Essays and Research Papers on Forensics

An 8 page paper discussing the application of forensics to bomb investigations. Details the care which must be taken in the collection of evidence and discusses some of the laboratory methods used to analyze this evidence. Bibliography lists seven sources.

21 pages providing a detailed analysis of the validity and role of forensic testimony as a legal defense undermining science. Excellent for those studying law, criminal justice and also for sciences that examine such subjects as DNA. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 2 page paper discussing the probability of identity through DNA testing. Long used for paternity testing, forensic databases even now are being constructed listing genotypes of known and convicted offenders. Improvements in test procedures and sensitivity has resulted in probability of identity increasing from 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 82 billion ...

In 5 pages, the author gives an overview of forensic anthropology including what forensic anthropology is, the essentials of forensic anthropology, forensic anthropology and the FBI, forensic investigations, legal responsibilities of the forensic anthropologist, and recent developments in forensic anthropology. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

The field of forensic dentistry is explored in this 5 page paper. Specific procedures followed in conducting criminal investigations as well as analyzing data in mass disasters is discussed. The use of computers and DNA is included. Information on qualifications and credentials as it pertains to testimony is also discussed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page paper in which the writer discusses the polygraph and its uses. Controversy over the subject is expounded upon. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 9 page paper on the woman who claimed she was the Grand Duchess Anastasia, and thus the only survivor of the Russian Imperial Family to survive the Russian Revolution. The writer compares different stories about Anastasia and attempts to reconcile fact from fiction in an effort to determine whether or not Anna Anderson was ...

8 pages in length. An excellent resource for those studying forensics or criminal investigations. This paper analyzes the reliability of facts presented in Oliver Stone's movie JFK with respect to actual Warren Commission and House Select Committee reports. It is argued that the most logical assassin was indeed Lee Harvey Oswald and that Stone's movie ...

An 8 page paper discussing facts of the assassination in relation to related findings of the Warren Commission that determined in 1964 that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and fired one shot, the 'magic bullet,' that killed President Kennedy and severely wounded Governor John Connally. Many of the documents used by the Warren Commission ...

A 13 page paper that presents both sides of the case and dismisses the conspiracy theory for the following reasons: none of the conspiracy arguments match, they are disjointed and if true everyone in the CIA would have known about the 'secret' plot to assassinate JFK; in contrast, the sole assassin theory is supported ...

An 11 page paper arguing in favor of accepting the Warren Commission's conclusions that Lee Harvey Oswald did indeed act alone in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. By today's standards of technology and communications, such an event would only be possible under the extensive cover of a conspiracy. Such was not ...

10 pages in length. Attempting to determine just which group or individual wanted John F. Kennedy out of office has been one of the most compelling, yet ever-elusive, aspects of the president's assassination. A worthwhile topic for one's research paper, evaluating the various conspiracy theories will help to bring together all the massive ...

5 pages in length. Was Lee Harvey Oswald, assassin of President John F. Kennedy, a cold-blooded, calculating killer because he chose to be or because his mother raised him in a disturbed, manic environment? Clearly, Oswald was not one of the most stable person merely because he had the capacity to take the ...

In 10 pages the author discusses the subject of phrenology and how it is applied to criminal justice. Phrenology is the study of the skull's contours, which is indicative of mental faculties, intelligence and moral functions of a person. Bibliography lists 11 sources.

A 15 page paper examining the life of Jack Ruby, the man who killed Lee Harvey Oswald. Discusses the improbibility of his role as a conspirator and points to his mental and personal instability as the likely reasons he killed Oswald. Bibliography lists ten sources.

A 12 page paper which discusses the history of fingerprinting and how fingerprinting is used in criminal investigations. The history of fingerprinting is provided in detail, followed by a brief illustration of how it is used in criminal investigations and the minor problems that exist with this form of identification system. This is followed by a section that discusses ...

The controversy over firearms in the United States is not centered on just one element. There are aspects of constitutionality, legality and social responsibility aligned within the debate. Injuries due to firearm use may or may not be associated with crime, nor is possession necessarily; however, the incidence of homicides with guns as the murder weapon as well as ...

This 8 page paper looks at different serial killers and attempts to determine if their future actions could have been determined prior to the events by personality analysis. The paper discusses the similarities and differences, as well as the time and aspect of any observed personality changes. The bibliography cites 6 sources.

(5pp) A defensive revolver available in .41 Magnum with a short barrel was unheard of until recently. Offered by The Smith & Wesson Performance Center, and Lew Horton Distributing, the Model 657 is compact in size, has 6 round capacity, and utilizes the .41 Magnum's unquestioned power. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

An 8 page examination of the pros and cons of postconviction DNA testing and movements such as the Innocent Project spearheaded by Barry Scheck. Discusses the characteristics of DNA which make it an almost irrefutable evidence and evaluates use of this technology by those who are already incarcerated and desire to prove their innocence. ...

The 1982 trial of political activist Mumia Abu-Jamal reads like something from a Greek tragedy; and the Chorus has become those around the world who believe in the man's innocence even after almost two decades of incarceration. What is wrong with listening to new information if it is really there? Bibliography lists 10 sources. ...

A 10 page review of the common applications of DNA evidence in criminal apprehension and prosecution. Details analytical techniques and their application. Reviews the use of DNA evidence in crimes ranging human biological materials left behind in cases of murder and rape to those involving animal and plant tissues such as might be ...

12 pages. The use of ultraviolet forensic imaging has become a powerfully helpful factor in detecting bitemarks, bruises and body fluids. This paper discusses this technology and the way in which it works to help detect images that are invisible to the human eye. Ultraviolet photography is being used frequently by all aspects of forensics and other areas of ...

Computer crimes have become the newest way to break the law. Fraud, identity theft and other offenses are among the crimes for which the computer has become the weapon of choice. This 8 page paper explores the world of the computer forensic specialist, including the designation of expert witness, the types of crimes investigated and the agencies that employ ...

This 7 page report discusses a report written in 1989 by FBI Special Agent Michael P. Malone about the kidnapping, torture and murder of 37-year-old Enrique Camarena, an agent working underground for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. According to Malone’s article, the Camarena case serves as an excellent example of what an investigative team is likely to encounter at a significantly ...