Assignment:
Each student will prepare a "case review" that illustrates the application of forensic science methods and techniques as a major contributing factor in arrest and prosecution in a specific criminal case. Your case review paper will provide a thorough examination and assessment of the contribution of one or more forensic science methods or practices to the successful conclusion of the case
Your paper must be organized in relation to the following general outline.
• Title Page
• Abstract
• Introduction of the Case,
• Identification and Description of Forensic Science Disciplines Involved
• What forensic methods were employed in this case
• Presentation of Principal findings
• Conclusion and Recommendations
• Bibliography and References
TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT (up to 50 words)
INTRODUCTIONOF THE CASE
Provide a shortsummary of the case you have selected and (a) cite the legal case(s) (e.g., Gotti v State of New York, CCR 00001X), (b) briefly reviewfacts and circumstances of the crime, criminal behaviors, and or criminal defendants involved, (c) identify the forensic science discipline(s) and method(s) examined in your review, and (d) define the investigative, prosecution and/or evidentiary problem(s) or issue(s) involved. The purpose of this statement is to acquaint the reader with the subject and introduce him/her to the principal events, forensic methods and techniques considered and used in developing and trying the case, so that he/she may understand central points that you will be making in the next section of your paper - findings.
PRESENTATION OF PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Present the factual information or "findings" derived from the application of forensic science disciplines and methods employed in the criminal case.Identify what forensic science disciplines and methods were employed at each stage of the criminal case and briefly explain how these disciplines and methods contributed to the development and resolution of the case. Discuss evidentiary and procedural issues that could have limited or enhanced the contribution of forensic science in this and similar types of criminal cases.
In your analysis, be sure to identify and briefly explain the relevance of the scientific method as a guiding philosophy in the investigation of crimes and prosecution of offenders.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
What empirically supportable conclusions can be made, based upon the research evidence, about the effectiveness and accuracy of these forensic science methods and techniques employed in criminal investigation.
What recommendations, if any, can be made for improvements in forensic methods and procedures based on these conclusions.
While recommendations are not required, if offered, you should include concrete actions intended to increase the effectiveness and strengthen the validity and reliability of forensic methods in the legal process. If you choose to present recommendations, be sure to refer to the support, cited earlier in your paper, which motivates your arguments. If warranted include any recommendations you have regarding future research on this topic.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND/OR REFERENCES
The paper will require reviewing(a) current relevant literature on the forensic science discipline and methods regarding their utility, validity and reliability and (b) the facts associated with the specific criminal case(s) you examined in which that forensic science discipline and method was used to "solve the case" and bring the offender to justice.
Case Review papers must be typed, double spaced, using APA format, with a separate cover page, a separate one page abstract, and a separate page containing a bibliography of the articles and reference works covered by your review and analysis. Citations should be in the form of footnotes. Papers must be at least 12 pages (15 pages counting Title page, Abstract page Table of Contents and Bibliography pages) but should not exceed 30 pages. Awell-written paper for this course is typically between 15to 20 pages in length.