Geoff Symon 🔎

On Sunday, Sept 7, 2014, I posted my first forensic tip. I'm proud to say for the past 7 years I've posted a new forensic tip every Sunday. Now, 366 weeks later, I have enough unique tips banked that on Sept 7, 2021, my Forensic Tip of the Day will be just that - daily. #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: A "murder book" is a law enforcement term that simply refers to the investigative case file of a murder investigation. Entertainment and the media use the term much more than investigators do. They mostly refer to it as the case file. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: A "hot prowl" is another term in law enforcement for home invasion, which itself is a burglary occurring while someone is home. The crime of the break-in doesn't have to be theft & could have always been intended to target the victim. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US law, a legal summons requires someone to appear before a judge in a legal proceeding they are a part of. A subpoena requires them to attend a proceeding to provide evidence in a lawsuit, although they aren't part of either party. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: A "subpoena duces tecum" (meaning "subpoena to produce evidence") is a legal authoritative order requiring a witness to produce evidence (such as documents, records, etc) that they have access to/control of, to the court. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US law, a subpoena directs an individual, normally a non-party witness, to comply by providing material or testimony. A warrant directs law enforcement action, normally regarding seizing evidence or arresting someone. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US law, a "superseding indictment" is a formal accusation that replaces or amends a previous indictment, based on additional information or evidence received after the grand jury considered the first accusations. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US law, a "speaking indictment" is an indictment that reveals more than just the required basic facts of the crimes being charged. It goes further into the evidence obtained and the circumstances of the crimes committed. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US Law, the Slayer Rule states that a murderer cannot retain any property interest in their victim's estate. This means even if they're named in the will, they cannot inherit any money/property or be appointed to oversee the estate. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US law, a special counsel is a lawyer appointed by the prosecuting authority in cases that may present perceived conflicts of interest. The special counsel has full independent authority to investigate and prosecute the allegations. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: In US law, a special master is essentially an agent of the judge, selected to ensure a specific judicial order is followed, or to act in the judge's place to review evidence or hear disputes. Some special masters can even order damages #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: Despite the popularity of the old wives' tale, a person's last emotion is not a frozen expression on a corpse. You cannot see that someone was 'scared to death' by the deceased's face. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: I'm not sure how this became popular in fiction, but exhumations are not done in the dead of night. There is an approval process and no need for sneaking or secrecy. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: The hyoid, located at the back of the tongue, assists in tongue movement and swallowing. It is the only bone in human anatomy that does not connect to another bone. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: The Doctrine of Clean Hands requires an accuser to be free of guilt in order to receive their requested remedy. If the plaintiff acted in a criminal or unethical manner, despite the defendant's guilt, they won’t be successful in court. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: A bench warrant is an arrest warrant originating directly from a judge instead of from the police. Judges normally issue these warrants for defendants that fail to appear to a court proceeding that they were ordered to attend. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is essential in protein production. It's basically a foreman in cells, telling them what to make. mRNA in vaccines direct the creation of antibodies until the body takes over on its own. mRNA doesn't alter DNA. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: A writ is a formal document from the government, the court, or other legal authority that directs an official/law enforcement officer to complete or refrain from a specific act. A search warrant is a type of writ. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: When writing hangings, realize there are 2 types of death. If there's a significant drop, the sudden stop breaks the neck and death is instantaneous. If it's a short drop, or if the body's pulled up, death is slow (from strangulation). #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: Bones, like body fluids, fluoresce under ultraviolet light (they glow light blue). Therefore, it's possible to find bone fragments missed under normal lighting. Bones will glow even when decades old. Ancient bones no longer fluoresce. #SymonSays #4n6TotD

Forensic Tip of the Day: Bones in fire can shrink and become brittle (due to extreme dehydration). Brief exposure can result in a yellowish discoloration, while longer contact makes them bright white, can cause cracks and may ultimately turn them to ash. #SymonSays #4n6TotD