Famous or Infamous Cases in the History of Forensics

Wanted Poster

Worth 100 points

Research Outline  Due:____Friday 3/14__________( 40 points+ 20 for bibliography)__

Wanted Poster  Due:_____Friday 3/28____(100 points)___

Specs:

Wanted Poster Checklist:

___ the poster gives a picture of the wanted person (mug shot).

____one sentence description of the crime (s) must be accurate

____ do you have to give a detailed description of the perpetrator

____ do you have the Last Know Address (LKA)

____ you have to give a detailed description of the events surrounding the crime (s).

____used at least 2 colors on the poster, black and grey may not be your only 2 colors

____ give some remarks on how to handle the criminal if apprehended.

____ describe the reward

____ describe the officials offering the reward or the investigation agency (individuals, police dept., city, or FBI)

the mugshot:  must be between at a minimum 6 x 8 inches and a maximum of 8 x 10 inches. ( must have at least 2 colors , but not just black and grey)

-could be hand drawn

-you are encouraged to use FACES composite software to create a mug shot

-digital images may be created – but the image must be of the face of the suspect from above the shoulders.

Bibliography: You will need at least five (5) sources, two (2) of which must be books (or other “traditional” resources), for this report.  You may use the Internet for additional sources – that is sources beyond the three books.  As always, you may use only ONE (1) encyclopedia, either book or computer-based.  A completely internet-based resource list is NOT acceptable. (20 points)

Your report MUST have a complete bibliography for all sources.  See Mrs. Smith for Bibliography info if you are not sure how to write one.  (The bibliography does not count as part of the page length.)

Parts of the Research Outline: worth 40 points

I. Set the Scene in History: (2 points)

Describe the time period in history and the location of the setting. Include information about popular music, food, political hot potatoes of the time

II. Status of Forensic Science (2 points)

What is the status of Forensic Science during this time period? Has DNA evidence been accepted by the courts or even developed yet? What are the capabilities in the lab of examining evidence collected at the scene of the crime?

III. Overview of the Crime(s) (5 points)

Describe the crime in detail and any suspects if they are known.

IV. Forensic Professionals (2 points)

Describe the Forensic professionals that have lead roles in the case.  Describe their job, training and professional background. Explain their importance to the resolution of the investigation.

V. Catalogue of the Forensic Sciences (10 points)

            A. Describe all the crime scenes that appear in the case. If it there are numerous scenes, describe a typical scene. Do this in chronological order as they are revealed in the investigation.

            B. Cite specific forensic examinations in the case and describe the legal value of each test or experiment. Give details and evidence!

VI. Criminology and Victimology (15 pts)

A.     Describe the behavioral profile of the suspect developed by the investigators.

B.     Was the perpetrator “organized” or “disorganized”?

C.    Describe the victimology strategy of the perpetrator (who was his/her victims)?

VII. Legal Aspects (2 points)

How was the case resolved? Were any legal issues raised specific to the chain of custody or contamination of evidence? What charges will be brought if any?

VII. Reflection ( 2  points)

How would the resolution of the case be different with the current scientific techniques? What are your impressions of the case in terms of a thorough detective and scientific investigation?