Forensic Science
Introduction
Forensic science can best be described as the application of science to legal substances. Forensic being a Latin term is utilized in suggesting of a form of collection activity that is nearly related to assessment (Gaensslen & Larsen 2013). Today, forensic is utilized to demonstrate the relationship amid law and science which is emphasized by two components. To begin with, forensic science is objected at creating information and findings which are ultimately utilized in legal cases. Second, forensic investigators are mainly focused in individualization, in that they are oriented at acquiring proof that a certain individual or thing is unique when equated to those from an equal class (Marthie Grobler, 2014). For instance, the capability to differentiate and identify an individual from a wider populace can be categorized as individualization. Forensic science derives from various sectors which include statistics, geography, and science and so on which concentrates mainly on the tangible or bodily confirmation gathered from a criminality scene. Today, forensic science stand to be of the essence in the assessment of evidence gathered from criminality scenes which are useful in the coming up with dependable verdicts that can be utilized in legal procedures. This paper will, therefore, present an examination of forensic science history and concepts in relation to Ms. Mary’s case study.
Forensic Science History
The roots of forensic science can be traced back from the late 19th and the early 20th century. Operations such as forensic pathology, toxicology, biology and fingerprints assessments commenced when individuals began to exploit the manner in which life operates. The discovery led to the identification of the significance and importance that the particular scientific knowledge would potentially improve illegal and crime investigations. A Spanish medic, known as M.J Bonaventure Orfila become the first most forensic pathologist, which equals a medic assessor involved in performing forensic toxicology examination while creating tests for the determination of the differing species for which different blood types were derived from (Bell, 2008). The initial forensic science development occurred across the European states such as Italy and Germany (Gaensslen & Larsen, 2013). Based on the progress, several initial institutions began to associate with medical facilities and eventually took the obligation of forensic studies.
In the earliest years of the 20th century, several medical authorized laboratories were established throughout the United States (Gaensslen & Larsen, 2013). This trend was, however, saddened given that it failed to continue as there was not much to support its continuity. With the passage of time, forensic toxicologists and pathologists joined the local and national government workforces where they started to operate in close collaboration with crime detectives. The medical assessors in the sector were mainly focused on offering adequate assistance to investigators in the quest of determining the general status and situation of death, which failed to fit within the outcomes of natural sources. Thus, the 20th century developed the start of fingerprint utilizations as a general mode of evidence and crime causes in America (Gaensslen & Larsen, 2013). The first operating forensic laboratory was initiated in 1923 by August Vollmer the chief of the police department in Los Angeles at that period (Gaensslen & Larsen, 2013). His operation was mainly fueled by the fact that he was highly interested in forensic science developments and law application. In the most recent the sheriff in the county opened an additional governmental forensic lab to assist in the operations and offer even more services that seek to improve the legal proceedings.
The forensic research center is currently, situated in Virginia, Quantico where there is various local laboratory that has been established throughout the United States to help in the investigations. During this period there are several developments which occurred like the establishment of the universally known bullet evaluation using an optical microscope that occurred back in the 1920s (Bell, 2008). In addition, the development of blood grouping approach in 1931, voice print documentation soberness examinations using Breathalyzer, and X-ray technology (Bell, 2008). More so, in 1980s DNA identification as proof developed and it was utilized in linking the suspected persons to the committed crime as well as acquitting individuals to their charges midst liberating an innocent person from the subjected sentencing for the crime that they never committed (Bell, 2008). DNA summarizing utilization in court proceedings was interrogated back in 1987 and the profiling results created a fresh order of control for the forensic laboratory in ensuring that the appropriate documentation criteria which are accurate and consistent are utilized (Bell, 2008). The first most Database DNA confirmation was developed in 1994 which marked a significant shift within the science legal field.
