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FutureLearn

Crime Scene to Court: An Introduction to Forensic and Criminal Investigation

Arden University via FutureLearn

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Overview

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Discover how forensic science and investigation bring criminals to justice

Ever wondered how investigators piece together clues at a crime scene? Or how that evidence makes its way to the courtroom? This course takes you behind the scenes of real forensic science and criminal investigations with no experience needed! Just bring your curiosity with you.

You’ll discover how forensic scientists and police officers work together to uncover the story hidden in every crime scene. From securing the scene to analysing evidence and presenting it in court, you’ll follow the complete investigative journey and see how it shapes judicial outcomes.

From crime scene to lab: master forensic techniques in action

Get hands-on with the techniques investigators actually use including fingerprinting and DNA analysis. You’ll find those tiny traces of evidence that crack cases wide open. You’ll see how these methods protect the integrity of investigations and help connect suspects, victims, and locations in the criminal justice process.

Think like a detective investigating strategies and ethics

Step into a detective’s shoes and explore how they interview witnesses, navigate tough ethical decisions, and follow the procedures that keep investigations fair and lawful.

You’ll understand police custody protocols and why proper record-keeping matters in every investigation.

From evidence to verdict: how forensic science shapes justice

See how forensic evidence comes to life in the courtroom. You’ll learn how trials work, who does what, and how the evidence you’ve studied can make or break a case.

Discover the roles that magistrates, juries, and legal teams play in the English and Welsh courts.

This course is ideal for anyone curious about forensic science, criminal justice, or policing whether you’re exploring career options, love true crime, or simply want to understand how investigations really work from scene to courtroom.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to Forensic Investigation
    • Introduction to the course and a background into forensics
    • Introduction to the role of the CSI and forensic techniques
    • DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid
    • Fingerprints
    • Further evidence types
    • Review
  • The Role of the Detective
    • The history of the police detective
    • Media Portrayal through the years
    • Training to be in the Criminal Investigation Department
    • Detectives and the suspect interview.
  • Police Custody
    • Exploring Police Custody: Your First Step into Policing Studies
    • Searches in Police Custody
    • Young & Vulnerable People
    • Final Reflections
  • The Anatomy of a Trial
    • Why do we have laws and an overview of the court system
    • The age of criminal responsibility and the role of the Crown Prosecution Service
    • The Courtroom Drama
    • The role of the jury and the importance of communication
    • Miscarriages of justice and the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)
    • Lesson evaluation

Taught by

Penelope Standen

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