what are the two main targets for a defense attorney to attack in a forensic scientists testimony

by Dominic Medhurst 5 min read

How does a defense attorney develop a defense strategy?

By raising questions about the credibility of the prosecution's witnesses, the defense counsel seeks to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors so they will acquit the defendant. To cast doubt on the truthfulness and reliability of prosecution witnesses, a defense attorney can use any or all of these tactics:

How can a forensics expert help a criminal case?

Mar 25, 2012 · The prospect of giving expert testimony can be intimidating, and preparation is critical. A new self-paced, online training course from NIJ, "Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert," is intended to help specialists prepare to give testimony in court. Although designed for forensic experts, it can be helpful to any witness who has limited ...

How can a defense attorney cast doubt on a prosecution witness?

the main plot being a group of individuals solving criminal activity through the use of actual and often fictitious types of forensic science investigational techniques. Given the wide popularity of these television programs, it is no surprise that this attention to the forensic sciences has affected the real world.

Which is not one of the main functions of a forensic scientist?

A new self-paced, online training course from NIJ, "Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert," is intended to help specialists prepare to give testimony in court. Although designed for forensic experts, it can be helpful to any witness who has limited experience testifying in court.

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What are the 2 main types of evidence?

There are two types of evidence -- direct and circumstantial. Direct evidence usually is that which speaks for itself: eyewitness accounts, a confession, or a weapon.Sep 9, 2019

What are the 3 main objectives for a forensic investigator regarding evidence?

The goals and objectives of the Crime Scene Investigations units are the collection, preservation, packaging, transportation, and documentation of physical evidence left at the crime scene.

What is the goal for forensics?

The goals of forensic science include: Unamibiguously distinguishing evidence from coincidence, Examining relavant alternatives to a hypothesis and using scientific principles to rank them, Testing these alternative explanations by breaking them into smaller, testable components.

What are the responsibilities of the forensic crime lab and forensic scientist?

In laboratories, forensic science technicians typically do the following: Perform chemical, biological, and microscopic analyses on evidence taken from crime scenes. Explore possible links between suspects and criminal activity, using the results of DNA or other scientific analyses.Jan 18, 2022

What is the main priority of the first responder?

His or her priority is always the safety of those who are at the scene, but the responder also has to be aware of the importance of preserving evidence that may be relevant to any crime that has been committed.

What are two of the ways that a forensic pathologist might use to help determine the time of death?

Two of the ways a forensic pathologist can determine time of death are Rigor Mortis, and Livor Mortis which both evaluate the stage of decomposition.

How does forensic science apply to criminal investigation?

Various types of physical evidence can be found at almost any crime scene. The types of evidence and where it is found can assist investigators to develop a sense of how the crime was committed.

What is the purpose of crime scene investigation from the perspective of forensic science investigators?

By conducting a systematic examination of these areas, crime scene investigators uncover the physical evidence to help identify what happened and who was involved. This process must be conducted carefully and thoroughly to ensure that crucial evidence is collected and fragile evidence is not destroyed in the process.

What is forensic science in criminology?

Forensic science is the study of evidence found at crime scenes. This evidence can come in the form of DNA samples, clothing fibers, fingerprints, footwear impressions and even soil samples. Criminology is the study of the behavior of criminals and the crimes they commit. Forensic criminology combines these sciences.

What are the two main duties of a forensic scientist?

A Forensic Scientist, or Forensic Science Technician, identifies, collects and examines physical evidence found at a crime scene. Their main duties include analyzing and interpreting blood spatter patterns, making observations of crimes based on autopsies and taking photographs and videos of victims and crime scenes.

What is the most important tool of a forensic investigator?

Today, the testing and analysis of DNA is considered the most reliable of all of the forensic tools. Unlike many of the others gathered to meet the needs of law enforcement, it faced rigorous scientific experimentation and validation prior to its use in forensic science.Apr 17, 2012

What are 3 roles of a forensic science technician?

The three tasks or responsibilities of a forensic scientist are: Collecting evidence. Analyzing evidence. Communicating with law enforcement and...