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Articles 1 - 30 of 32
Full-Text Articles in Forensic Science and Technology
Blood’S Evidentiary Value Based On Its Biological And Physical Properties, Samantha Boman
Blood’S Evidentiary Value Based On Its Biological And Physical Properties, Samantha Boman
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Prior to 1955, bloodstain evidence was considered to be unreliable and therefore inadmissible in a court of law. Today, DNA profiles can be derived from leukocytes, which comprise less than 1% of our total blood volume. Aside from genetic profiles, the biological and physical properties of blood can reveal a great deal to investigators. The first landmark case to utilize blood’s class characteristics reliably was in the State of Ohio vs. Samuel Sheppard. This paper explains how viscosity, surface tension, flow, velocity, and Newtonian laws of motion can be used to determine: the relative locations of victims and offenders, handedness …
Advancements In Technology To Solve Cold Cases, Melissa Hernandez
Advancements In Technology To Solve Cold Cases, Melissa Hernandez
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the crisis of cold case investigations and discuss the advancements being made in this area over the last four decades. Technology such as CCTV cameras, DNA Phenotyping, and Genetic Genealogy have allowed many cases to be reopened but there are still not enough resources or funds to close the immense number of unsolved cases. There are also ethical concerns being addressed to allow for this technology to continue to be applicable. In some instances, it takes a combination of preexisting technology and new applications to work around previous barriers in investigations. Despite …
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 …
Discovering A Pathway To Reestablishing Policing By Consent In The United States, Everett Glynn
Discovering A Pathway To Reestablishing Policing By Consent In The United States, Everett Glynn
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Policing in the 21st century faces issues with leadership and accountability within officer ranks. Police organizations increasingly resemble paramilitary organizations, from their hierarchy to their eagerness to use force. Investigations into the conduct of the Minneapolis, Chicago, and Ferguson police departments uncover widespread, paternal issues of abuse from police officers. The abuse includes paternal excessive force, discrimination, and even the social media targeting of community members of color Solutions proposed from President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, combined with a proposition to espouse Sir Robert Peel’s Principles of community policing, offer a pathway toward regaining the …
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 …
An Interview With Dr. Steven Lee: Scientist, Jazz Musician, Athlete, Wine Connoisseur, And Founder And Former Director Of The Forensic Science Program At Sjsu, Steven Lee
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
No abstract provided.
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 …
Current Applications And Limitations Of Forensic Entomology, Helena Volckaert
Current Applications And Limitations Of Forensic Entomology, Helena Volckaert
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Forensic entomology is the study of arthropods concerning their application in crime scene investigation as a method of predicting postmortem interval (PMI) in deceased or missing individuals. PMI is determined by the life stage of insects present on-scene. Insects used in criminal investigations are primarily beetles, flies, or moths; this may also include various scavenging insects and hitchhiking mites. These creatures help colonize decayed tissue, providing crime scene personnel with live specimens collected and examined for biological evidence. Forensic entomology is currently a niche application in most investigations—as qualified entomologists are often needed—and proper analysis of collected evidence can be …
The Ability Of Vitreous Metabolite Concentration To Determine Time Of Death, Victoria Wiggins
The Ability Of Vitreous Metabolite Concentration To Determine Time Of Death, Victoria Wiggins
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
This paper analyzes the ability of vitreous fluid to determine time of death. The high variability in current methods used to establish post-mortem interval (PMI), or the amount of time between death and post-mortem examination make it difficult to obtain an accurate estimation. The concentration of metabolites found within vitreous fluid, such as potassium (K+), hypoxanthine (Hx), and magnesium (Mg), are the most researched alternatives to traditional methods in PMI determination because of the relative isolation of vitreous within the body and its ability to withstand degradation. There is no clear consensus on which metabolite provides the most accurate data …
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 …
Frequency Of Lip Print Patterns Among Females And Males At San Jose State University, Daniela Zopiyactle
Frequency Of Lip Print Patterns Among Females And Males At San Jose State University, Daniela Zopiyactle
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Lip prints have distinct forms of wrinkles and grooves unique to an individual much like fingerprints, footprints, and palm prints. Cheiloscopy, or the study of the grooves and wrinkles on the labial mucosa, helps classify, document, and evaluate lip print patterns. This article utilizes cheiloscopy to analyze students from the San Jose State University population; including 25 participants: 15 females and 10 males of ages between 18-45 years. Print collection utilized a matte lipstick, evenly applied on the lip, to create an impression using tape and white bond paper. Then, using the Suzui and Tsuchihashi method, researchers classified the lip …
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 …
