Forensic Science &

Toxicology

Prepared by: Marlon S. Abellana

 Stages in the Practice of Forensic Chemistry

1. Collection or reception of specimen to be examined. In collecting

pieces of evidence, the investigator must observe the maintenance
of individuality, labeling and sealing of standard and questioned
sample.
 
Standard is otherwise termed as control. Control refers to
physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a
suspect that can be compared to crime scene evidence. Maintenance
of individuality simply means that each piece of evidence must be
packed separately to prevent damage or contamination. While
Labeling means marking each piece of evidence for later identification
in court. Sealing refers to the wrapping and packing of the evidence to
secure the evidence from damage.

Image No. 1. Sealing of Evidence

2. The actual examination- The examination of the specimen
takes either of these two purposes: Identification or
Comparison
 Saferstein gives the following definition of identification and
comparison:
 “Identification is the process of determining a substance’s
physical or chemical identity. Comparison is the process of
ascertaining whether two or more objects have a common
origin.” Knowing the species origin of blood found at the crime
scene is an example of identification. On the other hand,
placing hair found at the crime scene vis-à-vis hairs removed
from a suspect’s head is a process of comparison.
Image No. 2. The Crime Laboratory
3. The communication of result of examination
 
A written report must be submitted to be given to the
requesting party which shall include the following:
a. An enumeration of the articles received for
examination with detailed description of the packing,
sealing, and labeling, date of receipt and from whom
received;
b. The purpose of the examination; and
c. The findings and conclusion.
 Court Appearance 
The written report of the Forensic Chemist is usually supplemented by
testimonial evidence in a later date if the case is brought to court. Since
testimonial evidence may be given weeks, months or vern years after the
examination and the written reports have been made, it is not only permissible
but in indispensable that the chemist should refresh his memory by referring to
his laboratory record book before presenting himself in court.

Image No. 3. Court Appearances

B. Six Golden Rules in the Practice of Forensic Chemistry
 
4. Consult others. Many cases will lead the expert into paths with
1. Go slowly. Good work cannot be hurried, therefore, take
which he is not familiar and when this happens he should consult those
all the time necessary to make the case complete no matter
who know better.
how urgent it may appear.
 
 
5. Use Imagination. An expert with a wide and uncontrollable
2. Be thorough. Make careful and minute examination of
imagination is considered as the most dangerous creature. Though his
everything and do not be satisfied with a quantitative analysis
being imaginative is sometimes useful, an expert witness does not
if a qualitative one is possible. It always pays to do too much
have to be solely imaginative but he has to be skilled in the field of
rather than too little and it is difficult to foresee what will or
Forensic Science. He must bear witness within the limits of science.
will not be required in court.
 
 
6. Avoid complicated theories. The simplest explanation is
3. Take notes. Keep a full neat and clean record of fundamentally the right one. Interpretation of results is often the most
everything seen and done. difficult part of the expert’s task that is why a wide knowledge and
  scientific experience are the essential elements to obtain the right
forensic examination result.