Application of Chemistry to Resolving Crimes

Forensic Science is the application of science to law. Many crimes would have remained unsolved, and many criminals would escape penalty, without the skillful application of scientific methods, most of which are from the chemistry domain. Moreover, in democratic countries, it is equally important to be able to clear the innocent, which, in many cases would be impossible without the use of appropriate scientific methods. This presentation will survey and briefly discuss some of the most notorious crimes whose decipherment was based on chemical techniques, with particular emphasis on Israeli original developments. The list involves the assassination of the Israeli Minister of Tourism; The homicide and suicide of two celebrities in Jerusalem; Blackmailing of a leading industrialist; and the first identification of the home-made explosive TATP.