Introduction to Forensic

Chemistry
FORENSIC 3– Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
FORENSIC 7– Forensic Chemistry

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OBJECTIVES

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Forensic Chemistry

How would you define forensic

chemistry in your own perspective?

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https://www.science.org/do/10.1126/science.aau5499/abs/683490780-1280x720.jpg
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Access the Link
https://cez4fkwuy1d.typeform.com/to/BYacBscE

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Scope of Forensic Chemistry

Body Fluid (Blood, Glasses and Glass

Semen, Urine) Fragments

Gunpowder and
Authenticity of Moulage
Explosives
Documents

Metallurgy and
Hair and Textile Petrography

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Forensic Chemist

https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/improving-forensic-chemistry-qa-nists-ed-sisco 8
Forensic Chemist

A forensic chemist is a professional chemist who applies Forensic Chemistry

and Forensic Toxicology to the legal world by providing accurate and informed
data to law enforcement, providing much-needed evidence in criminal
matters. His/her role involves analyzing and identifying non-biological trace
substances found in crime scenes, and/or matching a sample to known
material.

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The Role/Functions of a Forensic Chemist

The forensic chemist plays an important role in the scientific criminal

investigation. The following are the functions of a forensic chemist:

❑ Conducts field work and clandestine laboratory investigation.

❑ Conducts gunpowder examination of clothing to determine possible gunshot range.
❑ Conducts examination of firearms and paraffin casts to detect the
presence of nitrates or gunpowder residues.
❑ Conducts chemical examination of explosives and/or explosive ingredients.
❑ Conducts blood alcohol determination.

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The Role/Functions of a Forensic Chemist

❑ Conducts qualitative and quantitative examination of dangerous drugs as

well as volatile substances(Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 or RA
9165 & PD 1619)
❑ Examines urine and other bodily fluids for the presence of dangerous drugs.
❑ Conducts chemico-toxicological examination of human internal organs,
gastric contents, blood, water, food samples, and other substances.
❑ Testifies and provides expert opinion in court as well as attends court
duty as an expert witness.
❑ Give lectures in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology to various schools
and universities.

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PRACTICE OF FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

There are four stages in the work of a forensic chemist, namely;

❑ Collection or reception of the specimen.

❑ The actual examination of the specimen.
❑ The communication of the results of the examination
❑ Court appearance.

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Work Flow
Collection or Reception of the Specimen
Proper collection, preservation, and transportation of specimens are
essential in the investigation of crimes. Hence, whenever possible,
the chemist should personally collect all the specimens necessary
for the examination.

The Actual Examination of the Specimen

Different examinations are being conducted on the specimens
collected starting from the physical, to chemical and confirmatory
examinations.

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Work Flow

The Communication of Results of the Examination

The results of the examination conducted on the specimens must be
communicated with the requesting party in the form of a written
report.

Court Appearance
Court appearance is the final stage, wherein the chemist must
explain the findings of the examination conducted on the specimen
submitted

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Six Golden Rules in the Practice of Forensic
Chemistry
❑ Go slowly
❑ Be thorough
❑ Take down notes
❑ Consult others
❑ Use imagination
❑ Avoid complicated theories

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Definition of Evidence

Evidence is proof of the allegation. It is a means sanctioned by the law of ascertaining

in a judicial proceeding a matter of fact (Sec Rule 128, Revised Rules On Evidence).

https://cebma.org/resources/frequently-asked-
questions/what-counts-as-evidence/ 16
Classification of Evidence
Direct evidence is that which the senses perceive. Any fact to which a witness
testifies based on what he saw, heard, smelled, touched, or tasted.

Circumstantial evidence is a kind of evidence that seeks to establish a conclusion by

inferences from proven facts. Under the present law, circumstantial evidence is
sufficient for the conviction if:

● there is more than one circumstance;

● the facts from which the inferences are derived proven; and,
● the combination of all the circumstances is such as to produce a
conviction beyond reasonable doubt.

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Classification of Evidence

Hearsay evidence is a ● dying declaration

statement made by a ● res gestae : “spontaneous”
witness on the authority ● declaration against interest
of another and not from ● act or declaration about
his own personal pedigree common reputation
knowledge or ● entries in the course of
observations. Hearsay business entries in official
evidence is inadmissible records
in court except on the ● testimony or deposition at a
following: former proceeding

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Classification of Evidence
Scientific evidence may be defined as a means sanctioned by law, of
ascertaining in a judicial proceeding the truth respecting a matter of fact,
wherein scientific knowledge is necessary. It is evidence-based on or
conforming to principles and techniques of science.

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Forms of Scientific Evidence

Real or Autoptic evidence is evidence that is addressed to the senses of the

court. It is not limited to that which can be known by the senses of vision but
extends to those which are perceived by the senses of hearing, taste, smell, and
touch.

Testimonial evidence is a type of evidence where there is a declaration of truth

or facts by an expert.

Documentary evidence refers to any written evidence presented by an expert in

court that is relevant to the subject matter in dispute and not excluded by the
Rules of Court.

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Identify the following scientific evidence.

Evidence Type of Scientific Evidence

Testimony of a Forensic Chemist

Neighbors testimony

Journal from a Security Guard

Testimony of a PSA Officer

regarding Birth Allegations
Friends testimony

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Classification of Evidence
Physical evidence refers to any material found in connection with an
investigation and which aids in establishing the identity of the perpetrator of
the crime or the circumstances under which the crime was committed.
Thus, it generally assists in the prosecution of a criminal.

There are several types of physical evidence that are likely to be

found at the scene of the crime and can be analyzed scientifically and
these include DNA, body fluids, impressions, weapons, questioned
documents, miscellaneous trace evidence such as dust and dirt,
fibers, soil, glass, skeletal remains, fracture matches, etc.

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Collection of Evidence

Guiding principles in the collection of physical evidence:

a. Sufficiency of samples
b. The standard for comparison

A standard should be submitted so that comparative analysis can be performed.

A standard specimen is a known specimen that is used to compare with a

questioned specimen. (ex. 99.99% Methamphetamine hydrochloride)

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Collection of Evidence

c. Maintenance of individuality

Different specimens especially if found in different locations should

be packed individually and separately to prevent contamination and
for proper identification.

d. Labeling and sealing

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WITNESS

A witness is any person who is requested to give information concerning an incident

or person. He testifies in court, he may be the victim, the suspect, the complainant,
the source of information, or an observer of an occurrence.

A witness in court may be classified as an ordinary or an expert witness.

An Ordinary Witness testifies to impressions of common experience and states facts

but not his opinions or conclusions.

An Expert Witness is one who possesses a special skill, be it in art, trade or science to
the extent that he possesses information not within the common knowledge of man.

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Difference between an Ordinary
and an Expert Witness
Ordinary Witness Expert Witness

Can only state what his senses State what he has perceived and also give
have perceived. his opinion, deductions or conclusions to
his perception.

May not be skilled on the line he is Must be skilled in the art, science or trade
testifying. he is testifying.

Cannot testify on things or facts he has Testify on things he has not seen by giving
not perceived except those provided by his opinions, deductions, conclusions on
law. the statement of facts.

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Parts of a Microscope

https://microbenotes.com/parts-of-a-microscope/

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