This course is designed to provide the student with a broad overview of the intersection of the law and forensic science, as well as of the behavioral and applied forensic sciences. Topics that will be covered include: Sources of the Law and Our Legal System, Fundamental of Criminal Law and Procedure, Fundamentals of Civil Law and Procedure, Fundamentals of Tort Law, Fundamentals of Contract Law, Fundamentals of Family Law, The Functions of Forensic Science at the Crime Scene, in the Laboratory and in the Courtroom , Expert and Attorney Ethics, Digital Evidence and Internet Investigation, Forensic Engineering and Accident Reconstruction, Forensic Economics, Forensic Accounting, Medical Malpractice , Forensic Nursing, Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry. The course, together with FRN 402, makes the student eligible to receive a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University’s Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law. This course also includes attendance at the Institute’s nationally-renowned Annual Conference, a two-day event that has addressed such timely and important issues as forensic death investigation, digital evidence investigation and criminal justice reform, among many other topics.

This course is a continuation of FRN 401. Students will be introduced to a number of advanced topics in the physical and biological forensic sciences, as well as the application of forensic science to the justice system. including: Trace Evidence, Firearms and Toolmarks, Arson and Explosives, Forensic Pathology and the Autopsy Process, Forensic Toxicology and Drug Chemistry, Latent Print Examination, Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Odontology, Forensic Entomology,The Criminal Trial Process, The Civil Trial Process, The Rules of Evidence and the Frye and Daubert Rulings, Grand Juries, Discovery and Inspection, Depositions and Witness Preparation. Students in this course will also be provided the opportunity to participate in live exercises including crime scene investigation, forensic interrogations, and a mock trial. Students who are unable to participate in the live exercises will have access to taped sessions. Upon successful completion of this course and FRN 401, students will receive the Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University. Prerequisite: FRN 401 (6 crs.)