Current Issues And Proposed Solutions, Rowan Dunton
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Forensics and legal systems are often seen working together, but the relationship between the two disciplines is thornier and more complex than it may appear on the surface. This paper will examine why courtrooms struggle to accommodate forensic fields, how the nature of science can impede its utilization in court, and where legal education may fall short in educating students about the forensic sciences. After the literature is reviewed, solutions will be proposed to address each area of concern. Where possible, these solutions expand on existing infrastructure and ideas to make them easier to incorporate. Since the greater-scope issue is …
The Crisis Of Femicides In Mexico, Alejandra Vela
The Crisis Of Femicides In Mexico, Alejandra Vela
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Femicides are a growing issue in Mexico. These murders are intertwined with the incompetence of authorities, poverty, corruption, and organized crime. Authorities tend to blame victims by not taking missing reports seriously, nor do they conduct searches in these urgent situations. Authorities do not have DNA databases, space in morgues, and have little forensic science training. Ways of identifying remains involve odontology, bitemarks, and saliva. These provide a means of identifying through individual characteristics and DNA. Evidence is usually mishandled and not tested, or purposely lost to stop the investigation, thus, involving corruption. Criminal organizations, known as cartels, bribe authorities …
Cognitive And Other Types Of Biases Affecting Forensic Evidence: Research Analysis And Expert Conclusions, Sukhmanpreet Kaur
Cognitive And Other Types Of Biases Affecting Forensic Evidence: Research Analysis And Expert Conclusions, Sukhmanpreet Kaur
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
This paper identifies the issue of cognitive bias, with emphasis on confirmation bias, and its implications within the forensic science field. Biased thinking or processing of forensic evidence can have significant effects on an investigation process. The literature analyzed discusses the consequences of providing contextual or irrelevant ancillary information to forensic experts. Following this discussion, the opinions held by forensic professionals with regards to confirmation bias and erroneous conclusions will likewise be evaluated. It is important that the forensic science field continues to listen to its experts in order to develop solutions for dealing with and preventing instances of confirmation …
Qualitative Analysis Of Luminol Efficacy On Bleach-Cleaned And Paint-Concealed Blood, Adam Wykoff
Qualitative Analysis Of Luminol Efficacy On Bleach-Cleaned And Paint-Concealed Blood, Adam Wykoff
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The presence of blood at a crime scene can provide investigators with a treasure trove of information regarding the nature and circumstances of a particular crime and aid in crime scene reconstruction; however, attempts at concealing blood are common scenarios. The development of chemiluminescent and fluorescent-based presumptive tests, such as the luminol and fluorescein tests, have made it more challenging to definitively remove or mask blood on a surface. The purpose of this experiment was to qualitatively measure the overall efficacy of luminol, concerning its ability to positively detect small bloodstains found on common household floor surfaces (wood, carpet, and …
The Accumulation Of Wear On Footwear Pattern Analysis, Sarah Pawloski
The Accumulation Of Wear On Footwear Pattern Analysis, Sarah Pawloski
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Wear is defined as the erosion of a shoe’s outsole or the loss of tread pattern, and it happens gradually over time with use. After a shoeprint is collected from a crime scene, it is questioned whether an individualization can be made if an exemplar is created after additional use of the shoe. The shoes of ten volunteers at San Jose State University were analyzed over a period of 40-45 days. Wear and Randomly Acquired Characteristics (RACs) were analyzed over time to determine if there were any observable changes or additions to the already present wear. It was hypothesized that …
Novice Ideas: Handwriting Comparisons Conducted By An Untrained Individual, Maia Lister
Novice Ideas: Handwriting Comparisons Conducted By An Untrained Individual, Maia Lister
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Forensic analysis of questioned documents includes chemical analyses of paper and ink as well as handwriting comparisons. Several elements affect handwriting analyses, including the presence of discriminatory factors that can individualize a handwriting sample and whether the handwriting has been disguised. Five handwriting samples were gathered from six individuals comprising of one reference, three natural unknowns, and one disguised sample per person. A novice conducted analyses on every collected sample and conducted comparisons of the reference sample to the unknown and disguised samples in an attempt to correctly source the unknown and disguised samples. The novice showed a high level …
Determination Of Vehicle Speed From Recorded Video Using Reverse Projection Photogrammetry And File Metadata, Brandon Epstein, Bryce Westlake
Determination Of Vehicle Speed From Recorded Video Using Reverse Projection Photogrammetry And File Metadata, Brandon Epstein, Bryce Westlake
Faculty Publications
The prevalence of security and in‐car video has increased the number of motor vehicle accidents captured on digital video. However, inconsistencies in how to accurately determine time and distance for vehicle speed has led to examinations with varying results. A potential solution for calculating time intervals is to use frame timing contained within many digital video file's metadata, recorded with 0.000001 sec precision. This paper examines a fatal motor vehicle accident where frame timing information was used with distance measurements from reverse projection photogrammetry to calculate vehicle speed. A margin of error was then calculated based on the accuracy in …
