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Among the primary functions of a civilized society is the protection of its members from criminal victimization. While this is fundamental, a broader notion of justice to victims is equally fundamental in such a society. The Criminal Justice apparatus is made up of several agencies and actors who all, to one degree or another, work to find those guilty and punish them. But the process used to do that must also be just in the victims’ eyes in order for confidence in the system to be achieved. This course examines the philosophies underpinning victims’ rights, what has and has not been promulgated and done to achieve victims’ satisfaction, and to explore the moral and ethical issues involved.
The course explores the history of forensic science, and an overview of the multitude of forensic disciplines. Through this format the student is provided exposure to the variety of professions that exist within the field of forensic science -to include the field, investigations, laboratory analysis and data analysis. Criminal justice majors need introduced to how all of these integral roles come together for the common goal of truth, justice and allowing the evidence to speak. Concentration will be placed on the standard forensic guidelines for the scientific community, the value of a quality management system as it lends to credibility for court testimony, and the essential importance of ethical and moral integrity.
Course will provide an introduction to the field of criminalistics, with a focus on the recognition, collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence. Students will be introduced to fingerprints, digital photography, forensic document examination, firearms, toxicology, serology, explosives and arson. Course also evaluates the critical issues in crime scene preservation and processing through the application of forensic science to assist legal authorities in apprehending and prosecuting those involved in a crime. A central theme of this course involves the applying of industry standard and legal processes in the collection and preservation of items of evidentiary value through forensic science.