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Questions and Answers

Which aspect of an expert witness greatly influences the weight a court assigns to their testimony?

  • The number of peer-reviewed publications authored by the expert.
  • The expert's fee structure and payment arrangements.
  • The expert's courtroom demeanor and presentation style. (correct)
  • The expert's personal relationship with the prosecuting attorney.

What is the critical factor that determines the evidential value of laboratory test results?

  • The prevailing caseload of the crime laboratory.
  • The complexity of the instrumentation used in testing.
  • The subjective interpretation of the forensic scientist.
  • The method by which evidence is gathered and presented for examination. (correct)

Which of the following is the most inclusive list of places from which physical evidence can be obtained?

  • The crime scene and the suspect only.
  • The victim and the crime scene only.
  • The suspect, the victim, and the crime scene. (correct)
  • The suspect's home, place of work, and vehicle.

Why is it generally NOT recommended to store bloodstained clothing in an airtight container?

<p>To avoid moisture buildup, which can degrade the biological evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The manner of collecting and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene is primarily determined by which factor?

<p>The nature of the evidence itself and the circumstances of the crime. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An investigator's ability to properly recognize and collect crime-scene evidence is most directly related to:

<p>The amount of training they received from the crime laboratory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary concern for an evidence collector at a crime scene?

<p>Determining the natural variations that exist in physical evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In collaboration with a medical examiner, what type of evidence is typically collected from a deceased victim for examination in a crime laboratory?

<p>Samples of blood, tissue, and other physiological evidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Edmond Locard's principle of exchange is most relevant to which aspect of forensic science?

<p>The transfer of evidence when two objects come into contact. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has most significantly driven the expansion of crime laboratory services in the United States?

<p>The rising demand for drug and DNA analysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A crime scene investigation (CSI) unit is primarily responsible for:

<p>Dispatching personnel to a crime scene to retrieve evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'general acceptance' principle for the admissibility of scientific evidence was established in which court case?

<p>Frye v. United States (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to the decentralized crime lab system in the United States, how is the crime laboratory system in Britain generally characterized?

<p>It is composed of a national network of regional laboratories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which unit in a forensic laboratory is responsible for analyzing body fluids and organs for the presence of drugs and poisons?

<p>Toxicology unit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of Locard's Exchange Principle?

<p>A victim's blood is found on a suspect's clothing, and fibers from the suspect's clothing are found at the crime scene. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the application of trace evidence analysis?

<p>Comparing soil samples from a suspect's shoes to soil at a crime scene. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals case granted the trial judge more authority regarding:

<p>Determining the admissibility of scientific evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of forensic science, what is the significance of the Daubert Standard?

<p>It provides a guideline for determining the admissibility of scientific evidence in court. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Frye Standard, established in Frye v. United States, is most directly concerned with which aspect of forensic science?

<p>The general acceptance of scientific principles within the relevant scientific community. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which forensic service is least likely to be directly involved in analyzing physical evidence from a crime scene?

<p>Polygraph examination to assess the truthfulness of a suspect's statements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor most significantly enhances the credibility and impact of an expert's testimony in court?

<p>All are equally correct (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A forensic scientist is asked to investigate a hit-and-run. Which of the following represents a proactive function the scientist might perform before evidence collection?

<p>Training law enforcement officers on proper evidence preservation techniques at accident scenes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the work of Al Bertillon contribute to the development of forensic science?

<p>He created a method of personal identification using a series of body measurements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of Leone Lattes to forensic science?

<p>Devising a workable procedure for typing dried bloodstains. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is MOST crucial for maintaining the integrity of a crime scene?

<p>Allowing only authorized personnel to access the area. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to document a crime scene with both overview and close-up photographs?

<p>To establish the precise location of each piece of evidence within the context of the larger scene. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A forensic investigator discovers a small bloodstain on a carpet. What is the recommended procedure for collecting this evidence?

<p>Cutting out the portion of the carpet containing the stain and packaging it in a separate, appropriate container. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining a chain of custody crucial for evidence collected at a crime scene?

<p>To protect the evidence from tampering and ensure its admissibility in court. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of container is NOT suitable for packaging bloodstained clothing and why?

<p>Airtight container, because moisture accumulation can lead to microbial degradation of the sample. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At a suspected arson scene, charred debris is collected. What is the BEST type of container for this evidence and why?

