1.)Describe Anthropometry and how it was used in criminal identification?
Anthropometry is the quantitative measurement of the human body.’Anthropos ‘ means human, and ‘metron’ refers to measurement. It uses the size, proportions, and composition of the human body. It is a probable, universally applicable,non-invasive technique, and it is cheap to employ in forensics. Anthropometry can be used in forensics in the identification of human remains. For example, various variables may be used to identify a person like body weight, ancestry, race, bone stature, and body build in a person. An experienced forensic anthropologist may use them during an investigation.
2.)What was the first criminal case in which DNA was used? What was significant about the case?
Dr. Jeffreys first used DNA profiling in 1986 in two rape cases that happened in Leicester-shire, UK. It involved two rape cases that happened in 1983 and 1986.Dr.Jeffrey and Dr. Peter Gill of the Forensic Science Service were the first to demonstrate that DNA could be obtained from crime stains. What was vital is that they were able to develop methods that could be used for DNA extraction. In the first case lead, investigators had no suspect. In the second case involving Dawn Ashworth, police got a lead by the use of DNA. By collecting of 5000 samples from the local residents, they were a breakthrough through DNA genetic fingerprinting.
3.)What is meant by a plain view seizure and what are the requirements for conducting such a seizure by a law enforcement officer. Discuss some of the other exceptions to the legal requirement of needing a warrant to conduct a search and seizure.
Plain view seizures mean that a police officer or a law enforcement officer has legal ground to search and seize contraband on probable cause. A police officer can search and seize items without a warrant. When an officer has seen contraband, the owner loses privacy over it. An officer is required by law to pick the item and trace its path through a controlled delivery. In exigent circumstances, a police officer, if he or she finds something suspicious, can enact plain view seizures after observing and having good faith that the object is indeed unlawful.
4.Identify and discuss the skills and traits that make an investigator successful.
Successful investigators need to be ethical at all times. Good ethics should be based on the standard that you seek justice for the administration of justice and not for self -interest. When investigating, you should be to the idea that you do everything lawfully. Ethics should encompass: honesty, fairness, respect, and concern for others. In the case of OJ Simpson, there was a lack of honesty by Detective Mark Fuhrman. These led to the sabotage of testimony before the jury, and he had to be dismissed on perjury.
A good investigator should listen carefully to all the details and note them down if possible. Proper documentation of evidence is required to maintain proper authenticity in the chain of custody. A good investigator should avoid biasness, for example, in the case of Guy Paul Morin. The case was biased toward the suspect, and many questions remain up to today. The local police department was biased, and the whole investigation was a mess. During the investigation, you should widen your knowledge and try to seek more about the case. By seeking more information relentlessly, you may be able to administer justice. An investigator should dress adequately and try to stay calm during an investigation to avoid rational ideas at all times.
5.)What is the difference between inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning? Be able to give an example of each
In deductive reasoning, it involves a process in which you base your facts to be valid at the beginning. Then, later on, you substantiate your facts to be true when concluding something specific. For example, Clarkson drove a red car today. Clarkson owns a black car. So Clarkson drove a car today. So Clarkson is either driving a black or red car.
Inductive reasoning involves going from observation to a conclusion, for example, by observing a specific thing like, for example, climate or weather. You first observe, draw a pattern, later on, formulate a tentative hypothesis and later a theory. A good example is, December is a cold month in Anchorage; today is December 12, so it is another cold day in Anchorage.