Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a potential limitation of forensic science?
What is a potential limitation of forensic science?
- The reliability of forensic analysis can be influenced by the quality of evidence.
- The accuracy of results may be affected by the availability of sufficient evidence.
- The interpretation of results can be subjective and open to bias.
- All of the above. (correct)
Which of the following is NOT a factor that can affect the integrity of evidence?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that can affect the integrity of evidence?
- Contamination during collection.
- External influences during handling.
- Subjective interpretation by forensic scientists.
- Proper chain of custody. (correct)
What role do forensic scientists play in court?
What role do forensic scientists play in court?
- They provide expert testimony based on their findings. (correct)
- They analyze data to determine the cause of death.
- They collect evidence at crime scenes.
- They assist law enforcement in identifying suspects.
What ethical guideline is paramount for forensic scientists?
What ethical guideline is paramount for forensic scientists?
Why is the continuous improvement of scientific methodologies important for forensic science?
Why is the continuous improvement of scientific methodologies important for forensic science?
Which of these is NOT a type of physical evidence used in forensic science?
Which of these is NOT a type of physical evidence used in forensic science?
What is one of the key roles of forensic scientists when investigating a crime scene?
What is one of the key roles of forensic scientists when investigating a crime scene?
Which is a powerful forensic technique used to create a genetic profile for analysis?
Which is a powerful forensic technique used to create a genetic profile for analysis?
What does the term 'chain of custody' refer to in forensic science?
What does the term 'chain of custody' refer to in forensic science?
What type of evidence is considered subjective and requires careful evaluation by the court?
What type of evidence is considered subjective and requires careful evaluation by the court?
Which of these factors can negatively affect the reliability of forensic answers?
Which of these factors can negatively affect the reliability of forensic answers?
Which of these is an example of trace evidence?
Which of these is an example of trace evidence?
Which of these is NOT a technique used in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)?
Which of these is NOT a technique used in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)?
Flashcards
External Influences
External Influences
Factors that can contaminate evidence during collection or handling.
Expert Testimony
Expert Testimony
Forensic scientists explain findings in court to assist juries.
Limitations of Forensic Science
Limitations of Forensic Science
Challenges such as unreliability and subjective interpretation in forensic analysis.
Ethical Guidelines
Ethical Guidelines
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Subjective Interpretation
Subjective Interpretation
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Testimonial Answers
Testimonial Answers
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Physical Answers
Physical Answers
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DNA Analysis
DNA Analysis
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Trace Evidence Analysis
Trace Evidence Analysis
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Ballistics
Ballistics
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Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
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Chain of Custody
Chain of Custody
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Factors Affecting Reliability
Factors Affecting Reliability
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Study Notes
Types of Answers
- Answers in forensic science are categorized as testimonial or physical.
- Testimonial answers are witness or expert statements based on personal experience or knowledge; they're subjective and require judicial evaluation.
- Physical answers are tangible evidence, offering objective data. This includes fingerprints, DNA, trace evidence (fibers, hairs, glass), impressions (tire marks, shoe prints), ballistics, blood spatter analysis, and documents.
Importance of Accurate Answers
- Accurate forensic answers are critical for successful investigations.
- Inaccurate or incomplete answers can cause wrongful convictions/acquittals or fail to identify perpetrators.
Forensic Science Techniques
- DNA analysis compares crime scene DNA to suspects'/victims' DNA.
- Fingerprinting identifies individuals using unique fingerprint ridge patterns.
- Trace evidence analysis examines small physical items (fibers, hairs, paint) to link them to a source. This often uses microscopic examination and analysis of material composition.
- Crime scene investigation (CSI) techniques meticulously document and collect evidence, ensuring chain of custody. This includes photography, video recording, and sketching.
- Ballistics analyses firearms and ammunition to determine bullet origin and trajectory, potentially matching firearms to projectiles.
- Bloodstain pattern analysis examines bloodstains to understand events before, during, and after a crime, including perpetrator location and direction.
Factors Affecting Answers
- The reliability of forensic answers depends on examiner competency, evidence quality/quantity, adherence to procedures, and absence of biases.
- Maintaining the chain of custody is vital for evidence integrity and admissibility in court.
- External influences or contamination during collection/handling can impact evidence integrity.
Expert Testimony in Court
- Forensic scientists often testify as expert witnesses in court.
- Expert testimony clearly and concisely explains findings, presents evidence, and supports conclusions.
- Testimony relies on scientific principles and methods, aiming for clarity and jury understanding.
Limitations of Forensic Science
- Forensic science techniques aren't always foolproof.
- Evidence quality varies, potentially affecting analysis reliability.
- Result interpretation may be subjective, leading to bias or inconsistencies.
- Insufficient evidence can compromise accuracy.
- Forensic methodologies continually improve, leading to technique refinements.
Ethical Considerations
- Forensic scientists must adhere to strict ethical guidelines, prioritizing objectivity and unbiased analysis.
- Integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and proper documentation are essential.
- Adherence to ethical standards maintains reliability and credibility of forensic analysis.
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