<p>Airtight container, to prevent the evaporation of volatile residues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides obvious items, why is it important to collect possible 'carriers' of trace evidence from a crime scene?

<p>Because these items may contain microscopic evidence not immediately visible that could link a suspect to the crime. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Livor mortis is observed during a death investigation. What information can this provide to investigators?

<p>Whether the body was moved after death. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Edmond Locard

Established one of the earliest crime labs.

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

Sets guidelines for admissibility of scientific exams in federal courts.

Frye v. United States

Deals with the general acceptance of scientific principles.

Forensic Science

Applying science to law.

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Sherlock Holmes

Excited forensic scientists and criminal investigators.

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Alphonse Bertillon

Devised the first system of personal identification using body measurements.

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Francis Galton

Developed the first statistical study proving the uniqueness of fingerprints.

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Leone Lattes

Devised first procedure for typing dried bloodstains.

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Who was Edmond Locard?

Pioneer of forensic science, established one of the first functional crime labs in Lyons, France.

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Locard's Exchange Principle

The principle that every contact leaves a trace, central to forensic science.

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First US Forensic Lab

Established in 1923, it marked the beginning of forensic science in US law enforcement.

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Crime Lab Expansion Factors

The most rapid expansion has been driven by the need to analyze controlled substances and DNA evidence.

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Federal Forensic Agencies

FBI, DEA, ATF, and USPS

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Crime Scene Investigation Unit

Unit responsible for collecting and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes.

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Frye Standard

Sets standards for admissibility of scientific evidence; requires 'general acceptance' in the relevant scientific community.

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Daubert Standard

Supreme Court case that broadened the judge's role in determining the admissibility of scientific evidence.

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Coppolino v. State of Florida

A Florida case demonstrating the trial judge's wide discretion in scientific inquiry.

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Expert Witness

An individual with skills or knowledge in a specific field that can assist the court in determining the truth.

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Importance of Training

An investigator's ability to properly recognize and collect crime-scene evidence.

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Maintaining Evidence Integrity

Everyone involved is responsible.

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Evidential Value

The way the evidence is collected and presented for examination.

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Collecting and Preserving Physical Evidence

Circumstances of the crime and nature of the evidence.

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Physical Evidence Sources

Crime scene, victim, and suspect.

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Items Not in Airtight Container

Bloodstained clothing.

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Physical Evidence

Objects that establish if a crime occurred or link a crime to its victim/perpetrator.

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Unaltered Condition

The state a crime scene must be in for photographs to be useful.

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Crime Scene Recording

Recording methods for documenting a crime scene.

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Rough Sketch

Type of sketch needed at a crime scene to show dimensions and relevant objects.

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Trace Evidence Carriers

Evidence that can transfer in small quantities and needs collection for lab examination.

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Separate Container

Type of container for items from a crime scene.

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Air Drying Clothing

The required procedure for clothing items before packaging.

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Chain of Custody

Documentation of the location and possession of physical evidence.

