Introduction to CSI Effect

Introduction & Defining The CSI Effect

• The criminal justice system aims to protect the innocent and ensure truth emerges.
• Law defines criminal behavior and provides a framework for regulations, as well as determining evidence standards for prosecution.
• Law and science work within the criminal justice system, but differ in goals and methods.
• Law focuses on settling disputes, obtaining favorable outcomes, and relies on the adversarial system to resolve conflict.
• Truth is determined by the trier of fact, such as a judge or jury, and outcomes are based on this.
• Science focuses on describing the workings of the natural world, relying on the scientific method and refinement of hypothesis to validate ideas.
• Truth in science is dependent on available evidence and justification is based on this.
• Forensic science stems from the Latin word ‘forensis’ meaning public debate or discussion, and ‘science’ derived from Latin meaning knowledge.
• Forensic science uses a range of disciplines and is broadly defined as the application of scientific knowledge to legal matters.
• Forensic science assists in criminal investigations by linking suspects to crime scenes or victims, establishing timelines, ascertaining motives, and providing objectivity through the scientific method.

The CSI Effect

• The CSI effect is the unrealistic expectation of the capabilities of forensic science and crime scene investigation.
• This effect, also known as the Sherlock Holmes Effect, results from inaccurate portrayals in media, focusing on roles, responsibilities, capabilities, evidence nature, procedures and time frame.
• The CSI effect impacts real criminal justice systems, with viewers expecting unrealistic solutions by forensic teams, leading to higher rates of acquittal or conviction, depending on the specific perception.

Forensic Pathology

• Forensic pathology applies medical principles and knowledge to legal matters.
• Forensic Pathologists perform autopsies and have expertise in various areas to assist in death investigations.
• Forensic pathologists seek to answer five main questions: who died, when did they die, where did they die, how did they die, and by what means did they die.

Forensic Pathology: PPE

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for forensic pathologists includes scrubs, a medical scrub cap, Tyvek apron, Tyvek booties, mask, goggles, and gloves.

The Medicolegal Autopsy Process

• The medicolegal autopsy process has three phases:
  • Pre-morgue analysis involves reviewing the death scene, witness statements, and circumstances surrounding the death.
  • Morgue analysis includes the autopsy itself, examining the body and associated trace evidence.
  • Post-morgue analysis comprises microscopic and laboratory examinations following the autopsy.

Sketching the Crime Scene

• Crime scene sketches are permanent records of the size and distance relationships of the crime scene and its evidence.
• Two types of sketches are created: a rough sketch and a final sketch.
• Every crime scene sketch includes a title, a legend, a compass designation, and a documentation block with case number, offense type, victim name, date/time, sketcher's name and affiliation, and scale.

Types of Sketches

• Crime scene investigators use various sketch types depending on the scene location:
  • Floor plans provide a two-dimensional, bird’s eye view of a room or series of rooms used for indoor crime scenes.
  • Elevation plans depict the vertical plane of interest, applicable for both indoor and outdoor scenes.
  • Site plans provide a two-dimensional bird's eye view of outdoor crime scenes, illustrating property lines, roads, and topography.
  • Cross-sectional plans or 'exploded view' sketches combine aspects of floor plans and elevation plans, used for both indoor and outdoor scenes.

Measurements

• All sketches incorporate measurements, taken last in the crime scene process to avoid interference.
• Four methods of measurement are used:
  • Triangulation: measures the distance from two fixed points to the evidence, requiring multiple people and best suited for outdoor scenes.
  • Baseline: measures the distance of an object from a baseline at a right angle, best for indoor or outdoor scenes.
  • Polar Coordinates: also known as "map and compass," is the simplest but least accurate method, using a fixed point and measuring along one line of sight using a compass.
  • Photogrammetry: also known as "perspective grid method," uses multiple, overlapping photos from various angles, including a standard measuring tool, and relies on specialized software.

Chain of Custody

• Chain of custody ensures the integrity of evidence submitted to court, which may be deemed inadmissible if not carefully documented.
• It requires details of evidence collection, including who collected it, when it was collected, where it was collected, and how it was collected.
• Each change of custody must be recorded, including date, time, and name of the person who took possession of the evidence.
• This ensures that the evidence is not tampered with and that it is not contaminated. It also establishes that the evidence is authentic and that it is not a forgery.

Explore the intersection of law and science within the criminal justice system, focusing on the role of forensic science. Understand how truth is established in legal contexts compared to scientific inquiry. This quiz will deepen your knowledge of the CSI Effect and its implications on public perception and the judicial process.