Forensic Science Timeline by

BCE

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 04:42:26 UTC

This early use of fingerprints gives us an idea of just how long the idea of print identification has been around.

1248

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 04:50:48 UTC

This book demonstrates the beginning stages of connecting criminal justice with medical evidence.

1800s

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 04:55:47 UTC

Bewick's use of his fingerprint as a type of signature further encouraged the use of fingerprints as a means of identification.

1810

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:00:31 UTC

Vidocq's questionable trade created the foundation that detective forces today are derived from.

1810

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:06:21 UTC

This is significant because it opened the door for the analysis of smaller details within a crime.

1828

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:09:19 UTC

The polarizing light microscope allows for the investigation of crystals, bone, fibers, and minerals.

1835

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:13:23 UTC

Goddard's findings helped pave the way for a more established study of forensic ballistics.

1836

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:15:48 UTC

This is a very significant event because it established a place for forensics within the walls of a courtroom.

1863

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:21:17 UTC

This discovery was a significant help in forensics at the time and contributed to the eventual establishment of forensic serology - the study and examination of bodily fluids.

1880

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:25:19 UTC

Faulds' contribution to the world of forensics is very important. This use of fingerprints to eliminate a suspect as well as solve a crime is very similar to the way fingerprints are used in today's law enforcement.

1896

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:29:29 UTC

Sir Henry's contribution to the forensic science community because his method that divided fingerprint patterns in four categories served to identify habitual criminals.

1902

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:34:09 UTC

Professor Reiss and his development of academic curricula in forensic science opened the door for the accessibility of further study and discovery by a new set of minds.

1903

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:36:49 UTC

At this point, we're able to see the beginnings of the system currently used by law enforcement, though now most of their data processing is done digitally.

1920

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:44:37 UTC

Waite's collection of data is significant because it assisted in the ability to rule out which bullets, among other things, could have plausibly been used by a certain weapon based on the make and model.

1924

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:48:13 UTC

This is a significant implementation by Vollmer because it encouraged further study and discovery in the field of forensic science in the state of California.

1950

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:51:35 UTC

The tape lift method is still used today, and is often one of the first things shown to people learning about how forensic science works.

1974

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 05:57:00 UTC

This breakthrough technology is very significant because it allows forensic scientists to analyze trace materials from gunshot residue under high levels of magnification, helping them examine the evidence.

1986

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 06:00:39 UTC

The first use of DNA in a criminal case was significant because it highlighted all the capabilities that DNA data can provide - proving both innocence and guilt.

1999

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 06:04:52 UTC

This is a very convenient development by the FBI because it makes identification information to be stored and searched much more easily.

2000s

aldelagarza1 — 2024-02-16 06:10:38 UTC

This is a very exciting and recent development in the world of forensic science. The assistance that artificial intelligence can provide is extremely helpful in creating theories and discoveries.