Roanoke College

Department of Public Affairs

Syllabus Spring 2009

CJUS-215E

Criminal Justice Forensics

Instructor: David Clayton Office: 378-5148 (Judi Pinckney) Mobile: 540-520-2588

Classroom: West 115 Office hours: Wednesdays 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – West 115

Class meetings: Wednesdays 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Textbook: Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation, Seventh Edition, B. Fisher, CRC Press

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.

Course Requirements

Examinations

Midterm and final exams will consist of short-answer questions prepared primarily from the text and material presented in class. The final exam is not comprehensive.

Research Project

An essay of approximately 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 interest to the student. Research topics/objectives should be submitted for approval prior to February 20, 2008. Completed research papers are due April 16, 2008 and should be accompanied by an exact duplicate of the research paper on a floppy disk or CD. Disks/CD’s must be labeled with the student’s name.

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 in more accurately grading 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.

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. Accordingly, extra credit projects are not generally applicable. However, extra credit proposals will be considered after mid-term.

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-half hour period immediately preceding class. If a need to consult arises between class sessions, students may phone me at home.

Grading Formula
Grading Scale Grading System

90 – 100 A Midterm Exam 40% (max. 40 possible points)

80 – 89 B Final Exam 40% (max. 40 possible points)

70 – 79 C Research Paper 20% (max. 20 possible points)

60 – 69 D

0 – 59 F

Example

Midterm Exam Grade 90 (.4x90=36) 36 Points

Final Exam Grade 87 (.4x87=34.8) 34.8 Points

Research Paper 96 (.2x96=19.2) +19.2 Points

Total = 90.0 Points (letter grade = A)

Tentative Lecture and Class Schedule

Date Chapter Case Study

01/14/09 1&2 Footpath Murders – Landmark DNA Case

01/21/09 3&4 The Wilson Murder – Forensic Experts at Odds

01/28/09 5 Southside Strangler – Psychological Profiling/DNA/Serology

02/04/09 6 The Disappearance of Helle Crafts – Multiple Forensics

02/11/09 7&9 Postal Mortem – Explosives and Document Evidence

02/18/09 Midterm Exam (taken during regularly scheduled class period)

Deadline for submission of research paper topics

02/25/09 8 The Blood Trail – Blood, Fiber, and Imprint Evidence

03/04/09 Spring Break

03/11/09 10 The Magic Bullet – External and Terminal Ballistics

03/18/09 11 Charred Remains – Unidentified Deceased Investigation

03/25/09 12

04/01/09 13 The Common Thread – Multiple Forensics

04/08/09 14&15 Missing Person – Blood Spatter Interpretation, Luminol

04/15/09 16 Insect Clues – Forensic Entomology

Research Papers due

04/22/09 Final Exam

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 certain quizzes and exams only when announced 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 (x2248).