Decomposition Of Pig Carcasses At Varying Room Temperature, Jacqueline Abad Santos
Decomposition Of Pig Carcasses At Varying Room Temperature, Jacqueline Abad Santos
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The goal of this study is to assess the qualitative scoring of decomposition scales with statistical analysis while also determining which indoor environment will decompose the fastest. When comparing the three indoor environments, water decomposition appears to be the fastest, but the method of analysis for this study determines that using decomposition scales to analyze such environments may produce statistically insignificant results. For this study, piglets were put in a dry steel tub, a water filled steel tub, and a suitcase. These were recorded using photographs for 25 days and then scored using decomposition scales. The total score was divided …
Scientific Evidence Admissibility: Improving Judicial Proceedings To Decrease Erroneous Outcomes, Leica Kwong
Scientific Evidence Admissibility: Improving Judicial Proceedings To Decrease Erroneous Outcomes, Leica Kwong
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In the United States, Federal Rules of Evidence 702, the Frye and Daubert standards govern the admissibility of scientific evidence in the courtroom. Some states adopted Frye while others adopted Daubert, causing varying judicial outcomes. The verdicts in some cases may be erroneous due to a nationally used standard. Frye has broad criteria of requiring scientific evidence to be generally accepted. While Daubert contains more requirements for the evidence to be admissible, such as peer review, publication, and scientific principles. Daubert, alongside FRE 702, provides a thorough guideline for trial judges who have the gatekeeping role to decide admissibility aiming …
Physical Match: Uniqueness Of Torn Paper, Marilyn Aguilar
Physical Match: Uniqueness Of Torn Paper, Marilyn Aguilar
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In the forensic science field, it is generally accepted that all tears and fractures are unique; however, there is limited scientific evidence to support this. This study tests the claim that all tears are unique, focusing on paper. One-hundred Office Depot brand 3” x 5” blank, white index cards were torn in half by hand. Six halves were randomly removed; the remaining 94 halves were mixed and then matched by a novice using end-match analysis. The removal of the 6 random halves left 44 matching pairs. Of the remaining halves, all 44 pairs were correctly matched. The results show that …
Lacking Regulated Policy For Dna Evidence, Maia Lister
Lacking Regulated Policy For Dna Evidence, Maia Lister
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Despite its strong presence in criminal justice, DNA analysis is still a minimally regulated area. This minimal regulation devalues DNA evidence through the inconsistencies in these areas. The analysis methods of low template DNA lack a uniform method resulting in varying levels of reliability. Utilizing familial searches to assist in criminal investigations can potentially violate citizen rights. Such violations can also be found in the collection of DNA samples before an arrestee is tried or convicted. There are, however, regulations that could be applied universally to combat the problems that were discussed.
Minimum Education Requirements For Crime Scene Investigators, Araseli Saldivar
Minimum Education Requirements For Crime Scene Investigators, Araseli Saldivar
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The initial crime scene investigation is critical since it is the primary step in the investigative process; therefore, individuals assigned to process a scene should be highly educated. Improperly educated (or uneducated) crime scene investigators (CSIs) can mishandle evidence during an investigation, affecting the outcome of cases. The minimum education requirement for CSIs should transition from a high school diploma—the current requirement—toward a bachelor’s degree. The importance of acquiring a college-level education is observed in a study conducted on crime scene examiners in Australia. To determine the educational requirement for CSIs in the United States, information was gathered electronically from …
Optimizing Collection Of Trace Biological Samples From Vehicle Headrests, Kevin Tang, Jesse Ramirez, John Bond, Jocelyn Weart, Yvette Delatorre, Ian Fitch, Steven Lee
Optimizing Collection Of Trace Biological Samples From Vehicle Headrests, Kevin Tang, Jesse Ramirez, John Bond, Jocelyn Weart, Yvette Delatorre, Ian Fitch, Steven Lee
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Tape-lifting and swabbing are two methods commonly used for collecting biological samples in the United Kingdom and United States to investigate vehicle crimes. Determining the optimal collection method may lead to an increase in generating DNA profiles and crime-solving. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of adhesive tape and the double-swab collection methods for investigating vehicle crimes with possible touch DNA samples. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of tape-lifts and swabs on spiked common vehicle fabric materials. The efficiency of recovery between the two collection methods was performed using qPCR. The results from …
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 …
An Evaluation Of Escience Lab Kits For Online Learning, Diana Orozco
An Evaluation Of Escience Lab Kits For Online Learning, Diana Orozco
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Higher education online science courses generally lack the hands-on components essential in understanding theories, methods, and techniques in chemistry and biology. Companies like eScience Labs construct kits to facilitate online learning, which provide students with hands-on activities relevant to their science courses. In order to evaluate ease, efficacy, and comprehension of the forensic science kits by eScience Labs was completed while writing observations of the activities during and after completion; the lab manual learning objectives were compared to results of activities and two stopwatches took elapsed time of each activity to compare with the stated times in the kit manual. …
