Forensic Science and Daubert Standard Quiz

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What is one of the premises underlying handwriting examination and identification according to Kathleen Storer?

Handwriting characteristics are identical across all writers

Every writer has the same combination of handwriting characteristics

Each writer has a range of variation centered outside his/her basic writing habits

No two writers share the same combination of handwriting characteristics (correct)

In the context of handwriting examination, what must qualified experts determine first?

The brand of paper used in the questioned document

The color of the ink used in the questioned document

Whether a questioned document contains sufficient writing for identification (correct)

If the handwriting is computer-generated or handwritten

Which accreditation body is mentioned as a key certification for handwriting experts in the text?

Association of Document Examination Professionals (ADEP)

American Board of Forensic Handwriting Experts (ABFHE)

International Association of Handwriting Identification Experts (IAHIE)

American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) (correct)

In the legal case Wolf v. Ramsey, which type of handwriting expert was permitted to testify?

The expert who was accredited by the ABFDE Signup and view all the answers

According to US v. Prime, what does Daubert require in terms of establishing the reliability of a process or technique?

It should be known to a reasonable degree of scientific certainty Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court mention regarding scientific testimony in Daubert?

'Known' certainties are not required for scientific testimony Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why Allen evidence was considered more palatable to the court post-Daubert?

The expert did not claim 100% positive identification with zero error rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a technique used to lift imprints from surfaces like tile or hardwood floors?

Adhesive lifter Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lifter can lift prints from almost any surface, including porous and rough surfaces?

Gelatin lifter Signup and view all the answers

In fingerprint identification, what is the purpose of taking photographs at a 90° angle to the impression?

To capture true size for comparison Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is NOT used to capture detailed information about latent imprints?

Adhesive lifters Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Allen evidence contributed to doubts about its scientific nature among courts and scientists?

Not professing to make 100% positive identifications with zero error rate Signup and view all the answers

What are ulnar loops in fingerprint patterns?

Loops that point away from the thumb Signup and view all the answers

Which fingerprint identification technique involves automatically matching one or many unknown fingerprints against a database of known and unknown prints?

AFIS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic used for fingerprint identification?

Twin loop pattern Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Brown v. State, what must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to warrant a conviction based solely on fingerprint evidence?

The fingerprints must have been impressed at the time of the crime Signup and view all the answers

What does AFIS stand for in the context of fingerprint identification?

Automated Fingerprint Identification System Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a bridge in fingerprint identification?

A bridge is a type of minutiae Signup and view all the answers