Scientific+Principles

=The Scientific Principles of the Unabomber Case=

During the investigation of the Unabomber different forensic examiners and techniques were used in order to determine the suspect of the case. Through these different techniques, results were processed and ultimately linked to Ted Kaczynski as the primary suspect. Ted Kaczynski, made many little mistakes by leaving different traces of evidence in this case, that lead to his arrest. In this section, we will examine the ways in which certain principles help to distinguish the difference between individuals. Through the evidence that was found and examined, different prinicples are used to determine the unique characteristics that differentiate the results from one individual to another.

An Overview of the Nature and Scientific Principles of Any Relevant Evidence
> __What is DNA?__ > Deoxyribonucleic Acid also known as DNA, is essentially the combination of phosphate groups and nitrogen bases. These bases are known as base pairs. DNA holds chromosomes, within the strands, which contains your hereditary traits passed from your parents known as genes. There are four bases that are associated with the DNA structure that create these type of base pairs known as Adenine, Guanine Cytosine and Thymine (Saferstein, 2009). When these pairs are combined the strands of DNA form. The order in which these pairs are formed together continuously throughout the different DNA strands is what distinguishes the different DNA strands. > > In the Unabomber case, DNA was collected from the stamps and envelope that Ted licked and sealed. This was used as evidence because with forensic examination of the samples, they were able to identify that Kaczynski was the main suspect because no two individuals can have the same DNA sequencing. By distinguishing the different DNA strands founs on the stamp and envelope made it easier to link Kaczynski to the crime. > > __Types of DNA__ > There are two types of DNA that can be used for classifying and distinguishing a difference between samples. There is nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA. All of our DNA contains specific cells that contain a nucleus. Nuclear DNA is the examination of these cells and linked to our mother and father. During this type of DNA testing, forensic identity can be determined based on the analysis of our nuclear DNA because of the unique cells that hold our specialized nucleus'. Mitochondria are specific structures linked into all our cells that they use to provide enegery for our bodies inorder for them to funtion properly. Mitochondrial DNA﻿ can be found on the outside of the cell's nucleus (Saferstein, 2009)**.** > > This type of evidence can be unique when determining a possible suspect because everyone has their own way of writing and no two individuals can ever have identical writing patterns. Although two people can have similarities, there are different ways in which the writing is differentiated from one another through the //process the document examiner follows//. Every person in this world writes differently and everybody does it consistently on their own. They complete this act within their subconscious. > > During early stages of development an individual learns to write and subconsciously develops their own writing styles that eventually becomes natural and is automatically portrayed in the writing. Once you develop your writing skills at a younger age, you tend to develop certain nerve and motor response that differentiates your writing from others (Saferstein, 2009). In addition to different writing patterns a document examiner could also look at the different types of spelling, grammar and punctuation that can also differentiate one handwriting style from another. In this case, a document examiner was used in order to compare the writing style that was used in the Unabomber letters. Because there was no evidence of actual handwriting and all the letters were typed, the examiner determined that the documents were written by Kaczynski because of the unique ways he wrote the letters.
 * **Saliva (DNA from stamp and envelope)**
 * **Writing Style **

> A typewriter can be a unique type of evidence in determining the ways in which a letter or document was written based on certain //characteristics//. In this case a document examiner can look at the different characteristics, that a typewriter can possess, that can help determine the ways in which this specific type of evidence can be unique. For example, the letters used within this case were written by using a typewriter. Different characteristics in the typewriter, such as indentation and malfunctions in the typewriter, can help distinguish the make of the typewriter and the model that was used. As a result, the typewriter can be traced to a suspect's documents if an exemplar is prepared from the original typewriter to examine the typefaces.
 * **Typewriter**

> When presented with different samples of ink either through pens, or typed documents, there are different ways in which two samples can be compared in order to distinguish what type of ink was used. As a result this can further help lead a forensic investigation forward towards a suitable suspect. A forensic examiner would look at the different chemical compositions within the ink used (Saferstein, 2009). > > In order to distinguish the different types of chemical compounds that are used in specific types of ink, one would use the theory of light in order to help distinguish the chemical susbstances that make up the ink. The "theory of light" is viewed as a continuous wave and looks at the wavelengths and frequency of these waves (Safterstein, 2009). When testing different samples and substances there is an absorption of light through dispersion and refraction. Disperstion and refraction help determine the ways in which light bends at different rates. These can help determine the substances characteristics and its chemical compounds. As s result, ink can be compared through the process of //microspectometry// and //chromatography//. > > In relation to the Unabomber case, a forensic examiner used these two different tests, microspectometry and chromatography, to help determine the type of ink that was used in the letters that Kaczynski wrote.
 * **Ink Comparison**

