WEEK 2

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO):

At the end of the learning period, the students should be able to:

1. ​ Define Forensic Chemistry and explain its importance to Criminology students.

2. ​ Cite and explain the role of a forensic Chemist in a criminal investigation.
3. Illustrate and label the parts of the microscope, and state the function of each part.​

Forensic chemists use laboratory tests to detect the presence of clues like blood or gunpowder
residue on items recovered from crime scenes.

​
​ What is Forensic Chemistry?

Forensic Chemistry is that branch of Chemistry that deals with the application of chemical principles in the
solution of legal problems arising from the administration of justice. This field of applied science and
technology in the elucidation of legal problems, thus; it is considered as Chemistry belonging to the courts
of law.

Scope of Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Chemistry deals with the application of chemical principles in the identification of evidence, its
physical and chemical properties. It also includes the collection, preservation examination, and study of
blood, semen, and other body fluids; gunpowder and explosives, hair and textile fibers; questioned
documents; glass and glass fragments; moulage; metallurgy and petrography as applied to crime
detection; examination and identification of dangerous drugs. Forensic Chemistry also includes the study
and examination of DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid.

Forensic Chemistry includes the chemical side of a criminal investigation. It includes the analysis of any
material the quality of which may give rise to legal proceedings.

On the other hand, Forensic Toxicology deals with the examination of a wide range of materials such as
blood, urine samples, and other internal organs for the purpose of detecting poisonous substances, their
dosage, effects, and treatment.
 The 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.

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:

1. ​ Conducts field work and clandestine laboratory investigation.

2. ​ Conducts gunpowder examination of clothing to determine possible gunshot range.
3. ​ Conducts examination of firearms and paraffin casts to detect the presence of
nitrates or gunpowder residues.
4. ​ Conducts chemical examination of explosives and/or explosive ingredients.
5. ​ Conducts blood alcohol determination.
6. ​ Conducts qualitative and quantitative examination of dangerous drugs as well as
volatile substances(Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 or R>A> 9165 & PD
1619)
7. ​ Examines urine and other bodily fluids for the presence of dangerous drugs.
8. ​ Conducts chemico-toxicological examination of human internal organs, gastric
contents, blood, water, food samples, and other substances.
9. ​ Testifies and provides expert opinion in court as well as attends court duty as an
expert witness.
10. Give lectures in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology to various schools and
universities.

PRACTICE OF FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

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

1. ​ Collection or reception of the specimen.

2. ​ The actual examination of the specimen.
3. ​ The communication of the results of the examination
4. Court appearance.
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​ 1. 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.

2. The Actual Examination of the Specimen

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

3. 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.

4. Court Appearance

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

Six Golden Rules in the Practice of Forensic Chemistry

1. ​ Go slowly
2. ​ Be thorough
3. ​ Take down notes
4. ​ Consult others
5. ​ Use imagination
6. Avoid complicated theories

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).

Classification of Evidence

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Hearsay evidence is a statement made by a witness on the authority of another and not from his own
personal knowledge or observations. Hearsay evidence is inadmissible in court except on the following:

· dying declaration
· res gestae
· declaration against interest
· act or declaration about pedigree
· common reputation
· entries in the course of business
· entries in official records
· testimony or deposition at a former proceeding
 4. 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.

Forms of Scientific Evidence

A. 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.
B. Testimonial evidence is a type of evidence where there is a declaration of truth or facts by an
expert.
C. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.​
​ 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

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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Ordinary Witness Expert Witness

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

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

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