Part B: Case Study Comparison

Research one case study where forensic science analysis had a significant impact on the outcome of the trial.

Identify a point in time on your timeline and describe how this case would have been solved differently had it occurred at that period in time.

Write a 500- word summary explaining how this case may have evolved during a different time in history. Consider the following in your summary:

What clues were available that may not have been at some point in the past?
How may have this case turned out had different advancements in forensic science not been available?
What forensic tests and/or examinations were used in the case study you chose and what would the criminal justice system have done if these tests were not available (DNA testing, hair analysis, fire arms examination, etc.)?

SAMPLE SOLUTION

The crime in question happened on July 14, 1990, when a victim heading to her apartment from a grocery store was attacked from behind by an attacker who put one hand on her gullet and the other on her waist. The accused made her to walk alongside him and pierced her in the left side at which point she lost consciousness. The victim realized the assailant was walking her to the bushes when she awoke. The victim claimed to have been sexually assaulted repeatedly by the defendant. In a jury trial, the accused was charged with kidnapping, rape, carrying an illegal weapon, aggravated assault, and involuntary stray sexual intercourse. These accounts brought a severe prison punishment. For rape, he received between 10 to 20 years, 6 to 10 years for assault, and between 5 to 12 years for the involuntary deviate sexual acts. All these sentences were to be served concurrently except for the punishment for the…