Unit 7

Soil Analysis, Glass, and

Handwriting/Documentation

 

 

UNIT OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

·         Perform the process of chromatography and determine Rf value.

 

·         Identify various facets of individual handwriting.

 

·         Separate and identify different types of ink, using paper chromatography.

 

·         Determine the type of pen used in a forged note.

 

·         Solve a crime of art forgery.

 

·         Write and develop a secret message.

 

·         Develop safe guards against check and banking fraud

 

ASSIGNMENTS

SPECIFICS

FSFHS

Criminalistics by Saferstein

Chapters 13-15—pages 293-351

Chapter 16--pages 453-467

Class Notes

PowerPoint—Chapters 13-15

Activities

Documentation Outline
Handwriting Analysis
Codes and Decoding
Fraud and Counterfeiting
Art Forgery

Labs

Chromatography Lab
Ink Analysis Lab
Document Lab--Paper and Pencil
Codes and Decoding

Projects

Opinion Paper----Jon Benet Ramsey Case Study

Articles

Forgery Murders
Invisible Ink Letter
Counterfeit Protection

Other

Video

Logic Problem 4
Crossword Review

Assessments

Written Knowledge and Analysis Test

 

PreLab--Read through the information on the Crime Library Website called Literary Forensic. Take brief notes over the background (parts 1 and 2) and the specific cases (parts 3-6). Be prepared to discuss each.

HANDWRITING LAB--Use the characteristics to observe and note the individual features of the handwriting below. Could you identify this handwriting?

 

A. Line quality

  • smooth
  • shaky
  • juvenile


B. Word and Letter Spacing--average space between words and letters
 

C. Letter Comparison

  • height of letter
  • width
  • relationship of size between capital and lower case

D. Pen Lifts--during a word and between words


E. Pen Pressure--equal pen pressure on all letters

 

F. Lettering Slant--degree of slant left or right

 

G. Unusual Letter Formation--unusual curls, loops or styles


H. Diacritic Placement--how the t's are crossed and the i's are dotted


I. Baseline Habits--writing on, above, or below the line


J. Body Placement--where does the writing begin on the page.

 

Finally, look at the evidence in the Lindbergh baby kidnapping. What evidence did they have against Bruno Richard Hauptmann? Do you think that handwriting only would have convicted him of the kidnapping and murder? Be able to explain your reasoning.

 

CASE STUDY SCENARIO

 

JonBenet RAMSEY

A. Take notes over the video: JonBenet Ramsey

.B. Fill in the argumentation graphic organizer to arrange your ideas and back your opinions with evidence. You may wish to look at a few web sites to help with background information and crime evidence. One in particular gives regular updates about occurrences in the case--JonBenet.

C. Write opinion paper stating your belief on who committed this murder. Be sure to discuss his or her means, motive and opportunity. Within the paper, describe at least 3 pieces of evidence and how they support your belief. Highlight each piece of evidence as it appears in your paper.

D. Based on your belief, discuss how you would present the case if you were the prosecuting attorney. What would be some of the limitations?

 

SCORING GUIDE

 

 

5

4 or 3

2 or 1

0

The Original Case

Effectively and creatively communicates the evidence and facts of the original trial or case

Effectively communicates the evidence and facts of the original trial or case.

Has difficulty in understanding the evidence and/or facts of the original trail or case

Misrepresents evidence and facts of the original trial or case

Presentation of Prosecution or Defense

Presents a convincing case based on the evidence and scientific facts

Presents a case based on the evidence and scientific facts.

Presents cases that is confusing and not very convincing

No case presented

Forensic Evidence

Evidence is accurate, highlighted, and leads to the means, motive and opportunity of the suspect.

Evidence is accurate and detailed but not highlighted. May lead to the suspect.

Some evidence missing or not detailed and or not highlighted. Means, motive and/or opportunity lacking.

Evidence is poor or missing and does not lead to the suspect

Communication and Writing Skills

Paper is well-developed, easily understood, and free of mechanical errors

Paper is well-developed; may contain some mechanical errors

Paper is not well-developed or contains several mechanical errors

Paper is poorly developed and difficult to understand; may include many mechanical errors

Graphic Organizer is worth 10 pts.

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