> Forensic examiners can use the paper presented with certain forms of evidence in order to help link a suspect to a specific type of crime through the unique charateristics of the paper. In the Unabomber case, certain paper was used in reference to the printed letters that was presented as evidence during the case. > > Because different types of paper can have a variety of characteristics based on their manufacturer can help to distinguish different outcomes, such as where the paper is made, where it can be purchased, if it has unique characteristics which can determine one sample from another. Based on the ways in which the paper is made can alter or determine the outcome in relation to possile results. "Paper is often made from cellulose fibers found in wood and fibres recovered from recycled paper products" (Saferstein, 2009, pp. 570). A forensic documenter can examine certain features associated with the sample of paper that can help determine the general make and production of the paper. > > __What are Fingerprints?__ > Fingerprints are formed before birth and remain consistent until skin decomposition after death. Fingerprints consist of different types of ridge patterns that can be found on the palm side of the hand. Because fingerprints remain consistent throughout your life, we can determine that no two people can have the same set of fingerprints which makes them a unique form of evidence. This type of evidence could have been used on the letters that Ted Kaczynski wrote and sealed. > > Fingerprints can be distinguished through the different types of skin structure, known as the epidermus, the dermis, and the dermal papillae, and the idea of persperation. Each skin ridge found in fingerprints are occupied with pores that are bombarded with sweat glands. These sweat glands are then used to help determine the ways in which fingerprints can be left on a service. Through persperation, the pores open up allowing the sweat to travel through the pores and as a result can leave fingerprints on any given surface. > > __Types of Fingerprints__ > Based on the amount of persipration that is left behind when a fingerprint is gathered as evidence, will ultimately determine what type of fingerprint is left at the scene or on the evidence found. In relation to persperation, a latent print can be foud due to the amount of persperation that is released through the pours and onto a gven surface. As a result this will leave an impression of the fingers that were left on the evidence or the crime scene that can be linked to a suspect. > > Another type of fingerprint is a visible print. This type of fingerprint becomes prominent when fingerprints get left behind from previously touching another susbstance and transfering it onto another surface. For example, hand prints of blood from a victim. These types of fingerprints can be unique in a forensic investigation because it can help to reconstruct a crime scene and also determine the difference between a victim and a possible suspect. > > __Fingerprint Classification__ > There are certain types of ridge patterns that form the shape of fingerprints that can distinguish the difference between two individuals. "Fingerprints have general ridge patterns that permit them to be systematically classified" (Saferstein, 2009 pp. 171). These general ridge patterns are formed into three different types of classes that will be able to distinguish the different characteristics that fingerprints possess. These patterns are recognized as **//loops, whorls and arches.//** >> - Loop: These are located on the sides of the fingers. They are determined through the idea that they must have, "one or more ridges entering from one side of the print recurvingm and exiting from the same side" (Saferstein, 2009, pp. 171.) >> >> - Whorl: are rounded or circular in shape. There are four different types of whorls that can be identified in fingerprints known as; plain, central pocket loop, double loop, and accidental. A plain whorl and central pocket whorl are very similar in shape. These contain atleast on ridge patterna that makes a complete circut throughout the finger. A double loop whorl is created from the combination of two loops into one fingerprint. An accidental whorl is a pattern that is not covered by the other categories. >> >> - Arches: These characteristics can be identified through the rise and fall along the fingertips. There are two different cateories of arches that are used to determine the types of arches found within fingerprints. One type of arch can be described as the plain arch. This type of arch is formed by ridge patterns entering from one side of the finger exiting the other, almost in the shape of a wave like pattern. The other type of arch is the tented arch. This arch can be determined by a sharp angle or spike. This happens when two ridge patterns meet at a certain point or angle on the fingerprint. >> > Based on the specific chemistry of explosions can help determine the materials used within a bomb. Explosions are the chemical or mechanical action caused by different levels of combustion. In addition increased levels of heat and exposure to gases can also take place during the process of an explosion. Based on the amount of exposure to expanded gases will determine the damage that can be done in a surrounding area (Saferstein, 2009). There are many different chemical make ups that can produce a(n) explosive. Through deflagration and detonation techniques can help determine the ways in which the bomb is made or even establish where the bomb was manufactured. > > In reference to the Unabomber case, Ted Kaczynski made personalized pipe bombs that were placed inside mail letters that, when opened, exploded. His type of bomb used "low explosives". Low explosives has a detonation of less than 1,000 meters per second (Saferstein, 2009). Because the bombs examined in the case were made from wooden pieces this created the bomb to detonate at a slower rate than a normal pipe bomb. This decreased the chance of harm to the individuals but still left them with serious injuries. > > Different types of wood were found in the Unabomber case which was linked to the wood found within Ted Kaczynski's cabin. Any type of fragment of wood can be examined through different processes in order to determine where the wood originated from. Based on the manufacturer of the wood and the types of chemcials, odours and compounds that could have been absorbed in the wood can be used to determine where the wood came from. > > Because there was pieces of wood evidence, when in the cabin, these pieces could have been matched and linked to Ted Kaczynski. In addition to the manufacture of the wood, the idea of distinguishing which type of wood the pieces originated from could also be used to determine the outcome of a crime where wood fragments are present.
 * **Paper Manufacturer**
 * **Fingerprints**
 * **Materials/ Chemicals used in the Bombs**
 * **Wood from Cabin**