Criminal Psychiatry

The forensic science originated in the middle ages and nineteenth century. The evaluation of it wouldn't be possible if it had been for chemistry, biology and medicine, investigation of trace evidence became more subjective. It indeed led to legal controversies during the trials. Therefore the procedures and the approach had to be changed.

The first came the development of photography into a mobile form of documentation, applicable to both crime scenes and laboratories. The evolution of chemistry was crucial as a science, predominantly in Germany, it helped to ease and make chemical evidence analysis more accurate and reliable. The refinement and application of microscope to the routine study of plant and animal tissue and trace evidence from the crime scene sped up the investigation which works on time at all times. Not to mention the advances in medical pathology which enabled to use and apply definitive knowledge and documentation. The outcome was obtained from routine dissection and analysis in cases of unnatural death.

The development of forensic sciences was not equal throughout the world, apparently, Europe made a tombstone to have it much more profound. The forensic medicine developed firmly from the very beginning. The study of questioned documents became a tool at that era. Criminalistics as a science was recognized and acknowledged 97 years ago.

Forensic pathology provides an excellent example of the degree of refinement of all other fields of sciences, it symbolizes medical jurisprudence.

The hunt and the murder are in Our veins, since prehistoric times when plants were first used for their poison content the crimes began. Throughout the centuries the great knowledge has been accumulated regarding the actions and use of poisonous substances. Early Indian and Egyptians writings included references to poisonous lotions. Furthermore Greek and Roman literature describes the use of poisonous and venomous substances for suicidal and homicidal purposes. All of these were just common, irrelevant cases, the professional poisoning started in the 19^th century. The aim was one to get rig of Kings, Popes, Nobility. The art of poisoning blossomed during the Renaissance. It eased instantly after the king Henry III punished a poisoner by boiling to death. The most common substances used for poisoning were derived from the following plants: hemlock, aconite, opium, arsenic, corrosive sublimate.

"...the only certain sign of poisoning is the chemical identification of the poison in the organs of the body ..."

The identification of some poisonous substances was very difficult for example; arsenic; a test detection was done in 1836 by James Marsh. The first extraction of arsenic from human tissue was accomplished in the same year.

Criminalistics had one major point, to get into the murderer's mind, the forensic psychiatry gives onset to criminal profiling. The police investigation is based on a study of the behavior of the serial murderer so that the suspect can be evaluated before and after he or she has been placed in custody.

Bibliography:

1. Criminal Investigations – Crime Scene Investigation.2000
2. Forensic Science.2006
3. Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation.2012
4. Forensics Pathology.2001
5. Pathology.2005   

Acknowledgements: 

The Police Department; 

https://www.politie.nl/mijn-buurt/politiebureaus/05/burgwallen.html and a Chief Inspector – Mr. Erik Akerboom                                               ©