Forensic analysis
There are two main classifications of chemical compounds that forensic experts use in their qualitative and quantitative analysis; organic and inorganic. Organic refers to those compounds that are made up of carbon element as their structural backbone and are found in living organisms. On the other hand, inorganic compounds are those whose structures are based on the other elements. However, this distinction is still more general. This is because some inorganic compounds, for instance lime, also called calcium carbonate, comprises of carbon. In addition, all compounds having carbon do not necessarily come from living organisms. Cases in point are synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon that are made up of carbon but are inorganic compounds. From this perspective, it is evidently clear that both the organic and inorganic compounds forms part of the items that are used as evidence. The techniques that are employed in determining the chemical composition of evidence of this kind relies on whether the building blocks of are organic or inorganic (White, 2010).
Paint and glass are examples of the most critical and common kinds of evidence comprising of inorganic compounds. Glass is made up of compounds such as soda, lime, silica and other impurities that are mostly mineral salts. The analysis and study of the chemical composition of glass is carried out using the scanning electron microscope, SEM, which works hand in hand with energy dispersive x-ray technology. The microscope is used for the magnification purposes of the sample. The item under the view of the microscope emits radiation that is a characteristic feature of the element making it (Terrence, 2006).
An example of organic compound used in the forensic analysis is the human hair. The techniques of x-ray diffraction and light absorption are used in this analysis. The carbon content of the hair identified is then compared with the reference samples.
The proportions of the elements under study are then compared with reference kinds of glass. This procedure serves for not only identification of any the glass found on the scene of crime, but also aids in comparing with the glass pieces found on the suspect. Atomic spectroscopy is another procedure that can be employed in the identification of inorganic components of the evidence. This depends on the production of certain wavelengths of light when an inorganic element is exposed to heat. The absorption rate of the atoms is employed in the forensic context in determining the chemical component of soil or rather mud obtained from the crime scene (Terrence, 2006).
Lawyers are cunning creations because they can use several things to render the forensic evidence used against their clients as void. In fact, in most cases the lawyers tend to use the forensic evidence to their advantage. Faced with such a predicament like a forensic scientist, the first step I would do in defense of my evidence is to carry out an extensive and detailed analysis of the traces possessed. This may include making use of other experts in the fields. Forensic evidence comes in handy just to supplement the suspicion, which may have warranted the arrest of the suspect (Pyrek, 2007). In the Law of exchange, when any two objects come into contact some form of exchange that comes into play. This could be in the form of hair, blood or body fluids. With such basic principles and the confirmation of traces, then as prosecution I can comfortably defend my evidence.
Work cited
White, P., (2010). Crime Scene to Court: The Essentials of Forensic Science. London: Royal Society of Chemistry
Terrence, S., (2006). Forensic Evidence: Science and the Criminal Law. New York: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis
Pyrek, K., (2007). Forensic Science under Siege: The Challenges of Forensic Laboratories and the Medico-Legal Death Investigation System. Sydney: Academic Press
