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FORCHEM-CHAP-1-2

The document provides an overview of forensic chemistry, including its definition, historical context, and the role of forensic chemists in legal investigations. It outlines the significance of physical evidence in criminal cases, detailing various types of physical evidence and methods for its collection. Additionally, it discusses the characteristics and functions of forensic chemists, as well as the stages and golden rules in forensic chemistry practice.

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7 views19 pages

FORCHEM-CHAP-1-2

The document provides an overview of forensic chemistry, including its definition, historical context, and the role of forensic chemists in legal investigations. It outlines the significance of physical evidence in criminal cases, detailing various types of physical evidence and methods for its collection. Additionally, it discusses the characteristics and functions of forensic chemists, as well as the stages and golden rules in forensic chemistry practice.

Uploaded by

jartiola1
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© © All Rights Reserved
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HISTORY OF

FORENSIC
CHEMISTRY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, the student will be able to:
a. Define forensic chemistry and its role in forensic
investigation;
b. Identify the characteristics and main functions of a
forensic chemist;
c. Discuss the four stages in the practice of forensic
chemistry; and
d. Enumerate the golden rules in the practice of forensic
chemistry.
ETYMOLOGY OF FORENSIC
The word “forensic” is derived from the Latin
word forensis, which means “of the forum” or
speaking thne truth in public. The forum,
arguably the historical equivalent of modern day
courts, where ancient Romans used to conduct
public discussions.
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
It is a branch of chemistry that deals with the
application of chemical principles in the solution
of problems that arise in connection with the
administration of justice. It is chemistry applied
in the elucidation of legal problem.
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
The history of forensic chemistry can be
traced back to the use of poisons by the ancient
Egyptians, Greeks , and Romans.
Poisoning was used by the ancient world as a
method of murder and execution.
Socrates was forced to drink hemlock as a death
sentence.
RENOWNED PEOPLE
Demorates – Father of modern science
Jean Servais Stas – employed various
methods to detect certain types of vegetable
poisons in the body.
James Marsh – invented the Marsh test for
arsenic.
Mathieu Joseph Buenaventure Orfila –
father of modern toxicology.
RENOWNED PEOPLE
Sir Francis Galton - designed a form for
recording inked fingerprint impressions.
SCOPE OF FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
Forensic chemistry embraces a large and diversified field.
It includes not only the chemical side of criminal investigation
in which it is generally associated with the public mind but
also the analysis of any material the quality of which may give
rise to legal proceedings. Forensic chemistry is not limited to
purely chemical questions involved in legal proceedings. It
has invaded other branches of forensic sciences notably legal
medicine, ballistics, questioned documents, dactyloscopy and
photography.
WHAT IS A FORENSIC CHEMIST
A forensic chemist is a professional chemist
who analyzes evidence from the crime scene
and derives a conclusion based on tests
undertaken on such evidence.
The practice of forensic chemistry in the
Philippines is covered by RA 754also known as
the Chemistry Law. (June 18, 1952)
• CHARACTERISTICS OF A FORENSIC
CHEMIST
• FUNCTIONS OF A FORENSIC
CHEMISTRY
• FOUR STAGES IN THE PRACTICE OF
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
• GOLDEN RULES IN THE PRACTICE OF
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY
PHYSICAL
EVIDENCE
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, the student will be able
to:
a. Identify the value of “physical evidence” in
criminal investigation;
b. Determine the different kinds of physical
evidence; and
c. Identify the various methods employed in the
collection of physical evidence.
WHAT IS PHYSICAL EVIDENCE?
Physical evidence refers to any material object
introduced in a trial for the purpose of proving a fact
in issue based on its demonstrable physical
characteristics. This includes all or part of any
conceivable object.
Evidence is a proof of allegations.
Trace evidence are physical evidence found at a
crime scene in small but measurable amounts.
TYPES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE?
• DNA – any tissue from the victim or suspect,
such as hair, fingernails, bones, teeth.
• BODY FLUIDS – saliva. Blood, sweat, semen,
and urine of the victim or suspect.
• IMPRESSIONS – toolmarks, shoeprints,
fingerprints, bite, marks, tire tracks, etc.
• WEAPONS – characteristics of firearms,
ammunitions, and residue; chemical composition
of explosives.
TYPES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE?
• QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS – printing method
or paper and ink used in forged documents,
handwriting style, counterfeit bills, ransom notes,
etc.
• MISCELLANEOUS TRACE EVIDENCE – such
as dust and dirt, fibers, soil, glass, paint, skeletal
remains, fracture matches, etc.
Evidence may be (a) direct; (b) indirect, which includes
circumstantial evidence and (c) hearsay.
a.Direct evidence is simply that which the senses
perceive. Any fact to which a witness testifies based on
what he saw, heard, smelled, touched, or tasted, is
direct evidence.
b.Circumstantial evidence is a kind of evidence which
seeks to establish a conclusion by inferences from
proved facts. Evidence which establishes a fact or
circumstance from which the court may infer another fact
at issue.
Evidence may be (a) direct; (b) indirect, which includes
circumstantial evidence and (c) hearsay.
C. Hearsay evidence is a statement made by a witness on the
authority of another and not from his own personal knowledge
or observation. Hearsay evidence is inadmissible except with
certain well-defined exceptions. Some of the common
exceptions to the rules of exclusion generally applicable to
hearsay evidence are declaration against interest, dying
declarations, res gestae, reputation, public records and
statements made at a prior time.
• COLLECTION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

• GUIDING PRINCIPLES IN THE


COLLECTION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

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