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A Headache to Die For

A Case Study in Forensic Science

By Wayne Shew (rr)

A Headache to Die For


 

Abstract

This case, based on an actual case of product tampering that occurred in Seattle in 1986, was designed for use in an introductory course in forensic science for non-science majors. By working through the case, students gain an understanding of the variety of strands of evidence that have to be woven together in order to develop a case against someone who has committed a crime, specifically a murder. It also touches on the importance of communication between different law enforcement agencies in solving crimes. In addition, students consider how probability can play a role in crime investigations and learn what latent fingerprints are and how an investigator collects them and uses them in an investigation.

   

Date Posted

11/18/2006

Overview

Objectives

  • To present a criminal case and have students compare their strategy for solving it with the steps actually conducted by the FBI.
  • To develop problem-solving skills by learning how law enforcement agents solve crimes.
  • To have students consider how probability can play a role in crime investigations.
  • To have students better understand what latent fingerprints are and how an investigator collects them and uses them in an investigation.

Keywords

Product tampering; criminal investigation; jurisdiction; criminal investigation; crime science; physical evidence; fingerprint analysis; latent fingerprints; cyanide; FBI; Chicago

  

Subject Headings

Forensic Science

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted

 

 

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