Forensic Science
Some believe that new science related to criminal forensics should be used to look at old cases.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There has been an ongoing debate about the current emphasis of criminal forensics, with some maintaining that this advancing science should be used to reopen cold cases. In my opinion, the primary focus of this practice should be on deterring future criminals, though past crimes can be looked at in service of fairness.
Those who argue that advances in forensic sciences should be used to reinvestigate cold cases highlight humanitarian reasons. They emphasize that there are many criminal cases where the perpetrators are still at large or have been wrongly identified due to a lack of evidence, partly the result of less developed forensic techniques in the past. As science in general, and forensic technology specifically, develops, the victims of these cold cases and their families can now seek justice, as offenders can be better identified by modern technologies. This is self-evidently justified as those who have been wronged have been waiting for years, with some spending their entire lives without being granted the opportunity to prove their innocence.
Old cases aside, criminal forensics should be primarily exploited to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. This is because with these advances, individuals may rethink committing crimes for an increased fear of being identified and captured, effectively deterring would-be criminals. These novel technologies include techniques such as blood spatter analysis, dental identification, bone analysis, and advanced crime scene recreation. Though this technology can be used with greater certainty to deliver justice for cold cases for humanitarian purposes, its potential is not yet fully realised. With government grants and funding from the private sector for the research, development, and promotion of these criminal forensic techniques, there is a strong likelihood that crime rates will continue to decline for decades to come. This concomitant declining crime rate is arguably one of the greatest achievements in the history of criminal justice.
In conclusion, while old cases can be reinvestigated to bring justice to those who have been wrongfully convicted, forensic sciences should be prioritised for the prevention of future crimes. The future use and popularity of this technology is contingent upon governments and the private sector working in tandem to fund and promote this approach.
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] There has been an ongoing debate about the current emphasis of criminal forensics, with some maintaining that this advancing science should be used to reopen cold cases. [2] In my opinion, the primary focus of this practice should be on deterring future criminals [2.1], though past crimes can be looked at in service of fairness [2.2].
1. Paraphrase the given topic.
2. Answer the question and state my clear stance.
[2.1] My preferred viewpoint: Main topic sentence for Body 2
[2.2] Concessive clause – my less preferred viewpoint: Main topic sentence for Body 1
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] Those who argue that advances in forensic sciences should be used to reinvestigate cold cases highlight humanitarian reasons. [2] They emphasize that there are many criminal cases where the perpetrators are still at large or have been wrongly identified due to a lack of evidence, partly the result of less developed forensic techniques in the past. [3] As science in general, and forensic technology specifically, develops, the victims of these cold cases and their families can now seek justice, as offenders can be better identified by modern technologies. [4] This is self-evidently justified as those who have been wronged have been waiting for years, with some spending their entire lives without being granted the opportunity to prove their innocence.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea
2. Explain the main point
3. Keep developing the main point
4. Provide an example to further develop the main point
Paragraph 2
[1] Old cases aside, criminal forensics should be primarily exploited to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. [2] This is because with these advances, individuals may rethink committing crimes for an increased fear of being identified and captured, effectively deterring would-be criminals. [3] These novel technologies include techniques such as blood spatter analysis, dental identification, bone analysis, and advanced crime scene recreation. [4] Though this technology can be used with greater certainty to deliver justice for cold cases for humanitarian purposes, its potential is not yet fully realised. [5] With government grants and funding from the private sector for the research, development, and promotion of these criminal forensic techniques, there is a strong likelihood that crime rates will continue to decline for decades to come. [6] This concomitant declining crime rate is arguably one of the greatest achievements in the history of criminal justice.
1. A topic sentence expressing the main idea – stating clearly my opinion
2. Provide an explanation
3. Further develops the main point by providing examples of forensic technologies
4. Keep developing the main point
5. Continue with the development
6. Provide an end result
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, while old cases can be reinvestigated to bring justice to those who have been wrongfully convicted, forensic sciences should be prioritised for the prevention of future crimes. [2] The future use and popularity of this technology is contingent upon governments and the private sector working in tandem to fund and promote this approach.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought and it can be a solution (in this case governments and the private sector working together)
Vocabulary
There has been an ongoing debate about the current emphasis of criminal forensics, with some maintaining that this advancing science should be used to reopen cold cases. In my opinion, the primary focus of this practice should be on deterring future criminals, though past crimes can be looked at in service of fairness.
