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A Philosophy of Crime Scene Reconstruction Michael A. Knox 2012 - Coggle…
A Philosophy of Crime Scene Reconstruction
Michael A. Knox
2012
Gain explicit knowledge of the series of events that surround the crime. Includes deductive reasoning, physical evidence, scientific methods and interrelationships.
width
depth
height
time
History dates back to 19th century
familiarity with history helps in testifying that the reconstruction is scientifically reliable.
Crime scenes are dynamic
constantly subject to change, the greater the interval between crime and documentation/examination, the greater the changes may be
Laws of physics applied in engineering practice
Forensic Science
Forensic scientist:
educated and trained to examine and determine the meaning of physical evidence in accordance with the established principles of forensic science.
forensic scientists is:
someone who possesses an academic and clinical understanding of the scientific method and the analytical dexterity to construct experiment that will generate the empirical reality that science mandates
deals with topics and combinations of topics no other science does.
spatial and temporal
Reconstruction
events occurred in the past
time period shorter than most other scientists rely on for proxy data
details are FINE
definitive conclusions are often beyond our grasp
past cannot be undone
we are limited by asymmetry of time
Qualities for a crime scene reconstructionist
direct and specific dealing with crime scene
ability and willingness to be objective
Understanding general forensic science
every contact leaves a trace
the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence
when two items come in contact, information may be exchanged. this exchange of information occurs even if the results are not identifiable or are too small to be found.
organization
logical process - arriving at proper scientifically supported conclusions
performed methodically
process of logic
deductive and inductive reasoning
understand phenomena
psychological
physiological
physical
answers to seek
how did it happen?
when did it happen?
where did it happen?
who was involved?
what happened?
why did it happen?
evidence considered should include, but not limited to:
motivational/behavioral/psychological evidence
documentary evidence
suspect statements
common sense
witness statements
victim statements
physical evidence
methodical 3 distinct phases:
Analysis
individual items or groups of evidence examined
primarily deal with physical phenomena and scientifically prove facts
Reconstruction: all evidence view as a whole
eliminating those possible events that physical evidence proves did not happen
determining those events that physical evidence proves did happen
Investigation: documented for physical evidence.
photographs, measurements, searches
interviews, information gathered
avoid formulating theories
CONTEXT is paramount
think outside the box
resist tendency to make facts fit your notion of the case