Class Criminalistics and Criminal Investigation

This curricular unit aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge in criminalistics and criminal investigation.

Not applicable

1. INTRODUCTION CSI – Fiction reality 2. SECURITY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS IN PORTUGAL – LEGAL FRAMEWORK 2.1. Constitutional Framework of Reference 2.2. Internal Security Law 2.3. Criminal Investigation Organization Law 2.4. Criminal Policy Law 3. CRIMINALISTICS 3.1. Evidence – Categories and their relevance 3.2. Trace Theory 3.2.1. Classification of Traces 3.2.1.1. Biological Traces 3.2.1.2. DNA 3.2.1.3. Toxicology 3.2.1.4. Lofoscopy 3.2.1.5. Ballistics 3.2.1.6. Handwriting 3.2.1.7. Documents 3.3. Relevance of the Evidence 3.4. Evidence in Criminal Procedure 3.4.1. Testimonial Evidence 3.4.2. Documentary Evidence 3.4.3. Expert Proof 3.5. The Criminal Profile 4. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION 4.1. Application of the Criminal Investigation Cycle 4.1.1. Historical Reasoning 4.1.2. The Reconstitution 4.1.3. Operational Reasoning 4.1.4. Exploitation of information collected: The Crime Scene 4.1.5. Processing of Criminal Information  

Theoretical and practical classes, in which the explanation of the program contents, are complemented with an invitation to reflection and debate. The theoretical component consists of presenting students with the various items, which will be worked on in the practical aspect of classes, accompanied by reading and discussion of texts.

Gilbert, J. (2009). Criminal Investigation. 8th ed. Pearson. Inácio, A. (2014). Informações de segurança e transparência democrática: o indispensável equilíbrio. Investigação Criminal, 7: 72-86. Leal, J.M.P. (2017). Epistemologia para a prática da investigação criminal. In H. Mota et al. (org.), Estudos Comemorativos dos 20 Anos da FDUP, Vol. I (pp. 823-844). Almedina. Pinheiro, M.F.T. (2008). CSI Criminal. Edições Universidade Fernando Pessoa.  Sánchez, J.I.F. (2009). Investigacion Criminal: Una Visión Innovadora y Multidisciplinar del Delito. Editorial Bosch.