Roanoke College
Department of Public Affairs
Syllabus Spring 2013
CJUS-215E
Criminal Justice Forensics
Instructor: David Clayton Office: 378-5148 (Judi Pinckney) mobile: 540-520-2588
Classroom: West 123 Office hours: Wednesdays 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – West 223
Class meetings: Wednesdays 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Textbook: Fisher, B. (2012) Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, (8th. Edition) New York, NY, CRC Press, ISBN 978-1-4398-1005-7
Course Objectives
This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary features of the forensic sciences. Students will examine interrelationships between modern forensic science laboratories, law enforcement agencies and the court system. Emphasis will be placed on crime scene investigations, which encompasses collection, preservation, evaluation and interpretation of physical evidence. Selected criminal case histories will provide practical and comprehensive understanding of the various practitioners, institutions and decision-making points related to investigative and judicial processes. Hands-on examination and processing of crime mock scene materials, utilizing rudimentary investigative/forensic implements will be included in this course as time permits. Students are cautioned in advance that in-class lectures, materials and characterizations may be offensive to some; due to depiction/discussion of human anatomy, interpersonal violence/ mutilation, sex crime modus operandi, race, ethnicity, social class/ culture, religion, politics, extreme anti-social deviance, gender, homosexuality, ethics, morality and raw human emotions – effort will be made to accommodate the various student tolerances to such material.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
· Detail the history of forensic science and examine the importance of forensic science.
· Identify, interpret and illustrate legal methods of evidence collection.
· Identify and describe evidence preservation methodology.
· Describe and demonstrate crime scene processing methodology.
· Evaluate admissibility guidelines for forensic evidence and predict their applications to crime scene evidence.
· Describe and demonstrate forensic documentation techniques.
· Understand technological advances in forensic science and assess the positive and negative outcomes of the advances.
Course Requirements
Quizzes/Examinations
Quizzes: short answer questions prepared exclusively from the textbook will be given week 3 (01/30/13) and week 11 (03/27/13)
Midterm: (02/20/13, 6-9 PM) short-answer questions prepared from the text and material presented in class
Final: (04/24/13, 6-9 PM) short-answer questions prepared from the text and material presented in class
Research Paper
An essay of eight pages, detailing historic and/or contemporary applications/perspectives of the forensic sciences as related to criminal investigations and the justice system. The essay may represent a general chronology of the development of the forensic sciences and the attendant medico-legal ramifications, or, may focus on a specific forensic science discipline of particular interest to the student. Research topics/objectives should be submitted for approval prior to February 20, 2013. Completed research papers are due April 24, 2013, 2:00 PM. Research papers should be submitted through Inquire to Turnitin.
Required writing resource: Scott, Gregory and S. Garrison. (2012), The Political Science Student Writer’s Manual, 7th Ed. New York: Pearson-Longman, available at the bookstore or on reserve at the library.
Weighted averages of quizzes, examinations and research paper
Quiz 1: 10% of final grade
Quiz 2: 10% of final grade
Research Paper 20% of final grade
Midterm: 30% of final grade
Final Exam: 30% of final grade
Text Reading Assignments
Reading assignments are designed to correspond with class lecture/discussion, therefore, it is imperative that students read assigned material prior to class in order to optimize comprehension and to permit effective class participation/discussion.
Class Format
Students will not be penalized for passive classroom demeanor; however, verbally demonstrating comprehension can aid the instructor to more accurately grade tests and essays. Each class session will feature selected text material and will typically include a non-text criminal case study to illustrate interesting and practical applications of the forensic sciences. As time permits, students will examine/process items for latent fingerprints and collect inked fingerprints necessary to determine identity and pattern/classification types.
Attendance
Regular class attendance is encouraged. Be assured, students will not succeed in this course if classes are missed and they fall behind. Students will be dropped from class after three unexcused absences. After the second and third absences, written notice will be will be provided to the student; copy to: the student’s advisor, the registrar, and the Chair of the Public Affairs department.
Make-up Exams
It is the student’s responsibility to arrange make-up exams (in advance when possible) for exams not taken when scheduled. Make-up exams will not be taken during regularly scheduled class times – substantial justification will be required.
Extra Credit
It is recommended that students commit all of their resources to completion of the ambitious requisites of this course. There are no extra credit assignments.
Academic Integrity
Students enrolled in this class will be strictly accountable pursuant to the Roanoke College academic integrity policy and other applicable policies contained in the Academic Catalog.
Office Hours
I will be available to meet individually with students by appointment, or during the one hour period immediately preceding class. If a need to consult arises between class sessions, students may phone me at the mobile number listed on page one.
Grading Formula
Grading Scale Weighted Percentages
93+ A Quiz 1 10%
90-92 A- Quiz 2 10%
87-89 B+ Research Paper 20%
83-86 B Midterm Exam 30%
80-82 B- Final Exam 30%
77-79 C+ Total=100%
73-76 C
70-72 C-
67-69 D+
63-66 D
60-62 D-
59 or less F
Example
Grade Earned Calculation
Quiz 1 80 (80x.1= 8) 8 points
Quiz 2 80 (80x.1= 8) 8 points
Research Paper 80 (80x.2 16) 16 points
Midterm Exam 80 (80x.3=24) 24 points
Final Exam 80 (80x.3=24) 24 points
Total = 80 points (letter grade = B-)
Tentative Lecture and Class Schedule
Date Chapter Case Study
01/16/13 1&2 Footpath Murders – Landmark DNA Case
01/23/13 3&4 The Wilson Murder – Forensic Experts at Odds
01/30/13 5 Southside Strangler – Psychological Profiling/DNA/Serology, (Quiz 1)
02/06/13 6 The Disappearance of Helle Crafts – Multiple Forensics
02/13/13 8 The Blood Trail – Blood, Fiber, and Imprint Evidence
02/20/13 Midterm Exam (taken during regularly scheduled class period)
• Deadline for submission of research paper topics
02/29/13 7&9 Postal Mortem – Explosives and Document Evidence
03/06/13 Spring Break
03/13/13 10 The Magic Bullet – External and Terminal Ballistics
03/20/13 11 Charred Remains – Unidentified Deceased Investigation
03/27/13 12 (Quiz 2)
04/03/13 13 The Common Thread – Multiple Forensics
04/10/13 14&15 Missing Person – Blood Spatter Interpretation, Luminol
04/17/13 16 Insect Clues – Forensic Entomology
• Research papers due by 2:00 PM
04/24/13 Final Exam (6:00 to 9:00 PM) in assigned classroom
Electronic Devices
Cell phones and pagers must be turned off prior to entering the classroom or lab.
The use of any electronic device during a quiz or exam is strictly prohibited. This includes PalmPilots, Pocket PCs, and Blackberrys. Any use of such devices during a quiz or exam will be considered a breach of academic integrity. Basic handheld calculators may be used on quizzes and exams only when authorized by the instructor by the instructor.
Special Academic Needs
Students on record with the College’s Special Services as having special academic or physical needs requiring accommodations should discuss this with me as soon as possible. Accommodations must be discussed before they can be implemented. Also, please note that arrangements for extended times on exams and testing in a semi-private setting must be made at least one week before the exams.
If you believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not yet formally contacted Special Services, contact the Office of Academic Services (x2247).