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Aug 28, 1514
Blood Splatter Evidence
Description: The earliest known use if blood splatter evidence is a trial in London in which the defendant, Richard hunne, had been jailed for heresy and was then convicted if suicide, post mortem. Importance: Today blood splatter analysis is used all the time to determine how exactly a crime played out. It allows us to see how the blood got where it is by seeing the placement of the blood and shape of the splatter. -
Forensic Toxicology
Description: Forensic toxicology is first used to convict Marie lafarge, by use of the marsh test, of poisoning her husband with arsenic. Importance: This is important because in many cases people are poisoned. This allows us not only to know if someone is poisoned, but by what and, in some cases, by how much. -
Identification of Human Blood Groups
Description: Austin Karl Landsteiner identifies human blood groups. In 1930 he receives a Nobel prize for this work. Importance: Identifying blood groups helps us immensly by narrowing down the possible suspects and/or victims in a crime. -
Fingerprints
Description: Harry Jackson, a burglar, becomes the first Englishman to be convicted solely on the basis of fingerprints. Importance: In many cases fingerprints are some of the best evidence. They allow us to identify criminals with amazing accuracy since everyone has a unique finger print. -
FBI
Description: President Theodore Roosevelt establishes the FBI. Importance: The FBI has solved many cases using forensics. -
Lie Detector
Description: The first lie detector is built by John Larson, a University of California medical student. Importance: Lie detectors are used in many cases. They allow us to determine whether someone is lying or telling the truth to great accuracy. -
Bite Mark Analysis
Description: Kieth Simoson launches the science of bite mark analysis (forensic odontology) when he examines bite marks on a dead woman. Importance: Bite mark analysis may seem insignificant, but in many cases vitims are bitten. This use of bite mark analysis allows forensic teams to identify many things about the possible suspects, just by using a bite mark. -
Kevlar
Description: Body armor made of Kevlar is introduced. It is currently credited with saving the lives of more than 2,000 police officers since creation. Importance. Like the description says, the material, Kevlar, has saved thousands of lives and will continue to save many more. -
Internet
Description: The internet is born Importance: The internet allows for easy access to research for forensic teams. It provides a practically endless amount of information. -
USA PATRIOT Act
Description: USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 allows for the search and seizure of computers. Importance: With this act, investigators can see what possible suspects have on their computers. They can search from their files to their history for evidence. This has allowed for easy access to very helpful evidence.
