Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is forensic science?
What is forensic science?
The application of science to both criminal and civil law.
Who created the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes?
Who created the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes?
Doyle
Who is known as the 'father of forensic toxicology'?
Who is known as the 'father of forensic toxicology'?
Orfilia
Who developed the system of anthropometry?
Who developed the system of anthropometry?
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Who undertook the first definitive study of fingerprints?
Who undertook the first definitive study of fingerprints?
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Who devised a technique for determining the blood group of a dried bloodstain?
Who devised a technique for determining the blood group of a dried bloodstain?
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Who established the comparison microscope as a key tool for firearms examinations?
Who established the comparison microscope as a key tool for firearms examinations?
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Who wrote the first treatise on applying science in criminal investigation?
Who wrote the first treatise on applying science in criminal investigation?
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Who established the first workable crime laboratory?
Who established the first workable crime laboratory?
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Who postulated the exchange of evidence principle?
Who postulated the exchange of evidence principle?
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What is the oldest forensic laboratory in the United States?
What is the oldest forensic laboratory in the United States?
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Approximately how many operating crime labs are there in the United States?
Approximately how many operating crime labs are there in the United States?
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Which entity maintains the largest crime laboratory in the world?
Which entity maintains the largest crime laboratory in the world?
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Which unit examines body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons?
Which unit examines body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons?
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What does the 'general acceptance' of scientific evidence refer to?
What does the 'general acceptance' of scientific evidence refer to?
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In the case of Daubert v Merrell Dow Pharmaceutical, Inc., who is the gatekeeper?
In the case of Daubert v Merrell Dow Pharmaceutical, Inc., who is the gatekeeper?
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An expert witness must demonstrate a formal degree in forensic science.
An expert witness must demonstrate a formal degree in forensic science.
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Who is the final evaluator of forensic evidence?
Who is the final evaluator of forensic evidence?
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What is the least important consideration in the gathering of evidence at a crime scene?
What is the least important consideration in the gathering of evidence at a crime scene?
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Which matter is not the province of civil litigation?
Which matter is not the province of civil litigation?
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Bite marks would least likely be found in cases involving?
Bite marks would least likely be found in cases involving?
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Forensic odontology refers to the study of?
Forensic odontology refers to the study of?
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Which services are typically provided to law enforcement by crime laboratories?
Which services are typically provided to law enforcement by crime laboratories?
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The case of Coppolino v State highlights issues dealing with?
The case of Coppolino v State highlights issues dealing with?
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The tendency of the public to expect forensic evidence in every crime scene is known as?
The tendency of the public to expect forensic evidence in every crime scene is known as?
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What is the major problem facing the forensic DNA community?
What is the major problem facing the forensic DNA community?
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The wide variation in services offered by different crime laboratories is due to?
The wide variation in services offered by different crime laboratories is due to?
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The _______ unit applies principles and techniques of chemistry, physics, and geology to the identification of crime scene evidence.
The _______ unit applies principles and techniques of chemistry, physics, and geology to the identification of crime scene evidence.
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Which specialized area of forensic science examines the relationship between human behavior and legal proceedings?
Which specialized area of forensic science examines the relationship between human behavior and legal proceedings?
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A crime scene which involved the collapse of a structure would be analyzed by specialists in which area?
A crime scene which involved the collapse of a structure would be analyzed by specialists in which area?
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Specially trained personnel called _______ are employed by some crime laboratories to retrieve evidence.
Specially trained personnel called _______ are employed by some crime laboratories to retrieve evidence.
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Study Notes
Forensic Science Overview
- Definition: Forensic science applies scientific principles to both criminal and civil law.
- Criminalistics encompasses various scientific disciplines, including geology, chemistry, biology, and metallurgy.
Historical Figures in Forensic Science
- Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective, was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
- Orfilia is recognized as the "father of forensic toxicology."
- Bertillion developed anthropometry as a system of personal identification.
- Galton conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints.
- Lattes created a method for determining blood groups in dried stains.
- Goddard established the comparison microscope for firearms examination.
- Gross authored the first treatise on scientific applications in criminal investigations.
- Locard founded the first workable crime laboratory and proposed the exchange of evidence principle.
Crime Laboratories and Services
- The oldest forensic laboratory in the United States is the Los Angeles Police Department lab.
- Over 300 operating crime labs exist across the U.S. at federal, state, and county levels.
- Growth factors for crime labs include DNA profiling, drug-related arrests, increased crime rates, and Supreme Court decisions from the 1960s.
- The FBI maintains the largest crime laboratory globally.
- The Toxicology Unit examines body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons, while fingerprint analysis is not a part of the biology unit's functions.
Legal Standards and Expert Testimony
- The Frye standard relates to the general acceptance of scientific evidence.
- In Daubert v Merrell Dow Pharmaceutical, the trial judge functions as the gatekeeper for admitting scientific evidence.
- An expert witness is not required to possess a formal degree in forensic science, but must demonstrate relevant expertise.
- The jury serves as the final evaluator of forensic evidence.
Evidence Handling and legal matters
- The least important consideration in evidence gathering is establishing guilt of suspects.
- Competency determinations for individuals are not part of civil litigation.
- Bite marks are least likely found in arson cases.
- Forensic odontology focuses on the study of teeth.
Crime Laboratory Services and Issues
- Crime laboratories provide criminalistics services to law enforcement.
- Alphonse Bertillon was not an early contributor to forensic toxicology.
- Issues highlighted by Coppolino v State include the acceptance of new scientific tests.
- A significant problem for the forensic DNA community is the backlog of analyzed DNA samples.
Variability and Specializations
- Services offered by crime labs vary due to local laws and budget constraints.
- The Physical Science Unit identifies and compares crime scene evidence using chemistry, physics, and geology.
- Forensic Psychiatry examines the link between human behavior and legal proceedings.
- Forensic Engineering specialists analyze crimes involving structural collapses.
Qualifications and Evidence Collection
- Qualifications for an expert witness often consider experience, training, and education.
- Evidence Technicians are specially trained personnel available 24/7 for evidence recovery, equipped with necessary tools for evidence collection and packaging.
Public Perception
- The "CSI effect" refers to the public's expectation that every crime scene will yield forensic evidence, influencing their expectations in legal contexts.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on the basics of forensic science. Covering key concepts and definitions, this quiz will enhance your understanding of the application of science in legal contexts. Ideal for students beginning their journey in forensic studies.