Forensics’ Fight: A Need For Aggressive Strategies Against Confirmation Bias, Madison Mcgowan
Forensics’ Fight: A Need For Aggressive Strategies Against Confirmation Bias, Madison Mcgowan
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In 2009, the National Academy of Sciences produced a lengthy report illuminating significant weaknesses present within the forensic community. One complex fault found in forensics was conformation bias. Since it is within human nature to make decisions based on contextual information, assumptions, and pre-held opinions, confirmation bias is an issue that will continue to persist. Therefore, stronger efforts must be made to recognize and abate the problem of bias within the field of forensics in order to preserve the notion that forensic science exists to serve principles of both truth and justice. Accordingly, this paper argues for the fight against …
The Csi Effect: Fact Or Fiction?, Kavita Alejo
The Csi Effect: Fact Or Fiction?, Kavita Alejo
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The CSI effect has been a subject undergoing intense scrutiny in recent years. With the ever-increasing number of television shows, such as CSI and all of its spinoffs, that poorly represent the field of forensic science, there has also been a growing concern over the effects that media has on the legal system. Prosecutors argue that the CSI effect raises their burden of proof and makes jurors more likely to acquit in cases involving little or no forensic evidence, while defense lawyers claim that jurors are more inclined to wrongfully convict based on their unrealistic perceptions of forensic evidence. This …
Reducing Contamination In Forensic Science, Carly Balk
Reducing Contamination In Forensic Science, Carly Balk
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The sensitivity of modern forensic techniques has drastically increased, with sensitive technology detecting even the smallest traces of DNA evidence left behind. This has made it possible to detect DNA profiles deposited through contamination. When DNA contamination occurs in forensic science, it has the potential to change the outcome of a criminal investigation and may have significant social and financial repercussions. A compilation of global research shows that DNA evidence transfer can occur during forensic product manufacturing, the fingerprinting process, or even autopsy and crime lab examinations. These vital areas of the forensic investigation are vulnerable to contamination, and national …
The "Csi Effect" And Its Potential Impact On Juror Decisions, John Alldredge
The "Csi Effect" And Its Potential Impact On Juror Decisions, John Alldredge
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The “CSI Effect” was first described in the media as a phenomenon resulting from viewing forensic and crime based television shows. This effect influences jurors to have unrealistic expectations of forensic science during a criminal trial and affect jurors’ decisions in the conviction or acquittal process. Research has shown the “CSI Effect” has a possible pro-defense bias, in that jurors are less likely to convict without the presence of some sort of forensic evidence. Some studies show actors in the criminal justice system are changing their tactics, as if this effect has a significant influence, causing them to request unnecessary …
Confirmation Bias: The Pitfall Of Forensic Science, Scott Moser
Confirmation Bias: The Pitfall Of Forensic Science, Scott Moser
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
As it stands, forensic science and its practitioners are held in high regard in criminal court proceedings due to their ability to discover irrefutable facts that would otherwise go unnoticed. Nevertheless, forensic scientists can fall victim to natural logical fallacies. More specifically, confirmation bias is “a proclivity to search for or interpret additional information to confirm beliefs and to steer clear of information that may disagree with those prior beliefs” (Budlowe et al., 2009, p. 803). To restore the integrity of the forensic sciences, the sources of confirmation bias need to be identified and eliminated. Accordingly, empirical studies have given …
Comparing Wearer Dna Sample Collection Methods For The Recovery Of Single Source Profiles, Corissa J. Harris, Amanda J. Cardenas, Steven B. Lee, Brooke Barloewen
Comparing Wearer Dna Sample Collection Methods For The Recovery Of Single Source Profiles, Corissa J. Harris, Amanda J. Cardenas, Steven B. Lee, Brooke Barloewen
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Wearer DNA is the deposit of epithelial cells on clothing worn by an individual. Detection of the last individual to handle or wear an item is often an important and desirable determination in forensic science. The most commonly used collection methods for wearer DNA include swabbing and scraping. These often result in mixture profiles. Recently, adhesives have been introduced as a possible reliable method for the collection of biological evidence. The goal of the research was to compare the current collection methods of swabbing and scraping with a gel film called Gel-Pak ‘0’ which shares similar properties with adhesives. Gel-Pak …
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum (Justice Studies)
No abstract provided.
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum (Justice Studies)
No abstract provided.
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum (Justice Studies)
No abstract provided.
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum, San Jose State University
Forensic Science Forum (Justice Studies)
No abstract provided.