Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Forensic science owes its origins to individuals such as Bertillon, Galton, Lattes, Goddard, Osborn, and Locard, who developed the principles and techniques needed to identify and compare physical evidence. Locard’s exchange principle states that, when two objects come into contact with each other, a cross-transfer of materials occurs that can connect a criminal suspect to his or her victim.
Research the following points, and write a 5–7-page paper fully explaining each point:
1. Define forensic science, and explain how it is used in criminal justice.
2. What was the name of the first system of personal identification?
What criteria did it use to distinguish individuals?
Explain how this was used and whether it is still used today.
3. Explain Francis Henry Galton’s major contribution to forensic science.
4. Who is known as the father of forensic toxicology, and why?
5. Name and explain 2 major contributions to forensic science made by Hans Gross.