The Actions of the Initial Response to Your Crime Scene and What Processing Steps
In the occurrence of domestic abuse or sexual assault, there is a necessity to conduct an assault evaluation by the medical experts (Gaensslen & Larsen 2013). In this context, any evidence piece gathered during the evaluation should be gathered, organized and kept safely. This evidence is utilized in linking the crime to the individual who committed the crime. In this case, the home that belongs to Billy Mary’s grandson is the criminality scene. In this case, it is essential to record the time the crime occurred for the intention of thorough investigation from the given documentation. This means that the criminality scene should be covered to ensure that unauthorized people do not tamper with any kind of evidence from the location. In that, then the criminality scene should be protected from any hazardous content, unpermitted persons or even suspects implying that his presence should be out of the scene (Paiva, et al., 2017). The blockades are then situated around the scene section in creating control of the surrounding. After the scene has been guarded a thorough survey of the homestead should be acquired which might include taking a video plot in a reliable and accurate manner to provide firm grounds for analysis. The video would be required to cover the whole area including the inner setting prior to any clearance. Photos of both the inner and the outer section must be joined while acquiring separated pictures of every section. Any form of visual evidence should be protected and recorded photographically while taking cautious and protective isolation measure of the home both from the exterior and interior setting (Paiva, et al., 2017).
Based on the status of the crime and the fact that the victim had been consistently calling for help, this shows that there was no defilement of the 4th amendment privilege. The house belonged to Billy, but it was the place where Mary resided and had been paying for a mortgage with the monetary support acquired from the government. On the other hand, despite their relation, Susan and Billy treated her as a mere servant which included cleaning despite her age. Under this situation, it is obvious that she had the right to allow the investigation to be conducted. This case, therefore, falls under domestic and sexual abuse and therefore there is no necessity for the police to acquire a warrant given that there is already an existing potential cause for the investigation. Thus, any evidence piece that can be of assistance in the case should be documented thoroughly following the collection and a detailed analysis (Paiva, et al., 2017). The home survey led to the discovery of blood as indication around the backside of the door. This is an adequate indication of her claim that Billy had dragged her and harassed her sexually in the backyard. Based on the situation of the cut that she had acquired which led to the acquisition of medical stitching their trail of blood is adequate evidence.
Identify, Collect, Preserve, and Analysis of At Least Three Different Pieces of Evidence from the Case
All the kinds of evidence that can serve for the efficiency of the case need to be gathered, recorded and explored thoroughly (Wall, 2009). One piece of evidence based on the case is that there is blood that was observed on the doorway since Mary had been dragged where she acquired the cut across the stairs into the backyard. After acquiring medical attention she was forced to acquire an 18 stitch on the cut which therefore shows that some blood stains has been left of that scene. Despite the fact that a significant period was wasted prior to the taking place of the assault evaluation, the bruises that she acquired due to the dragging and the semen found on the vaginal section can thus be utilized as evidence against Billy. It is also noted that she had acquired a tearing around the vaginal section which is situated in a section where an individual conducting bodily cleaning using a rough thing cannot reach.
Evidence Analysis
The blood spots, bruises, semen and a tear around the vaginal section can, therefore, serve as the major evidence pieces in demonstrating that Mary had already been assaulted. The bruises that she acquired from the assault can, therefore, be shown with the general utilization of the photographs taken by the examiners at the criminality scene. In addition, the bruises can be a prime proof that her grandson grabbed, dragged and assaulted her based on the analysis of the fingerprints comparison. Her homestead photographs can in this context be utilized as a form of evidence given that the surrounding seems to have been distorted by the assault which involved the general utilization of force. In that, she is able to recall the main events that occurred during the period such as Billy removing her socks and therefore, her testimony being a rationale victim can be utilized as an essential proof in the legal proceedings.