Physical Match: Unique Fracture Patterns In Wooden Popsicle Sticks, Yiu Ming Sunny Lau
Physical Match: Unique Fracture Patterns In Wooden Popsicle Sticks, Yiu Ming Sunny Lau
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Physical match (or physical fit) evidence was considered reliable in court for years, until the Daubert case, which required standardized scientific methodology on all forensic evidence. Physical matching faces the same criticism as other forms of physical evidence (specifically, that it lacks a scientific foundation). Physical matching is based on the idea that when an object is fractured, the shape of each fragment is unique and it is not possible to recreate a fragment that is identical to any other. In this study, fifty wooden popsicle sticks were broken in half, the pieces were mixed, and then reconstructed using physical …
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 …
Beyond Dna: Epigenetics And Proteomics In Forensic Science, Diane F. Eilerts
Beyond Dna: Epigenetics And Proteomics In Forensic Science, Diane F. Eilerts
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The use of genetic evidence in criminal cases is well established and has improved the public opinion and credibility of forensic science. However, several shortcomings associated with current genetic profiling techniques exist. Scientific research aimed at increasing the overall knowledge and understanding of biological factors will lead to the development of methods capable of improving the discriminating power of DNA evidence, overcoming limitations associated with DNA evidence, or complementing current methods of DNA profiling. Increased research in the fields of epigenetics and proteomics are particularly promising and relevant to forensic science. Research suggests that epigenetic biomarkers can be used to …
The Utilization Of Mobile Technology For Crime Scene Investigation In The San Francisco Bay Area, Marc Logrande
The Utilization Of Mobile Technology For Crime Scene Investigation In The San Francisco Bay Area, Marc Logrande
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The research presented aims to explore factors affecting the decision to adopt a mobile crime scene investigation application in police departments throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. To accomplish this goal, the mobile technology acceptance model was used in designing a survey for data collection. This model utilizes four categories to interpret the factors that influence a police officer’s decision to accept or reject mobile technologies: performance, security and reliability, management style, and cognitive acceptance. Nine police departments were sampled through a series of in-person and over-the-phone interviews to obtain data regarding factors affecting the adoption of a mobile crime …
Applications Of Forensic Evidence In Criminal Cases, Emily Wheeler
Applications Of Forensic Evidence In Criminal Cases, Emily Wheeler
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
In 2003, Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney proposed a plan for an infallible death penalty that required irrefutable scientific evidence, effectively removing any doubt regarding potential innocence in death penalty cases. Forensic science encompasses many scientific disciplines including natural sciences and pattern analysis, but not all such areas experience equal amounts of general acceptance or influence in criminal cases. While DNA analysis and fingerprint identification using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) are both widely accepted forensic applications, recent events expose concerns regarding the authenticity of other disciplines such as hair and bite mark comparison. Before policymakers address the issue …
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 Use Of Criminal Profilers In The Prosecution Of Serial Killers, Chelsea Van Aken
The Use Of Criminal Profilers In The Prosecution Of Serial Killers, Chelsea Van Aken
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the concept of criminal profiling in terms of serial killers in the United States. The research provided in this paper was found using the most recent research available on the topic. The FBI’s Behavioral Unit, or National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC), is the current leading law enforcement agency that investigates these types of crimes. They utilize definitions, typographies, and motives to create a criminal profile to investigate serial killings. Ultimately, these profiles are inadequate because they are inconclusive and exclude multiple suspects that are potentially dangerous. Therefore, criminal …
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 …
Dna Typing Compatibility With A One Step Saliva Screening Test, Nicole Roda, Steven B. Lee, Brooke Barloewen, Tahnee Mehmet
Dna Typing Compatibility With A One Step Saliva Screening Test, Nicole Roda, Steven B. Lee, Brooke Barloewen, Tahnee Mehmet
Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
Screening a substrate for bodily fluids is an extremely important step for locating areas that may contain DNA. Several different methods have been developed for saliva (1). The Phadebas® Forensic Press (PFP) test is a presumptive saliva test that utilizes a preloaded paper that will react with the enzyme amylase, a component of saliva (2-5). Because of its ability to screen for amylase while simultaneously locating stains, the PFP may prove to be an effective, rapid method for screening. However it is important to assess whether the PFP introduces any inhibitors (7) to downstream processing such as PCR amplification. Based …