Course aims:

To provide students with knowledge, skills, and abilities corresponding to the current stage of development in Forensic Science (Criminalistics),
To familiarize students with the fundamental issues of Criminalistics by understanding the elements that define and differentiate it from other branches of judicial sciences
To acquire the specific notions and concepts related to forensic techniques, tactics, and methodologies, supporting a better understanding of criminal law and criminal procedure institutions
To strengthen students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge of Criminalistics in practical, real-life legal situations

Course Entry Requirements:

No specific requirements

Course contents:

1. Elements of criminalistics. Introductory concepts. Principles. Forensic identification. Forensic photography.

2. Identification techniques by types of traces 

3. Examination of forgeries . Elements of forensic ballistics.

4. Elements of digital forensics. Digital evidence.

5. Tactics of planning and organizing a criminal investigation. On-scene investigation. Search. Seizure of objects and documents.

6. Tactics of interviewing persons. The forensic-psychology perspective

7. Forensic expert examination.

8. Special investigative techniques and methods. 

9. Methodology for investigating homicide offences.

10. Methodology for investigating crimes in the field of business and organized crime.

11. Methodology for investigating crimes related to trafficking and illicit consumption of drugs.

12. Methodology for investigating human trafficking and migrant-smuggling offences.

Teaching methods:

PowerPoint presentation, problem-based approach, logical demonstration

Learning outcomes:

Use appropriately the main concepts, theories and methodologies specific to the legal field.
Apply specific techniques used in legal and forensic activities.
Apply the necessary knowledge to collect and analyze data related to concrete legal issues.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Written examination Practical activities / seminars evaluating students’ ability to apply forensic techniques

Recommended reading:

Stancu Emilian, Moise C.A, Criminalistica- Elemente de tehnică și tactică a investigării penale, Ed. Universul Juridic, Bucuresti, 2020, full.
Alămoreanu, Sorin, Introducere în studiul Criminalisticii, Editura Risoprint, Cluj-Napoca, 2017, full.
Lazăr, Augustin, Criminalistica, Editura Risoprint, Cluj-Napoca, 2008, full.