UNIT OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

  • Name the scientific terminology for various body parts and describe the three main body planes.
  • Solve a common logic problem.
  • Describe the various jobs performed in the area of forensic study.
  • Describe various types of physical evidence and how they are collected.
  • Observe and process a crime scene.
  • Discuss the work of the medical examiner.
  • Determine the characteristics of a body after death.
  • Present a timeline of events in the development of forensic science.
  • Access the internet for specific information.
  • Observe the relevance of classroom study to real-life situation.
ASSIGNMENTS
SPECIFICS
Criminalistics by Saferstein

Chapter 1-3 pp. 1-86
Forensic handbook by Kurland

Chapters 1-3 pp. 1-24
Crime Scene by Ragle Chapters 1 and 2 pp. 11-88
Chapter 10 pp. 353-411
Careers Forensic Science as a Career Choice
Class Notes PowerPoint--You will need a password. Click here; enter the password; and view the presentation
Activities

Introduction Outline
Who’s That?
Group Logic Problem
Where is the Pirate’s Treasure?
Labs

Observation Lab
Crime Scene Observation with Preliminary Report
Technology

Faces Program
Data Base program
Crime Scene Investigation --background information
Crime Library
Other Video---Autopsy I
Logic Problem 1
Crossword Review
Anatomy Independent Study Body Regions
Body Planes
Review
Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
Do the reviews for Chapters 1, 2 & 3

Test Reviewsheet: Given out by teacher
Make sure to re-read the chapters assigned from Crime Scene by Ragel

Assessments

 Crime Scene
Unit Test

AUTOPSY--There are two tutorials to visit that will help with an understanding of how an autopsy is conducted.

  • HBO--Dr. Michael Baden performs a visual autopsy.
  • Ed Friedlander, M.D. (pathologist)--gives a detailed account of what is done during an autopsy.

Image on the right came from Autopsy Video,

If you are interested in a career as a forensic pathologist, check out the website by Dr. Uthman. He answers many of your questions. In addition, the National Association of Medical Examiners has its own website with cases in the news that change every month. Check out those that are of interest to you.

 

A REASON TO KNOW YOUR BODY NAMES!
The Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyers Journal printed these questions that were actually asked of witnesses during a trial.

Lawyer: You were not shot in the fracas?

Witness: No, I was shot midway between the fracas and the navel.

Lawyer: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?

Pathologist: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.

Lawyer: And Mr. Dennington was dead at the time?

Pathologist (tongue in cheek): No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy!
Lawyer: Can you describe the individual?

Witness: He was about medium height and had a beard.

Lawyer: Was this a male or a female?

CSI--Crime Scene Investigation
 On the CSI website, you can navigate an interactive crime lab, look at cases that were solved on the program, and observe the forensics used to solve it. The handbook section contains information about tools, evidence and procedures. Check it out for later use.

 

ASK "WEEKSTER"

CAN SOMEONE BE CONVICTED OF MURDER IF A BODY IS NEVER RECOVERED?

YES! Based on the various types of evidence, one can conclude that a person could not be alive. As a result, people have been arrested, charged and convicted of murder even when no actual body has been found.

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