In the age of DNA analysis, even the perfect crime can be solved...or so we think. But in real life, forensics can sometimes play tricks on even experienced professionals. This means innocent people can end up in jail because of faulty evidence analyses. This program examines four cases in which a sentence was passed on the basis of forensic evidence that proved to be very unreliable or even false.
Although it is 45 minutes long, it showcases four criminal cases. You could split the video to fit your needs.
photo © 2009 , Flickr
AND THE VERDICT IS...
Just? Unjust? Evidence is the most important factor is not only getting a conviction for a crime, but to earn a JUST conviction.
These web links will help you understand the impact that evidence plays in criminal investigations.
photo © 2010 , Flickr
Learn about how one forensic scientist counted a branch's rings to hold one suspect accountable for murder!
Clues from the Environment!
Learn about techniques to process evidence from the environment. Learn everything from how diatoms (a type of algae) can add evidence to your criminal case to how to check for soil PH in these helpful links!
This is how you can test for PH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iysygdLJKpI&feature=related This can help add to circumstantial evidence of where evidence originated. Also, those growing the illegal drug marijuana try to keep their PH between a 6.5 and 7 PH level. You may find evidence of citrus seeds after the budding of the plants, as the acidity levels decrease during that phase.
Here's another environmental factor that is interesting to investigate...diatoms. Learn about how this type of algae help convict a husband in the murder of his wife in this interesting website and video: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crime-scene-creatures/video-diatom-detective/5208/
Dirt, dust, seeds, and pollen - all of these help pinpoint the origin of evidence. Check out this link that gives you the low-down on how these environmental factors can give clues about one's whereabouts.
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00206/interactive.htm
This is LITERALLY creepy! Check out how scientist use (are you ready for this?) maggots to bring a killer to justice. Who knew the lifecycle of flies could be so important?
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crime-scene-creatures/video-pig-in-a-blanket/5210/
Furthermore, here is how forensic scientists can tell how long it takes fly maggots to develop on a corpse. YIKES!
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/crime-scene-creatures/video-from-eggs-to-maggots/5209/