UNIT OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

  • Perform the process of chromatography and determine Rf value.
  • Identify various facets of individual handwriting.
  • Separate and identify different types of ink, using paper chromatography.
  • Determine the type of pen used in a forged note.
  • Solve a crime of art forgery.
  • Write and develop a secret message.
  • Develop safe guards against check and banking fraud
ASSIGNMENTS
SPECIFICS
Criminalistics by Saferstein Chapter 16--pages 466-488
Class Notes PowerPoint--You will need a password. Click here; enter the password; and view the presentation
Activities Documentation Outline
Handwriting Analysis
Codes and Decoding
Fraud and Counterfeiting
Art Forgery
Labs

Chromatography Lab
Ink Analysis Lab
Document Lab--Paper and Pencil
Codes and Decoding
Possible Projects Opinion Paper----Jon Benet Ramsey Case Study
Articles Forgery Murders
Invisible Ink Letter
Counterfeit Protection
Other

Video And Website Information

Logic Problem 4
Crossword Review
Review

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
Do Chapter 16

See Teacher Review Sheet

Practice Quotefalls
Assessments Written Knowledge and Analysis Test

PreLab--Go to CSI Handwriting Adventures. Try your "hand" at determining at matching the person who wrote each word. Now go to the information on the Crime Library Website. Take brief notes over the Charles Lindbergh's baby kidnapping, Jon Benet Ramsey and Ted Kaczynski. Be prepared to discuss each.
HANDWRITING LAB--Use the characteristics to observe and note the individual features of the handwriting below. Could you identify this handwriting?

A. Line quality

  • smooth
  • shaky
  • juvenile

B. Word and Letter Spacing--average space between words and letters

C. Letter Comparison

  • height of letter
  • width
  • relationship of size between capital and lower case

D. Pen Lifts--during a word and between words

E. Pen Pressure--equal pen pressure on all letters

F. Lettering Slant--degree of slant left or right

G. Unusual Letter Formation--unusual curls, loops or styles

H. Diacritic Placement--how the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted

I. Baseline Habits--writing on, above, or below the line

J. Body Placement--where does the writing begin on the page.

Finally, look at the evidence in the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. What evidence did they have against Bruno Richard Hauptmann? Do you think that handwriting only would have convicted him of the kidnapping and murder? Be able to explain your reasoning.

CASE STUDY SCENARIO

JonBenet RAMSEY

A. Take notes over the video: JonBenet Ramsey

.B. Fill in the argumentation graphic organizer to arrange your ideas and back your opinions with evidence. You may wish to look at a few web sites to help with background information and crime evidence. One in particular gives regular updates about occurrences in the case--JonBenet.

C. Write opinion paper stating your belief on who committed this murder. Be sure to discuss his or her means, motive and opportunity. Within the paper, describe at least 3 pieces of evidence and how they support your belief. Highlight each piece of evidence as it appears in your paper.

D. Based on your belief, discuss how you would present the case if you were the prosecuting attorney. What would be some of the limitations?

 

SCORING GUIDE

5
4 or 3
2 or 1
0
The Original Case Effectively and creatively communicates the evidence and facts of the original trial or case Effectively communicates the evidence and facts of the original trial or case. Has difficulty in understanding the evidence and/or facts of the original trail or case Misrepresents evidence and facts of the original trial or case
Presentation of Prosecution or Defense Presents a convincing case based on the evidence and scientific facts Presents a case based on the evidence and scientific facts. Presents cases that is confusing and not very convincing No case presented
Forensic Evidence Evidence is accurate, highlighted, and leads to the means, motive and opportunity of the suspect. Evidence is accurate and detailed but not highlighted. May lead to the suspect. Some evidence missing or not detailed and or not highlighted. Means, motive and/or opportunity lacking. Evidence is poor or missing and does not lead to the suspect
Communication and Writing Skills Paper is well-developed, easily understood, and free of mechanical errors Paper is well-developed; may contain some mechanical errors Paper is not well-developed or contains several mechanical errors Paper is poorly developed and difficult to understand; may include many mechanical errors

Graphic Organizer is worth 10 pts.

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