Criminalistics Reviewer (Comprehensive
Notes)
Criminalistics is the science of crime detection and investigation through the application of
scientific methods in examining physical evidence.
I. Introduction to Criminalistics
Definition
• Criminalistics – The application of scientific principles in the recognition, collection,
preservation, examination, and presentation of evidence.
• Father of Criminalistics – Hans Gross
• Father of Modern Criminology – Cesare Lombroso
Goals
• Identify the offender
• Identify the victim
• Reconstruct the crime
• Present reliable evidence in court
II. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Definition
The systematic process of recognizing, documenting, collecting, preserving, and analyzing
evidence found at a crime scene.
Steps in Crime Scene Processing
1. Secure the crime scene
2. Conduct preliminary survey
3. Photograph the scene
4. Sketch the scene
5. Search for evidence
6. Collect evidence
7. Package and label evidence
8. Maintain chain of custody
9. Submit evidence for laboratory examination
, Methods of Crime Scene Search
• Strip/Line Search
• Grid Search
• Spiral Search
• Zone/Quadrant Search
• Wheel/Ray Search
III. Physical Evidence
Definition
Any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or can link a crime and its victim
or perpetrator.
Types of Evidence
1. Testimonial Evidence
Definition: Evidence presented through the oral statements or testimony of a witness given
under oath in court. It is based on what the witness personally saw, heard, experienced, or knows
about the case.
2. Documentary Evidence
Definition: Evidence consisting of written, printed, electronic, or recorded documents offered to
prove the truth of their contents or establish relevant facts in a legal proceeding.
3. Object (Real) Evidence
Definition: Physical or tangible objects directly involved in or connected to the commission of a
crime. These items are presented in court for inspection as proof of a fact in issue.
4. Demonstrative Evidence
Definition: Evidence created to illustrate, explain, or clarify testimony or other evidence. It is
not the actual object involved in the crime but helps the judge or jury better understand the facts.
Examples: Maps, diagrams, charts, models, animations, photographs, and crime scene
reconstructions.
Notes)
Criminalistics is the science of crime detection and investigation through the application of
scientific methods in examining physical evidence.
I. Introduction to Criminalistics
Definition
• Criminalistics – The application of scientific principles in the recognition, collection,
preservation, examination, and presentation of evidence.
• Father of Criminalistics – Hans Gross
• Father of Modern Criminology – Cesare Lombroso
Goals
• Identify the offender
• Identify the victim
• Reconstruct the crime
• Present reliable evidence in court
II. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Definition
The systematic process of recognizing, documenting, collecting, preserving, and analyzing
evidence found at a crime scene.
Steps in Crime Scene Processing
1. Secure the crime scene
2. Conduct preliminary survey
3. Photograph the scene
4. Sketch the scene
5. Search for evidence
6. Collect evidence
7. Package and label evidence
8. Maintain chain of custody
9. Submit evidence for laboratory examination
, Methods of Crime Scene Search
• Strip/Line Search
• Grid Search
• Spiral Search
• Zone/Quadrant Search
• Wheel/Ray Search
III. Physical Evidence
Definition
Any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or can link a crime and its victim
or perpetrator.
Types of Evidence
1. Testimonial Evidence
Definition: Evidence presented through the oral statements or testimony of a witness given
under oath in court. It is based on what the witness personally saw, heard, experienced, or knows
about the case.
2. Documentary Evidence
Definition: Evidence consisting of written, printed, electronic, or recorded documents offered to
prove the truth of their contents or establish relevant facts in a legal proceeding.
3. Object (Real) Evidence
Definition: Physical or tangible objects directly involved in or connected to the commission of a
crime. These items are presented in court for inspection as proof of a fact in issue.
4. Demonstrative Evidence
Definition: Evidence created to illustrate, explain, or clarify testimony or other evidence. It is
not the actual object involved in the crime but helps the judge or jury better understand the facts.
Examples: Maps, diagrams, charts, models, animations, photographs, and crime scene
reconstructions.