According to Wall, (2009) blood and semen proof in this context should be dehydrated thoroughly to avoid any distortion. In that based on evidence, the prime rule of any liquid such as blood and all the other biological fluid proof is to certain that any presence of stain is dried but not eliminated prior to being covered and stored as evidence. In that, the evidence needs to be in good form and after being gathered should be covered and stored in plastic packages or a container that prevents the air from getting inside thus ensuring that the samples are in the same state as when they were acquired. The acquired evidence should then be analyzed in the laboratory. The analysis is essential given that it helps in determining whether the acquired fluid samples acquired from the criminality scene are related to either Billy or Ms. Mary.
Summary of the Significant Findings for Crime Scene Reconstruction
In a forensic investigation, it should be noted that the capability to determine the manner that the crime was performed is more significant than trying to establish those that performed it (Gaensslen, & Larsen, 2013). In that after determining the major related concepts and acquiring major evidence then it becomes easier to establish those that are involved. Numerous photographs were acquired from the criminality scene in different angles to ensure that every evidence piece is captured. Mary was, therefore, able to examine the presented photos in connecting with her memory of the occurrence. For instance, she was able to recall that Billy removed her socks and dropped them on the ground something that a photo can adequately proof. With the general assistance of investigators and forensic professionals, the rebuilding of the crime offers some visual assistance in relation to the statement made by Mary.
As an aged victim, her testimony confirmed that despite her condition, her mind was in order given that she had the capability to provide thorough evidence on the particular period when Billy had decided to torture her by subjecting pain prior to slaying her. It is apparent that due to her age she is fragile and characterized by different aging issues such as poor eyesight and low hearing issues but as a person, she understands that the event was illegal but she did not have any option. She sustained a fighting spirit because she did not wish to die. Post the incidence her body was fully covered in bruises and emotional issues in addition to the broken rib. The most saddening thing is the mental torture that she was subjected to in the five year period that she had lived with the family. Based on the documented findings it is apparent that the assault is not a thing that individuals would independently commit to self but it is a form of an attack by another. Interestingly, despite the visual and analyzed evidence Mary was forced to struggle to acquire a verdict against Billy, but with the assistance of a significant support, the abuser was ultimately sentenced to forty years.
Conclusion
In summing up, rape and physical abuse cases are difficult to prove if the examinations are not conducted within the shortest framework. In addition, most individuals shy away from such cases given that they are shameful and are in most cases conducted by those that are close. Mary is among the few that stands to their ground to ensure that justice is applied despite the involved challenges. Forensic science offers technical assistance in the investigation of the most pressing issues such as rape. Forensic science development has enhanced legal investigation given that efficiency has been created with simplicity given that it is easier to gather both tangles and untangle evidence. It cannot be denied that forensic science is of undoubted significance to the criminal investigation sector based on the changing aspects of how modern crimes are committed. With the complexity of contemporary crimes, forensic science has worked to ensure that efficiency and technological growth are balanced. From the case, it is apparent that forensic analysis played an essential part towards the legal success and verdict against the offender.
References
Antonis Mouhtaropoulos, Chang-Tsun Li and Marthie Grobler. (2014). Digital Forensic Readiness: Are We There Yet? Journal of International Commercial Law and Technology Vol.9, No.3.
Bell, S. (2008). Crime and circumstance: Investigating the history of forensic science. Westport, Conn: Praeger.
Gaensslen, R.E & Larsen A.K. (2013). Introductory To Forensic Science. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
He wouldn’t turn me loose: The sexual assault case of 96-year-old Miss Mary. Retrieved from https://fod.infobase.com/OnDemandEmbed.aspx?Token=49099&aid=18596&Plt=FOD&loid=0&w=640&h=480&ref
Viana KA, Daher A, Maia LC, Costa PS, Martins CdC, Paiva SM, et al. (2017). What is the level of evidence for the amnestic effects of sedatives in pediatric patients? A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS ONE 12(7): e0180248. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180248
Wall, W. (2009). Forensic Science in Court: The Role of the Expert Witness. Book Review. International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume 14 Number 1. Wiley–Blackwell; 2009; 176 pp.; ISBN: 978-0-470-98577-9