Those who argue that advances in forensic sciences should be used to reinvestigate cold cases highlight humanitarian reasons. They emphasize that there are many criminal cases where the perpetrators are still at large or have been wrongly identified due to a lack of evidence, partly the result of less developed forensic techniques in the past. As science in general, and forensic technology specifically, develops, the victims of these cold cases and their families can now seek justice, as offenders can be better identified by modern technologies. This is self-evidently justified as those who have been wronged have been waiting for years, with some spending their entire lives without being granted the opportunity to prove their innocence.
Old cases aside, criminal forensics should be primarily exploited to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. This is because with these advances, individuals may rethink committing crimes for an increased fear of being identified and captured, effectively deterring would-be criminals. These novel technologies include techniques such as blood spatter analysis, dental identification, bone analysis, and advanced crime scene recreation. Though this technology can be used with greater certainty to deliver justice for cold cases for humanitarian purposes, its potential is not yet fully realised. With government grants and funding from the private sector for the research, development, and promotion of these criminal forensic techniques, there is a strong likelihood that crime rates will continue to decline for decades to come. This concomitant declining crime rate is arguably one of the greatest achievements in the history of criminal justice.
In conclusion, while old cases can be reinvestigated to bring justice to those who have been wrongfully convicted, forensic sciences should be prioritised for the prevention of future crimes. The future use and popularity of this technology is contingent upon governments and the private sector working in tandem to fund and promote this approach.
Vocabulary Highlight
- ongoing debate: a discussion or argument that has been continuing for a long time
- criminal forensics: the use of scientific methods to investigate and solve crimes
- advancing science: the progression and improvement of scientific methods and technologies
- cold cases: unsolved criminal cases that have gone for a long period of time without new leads or evidence
- primary focus: the main or most important aspect or goal
- deterring future criminals: discouraging or preventing people from committing crimes in the future
- past crimes: criminal cases that occurred in the past
- looked at in service of fairness: examined in order to achieve justice and fairness
- reinvestigate: to investigate again, especially a case that was previously closed
- humanitarian reasons: reasons based on the principles of compassion, justice, and the protection of human rights
- perpetrators: people who have committed a crime
- wrongly identified: falsely accused or suspected of committing a crime
- lack of evidence: insufficient or inadequate proof or information
- seek justice: to pursue fairness and accountability for a wrongdoing
- offenders: people who have committed a crime
- would-be criminals: people who are considering or planning to commit a crime
- novel technologies: new or innovative scientific methods and technologies
- blood spatter analysis: a forensic technique that examines the pattern, shape, and size of blood stains at a crime scene
- dental identification: a method of identifying a person by examining their teeth
- bone analysis: the use of scientific methods to analyze bones, especially for forensic purposes
- crime scene recreation: the process of reconstructing the events and details of a crime scene
- greater certainty: a higher level of confidence or reliability
- government grants: financial support provided by the government for specific purposes
- funding from the private sector: financial support from businesses and organizations outside of the government
- research, development, and promotion: the process of creating, improving, and publicizing a new idea, product, or service
- crime rates: the number of reported crimes in a specific area or time period
- declining crime rate: a decrease in the number of reported crimes
- criminal justice: the system of laws and institutions that deals with crimes and punishments.
Grammar Gems
PASSIVE CONSTRUCTION
“These novel technologies include techniques such as blood spatter analysis, dental identification, bone analysis, and advanced crime scene recreation. Though this technology can be used with greater certainty to deliver justice for cold cases for humanitarian purposes, its potential is not yet fully realised.”
I use a complex structure by starting the sentence with “though,” which indicates a contrast with the previous sentence. The structure “its potential is not yet fully realised” is also interesting because it is a passive construction, which is commonly used in academic writing.
Reading
Further reading can be found here:
https://physicsworld.com/a/the-physics-of-blood-spatter/
Listening
Further listening can be found here: