Forensic Evidence Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which type of evidence relies heavily on speculation yet supports a fact through logical inference?

Circumstantial evidence (correct)

Direct evidence

Real evidence

Class evidence

Which of the following does NOT classify as individualizing evidence?

Toolmark analysis

Fingerprint analysis

Blood type analysis (correct)

DNA analysis

What characterizes real evidence?

It is always testimonial in nature.

It cannot be used in a court of law.

It is exclusively circumstantial.

It can be both physical and biological. (correct)

Which of the following types of evidence directly proves or disproves a fact based on observation?

Testimonial evidence Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of evidence discussed?

Testimonial, documentary, real Signup and view all the answers

What part of a cartridge is primarily responsible for igniting the gunpowder?

Primer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about class characteristics of a cartridge case is correct?

Class characteristics include firing pin location and primer type. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would you most likely find tool mark evidence?

A home invasion Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes individual characteristics of a bullet from class characteristics?

Individual characteristics are created during both manufacture and use. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of firearm uses a primer located in the rim of the cartridge?

Rim-fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cross-examination during a trial?

To question a witness by the opposing counsel Signup and view all the answers

During re-examination by the Crown counsel, which of the following is true?

It serves to clarify any points made during cross-examination Signup and view all the answers

What governs the defense's decision to cross-examine a witness?

The defense must determine the potential impact on their case Signup and view all the answers

What is required of the Crown when closing its case?

To present all relevant evidence upfront Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'motion of no evidence' entail during a trial?

It questions whether enough evidence exists for a conviction Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Evidentia' refer to?

To be visible Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evidence includes verbal testimony from a witness?

Testimonial evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is classified as real evidence?

Physical items from a crime scene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of biological evidence?

DNA from a blood sample Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'class characteristics' in physical evidence?

Evidence that can be associated with a group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of documentary evidence?

Text messages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered physical evidence?

DNA Signup and view all the answers

Why is proper preservation and collection protocol important for biological evidence?

To avoid contamination and degradation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after collecting a wet body fluid sample?

Air dry and preserve it in a paper envelope or bag. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is appropriate for collecting a dry body fluid stain?

Cut out the stain using an exacto knife. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern when storing body fluids in airtight containers?

They may accelerate deterioration. Signup and view all the answers

What information must be thoroughly documented when collecting body fluid evidence?

Date, location, and descriptor of the item. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of confirmatory testing before DNA analysis?

To verify that the substance is definitely body fluid evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a confirmatory test for blood?

Microscopic examination for spermatozoa. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential step after DNA is extracted from body fluids in the lab?

Perform confirmatory testing to verify the sample. Signup and view all the answers

How should body fluid evidence be packaged after collection?

Loosely in a paper evidence bag with a biohazard label. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the ACE-V process after collecting a fingerprint?

Analyze Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion indicates a suspect is definitively linked to a fingerprint?

Individualization Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'evidentiary print' refer to?

A fingerprint collected that serves as physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

How does the AFIS program assist fingerprint examiners?

By comparing evidentiary prints to a database for potential matches Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential risk associated with the notion of 'Insufficient detail for evaluation' in fingerprint analysis?

Assuming every print is perfect Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Evidence

Evidentia: visible
Videre: to see
Anything can be evidence, even 'invisible' things like fingerprints
Evidence is any information or material used in legal proceedings to support or refute a claim

Types of Evidence

(1) Testimonial Evidence
- Oral evidence given by a witness during testimony
(2) Documentary Evidence
- Documents of any kind (handwritten, typed, electronic)
- Includes medical records, text messages, photocopies, etc.
(3) Real Evidence
- Physical evidence (non-living origin):
  - Fibers, paint, tire impressions, firearms, tool marks, glass
- Biological evidence (living origin):
  - DNA, body fluids, hair, skin, bone, flora (pollen), fauna (insects), plants, animals

Real Evidence (Continued)

Often categorized as physical evidence
Investigators collect and preserve it at the crime scene and analyze in the lab
Can be physical or biological.

Physical Evidence (Non-living Origin)

Examples are fingerprints, glasses, footprints.

Biological Evidence

Examples are DNA from sweat, biological fluids.

Class Characteristics and Individual Characteristics

Biological evidence can be traced to a single source or common origin (DNA)
Can mostly be associated a group, e.g. a class of polyester fiber.
Distinctive differences of an item allow specific identification, for example, highly distinctive DNA differences

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Description

Test your knowledge on various types of forensic evidence and their characteristics. This quiz includes questions about individualizing evidence, class characteristics, and the role of evidence in trials. Ideal for students studying forensic science and legal processes.