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Study Notes

  • One of the earliest crime laboratories was founded by Edmond Locard.
  • Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals is the judicial case that set forth the current guidelines for determining the admissibility of scientific examinations in the federal courts.
  • Frye v. United States deals with the legal issue of general acceptance of scientific principles.
  • Polygraph examination is not normally within the expertise of the forensic scientist.
  • The effectiveness of an expert's testimony is almost always dependent on all of these: experience, clear communication, and educational background.
  • A forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence, provides expert testimony, and furnishes training.
  • Forensic science is the application of science to law.
  • The fictional exploits of Sherlock Holmes excited the imagination of forensic scientists and criminal investigators.
  • Al Bertillon devised the first system of personal identification using body measurements.
  • Francis Galton is responsible for developing the first statistical study proving the uniqueness of fingerprints.
  • Leone Lattes devised the first workable procedure for typing dried bloodstains.
  • Calvin Godert made the comparison microscope an indispensable tool of firearms examination.
  • Early efforts at applying scientific principles to document examination are associated with Albert Osborn.
  • Hans Gross advocated the application of science to criminal investigation.
  • Edmond Locard directed one of the first functional crime laboratories, formed in Lyons, France.
  • Edmond Locard first advocated the concept of transfer of evidence when two objects come into contact.
  • The Los Angeles Police Department created the first forensic laboratory in the United States in 1923.
  • The state of California is an example of a geographical area in the United States that has created a system of integrated regional and satellite laboratories.
  • Britain's crime laboratory system is characterized by a national system of Regional laboratories.
  • Increasing demand for drugs and DNA analyses is the single most important factor in the recent expansion of crime laboratory services in the United States.
  • Four important federal agencies offering forensic services are the FBI, DEA, ATF, and USPS.
  • Crime laboratories in the United States operate under a decentralized system at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels of government.
  • The trace-evidence unit identifies and compares crime-scene evidence using chemistry, physics, and geology.
  • The biological unit examines blood, hairs, fibers, and botanical materials.
  • The firearms unit examines bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition.
  • The toxicology unit examines body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons.
  • The crime scene investigation (CSI) unit retrieves evidence for laboratory examination.
  • Frye v. United States set forth the "general acceptance” principle as a criterion for judicial admissibility of scientific evidence.
  • Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals led to the Supreme Court ruling that trial judges don't have to rely solely on "general acceptance" when assessing new scientific tests.
  • The US Supreme Court decision in Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael restricted a trial judge's "gate-keeping" role to only scientific testimony. False
  • Coppolino Vs. State of Flordia is a Florida case that exemplifies the flexibility and wide discretion that the trial judge has in matters of scientific inquiry
  • A(n) expert witness is a person who can demonstrate a particular skill or has knowledge in a trade or profession that will help the court determine the truth of the matter at issue.
  • The expert witness' courtroom demeanor may play an important role in deciding what weight the court will assign to his or her testimony.True
  • The testimony of an expert witness incorporates his or her personal opinion relating to a matter he or she has either studied or examined. False
  • The ability of the investigator to recognize and collect crime-scene evidence properly depends on the amount of training they received from the crime laboratory.
  • The obligation to maintain the integrity of evidence belongs to all of these: the first police officer at the scene, the forensic scientist, the prosecutor, the evidence clerk.
  • The relative evidential value of laboratory test results is almost always dependent on the way the evidence is collected and presented for examination.
  • The manner of collecting and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene is determined by the circumstances of the crime and the nature of the evidence.
  • Physical evidence may be obtained from all of these: the crime scene, the victim and the suspect.
  • All of the following items may be placed in an airtight container except charred debris recovered from a fire.
  • The evidence collector is not concerned with determining the natural variations that exist in physical evidence.
  • Clothing, fingernail scrapings, hair samples, swab of the all possible evidence in moist areas is to be retrieved from a deceased victim for examination in the crime laboratory in cooperation with the medical examiner or coroner.
  • Physical evidence encompasses all objects that can establish whether a crime has been committed or can link a crime and its victim or its perpetrator.
  • Scientific evaluation of crime-scene evidence usually can overcome the results of a poorly conducted criminal investigation. False
  • The techniques of physical evidence collection require a highly skilled individual who must specialize in this area of investigation. False
  • All unauthorized personnel must be excluded from crime scenes.
  • Three methods for recording the crime scene are sketches, taking notes, and photos and videos.
  • The most important prerequisite for photographing a crime scene is to have it in a(n) unaltered condition.
  • Photographs of physical evidence must include overviews as well as closeups to record the details of objects.
  • An investigator need draw only a(n) rough sketch at the crime scene to show its dimensions and pertinent objects.
  • A detailed search of the crime scene for physical evidence must be conducted in a(n) systematic manner.
  • Besides the more obvious items of physical evidence, possible carriers of trace evidence must be collected for detailed examination in the laboratory.
  • Whenever possible, trace evidence is to be removed from the object that bears it.
  • Each item collected at the crime scene must be placed in a(n) separate container.
  • An ordinary mailing envelope is considered a good general-purpose evidence container. False (An envelope have an opening and things can fall out)
  • An airtight container is recommended packaging material for bloodstained garments. False
  • As a matter of routine, all items of clothing are to be airdried before packaging.
  • Charred debris recovered from the scene of an arson is best placed in a porous container. False
  • The possibility of future legal proceedings requires that a(n) chain of custody be established for the possession and location of physical evidence.
  • Most physical evidence collected at the crime site will require the accompanying submission of standard/referecne material for comparison purposes.
  • When livor mortis sets in after death, the skin appears dark blue or purple in the areas closest to the ground.
  • One method for approximating the time of death is to determine body temperature. True

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