Description

The Science of Evidence

[WLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4] [CLOs: 2, 4, 5]

Last week, you evaluated on-scene analysis and documentation. This week, the focus will shift to the scientific processes accomplished within the crime laboratory. In addition to the scientific processes, it is important to understand the standards applied to determine if the scientific process and its results can or should be admitted at trial. While science uses the peer review process to evaluate credibility, the courts also use case law to evaluate the standards for forensic science.

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, please review the following:

You must use at least three Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.) in addition to the course text.

You are also strongly encouraged to review the recommended sources, which may further support this assignment.

In your paper, address the following:

  • Evaluate the evolution of forensic science, focusing on the types of scientific analysis conducted in crime laboratories.
  • Explain how the changes in science and evidence processing over the last century have affected the criminal justice system.
  • Describe at least four major types of scientific testing conducted by crime laboratories.
  • Describe the evidentiary value of the four major testing processes identified.
  • Analyze the current standards (based on case law) for admitting scientific evidence at trial, specifically addressing the four types of scientific testing identified in your paper.

The Science of Evidence paper

Consider using Q for your library research and to access writing supports, and tutoring services available to you. See the Guide to Installing and Using Q (Links to an external site.) for more information.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.) for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.