Questions and Answers
The application of science to law describes ______.
forensic science
The fiction exploits of __________ excited the imagination of an emerging generation of forensic sciences and criminal investigators.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes
A system of personal identification using a series of body measurements was first devised by _______.
Bertillon
__________ is responsible for developing the first statistical study proving the uniqueness of fingerprints.
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The Italian scientist _______ devised the first workable procedure for typing dried bloodstains.
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The comparison microscope became an indispensable tool of firearm examination through the efforts of _______.
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Early efforts at applying scientific principles to document examinations are associated with ________.
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The application of science to criminal investigation was advocated by the Austrian magistrate ________.
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One of the first functional crime labs was formed in Lyons, France under the direction of _________.
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The transfer of evidence that occurs when two objects come in contact with one another was a concept first advocated by ______.
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The first forensic lab in the US was created in 1923 by the ________ police department.
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The state of _____ is an excellent example of a geographical area in the US that has created a system of integrated regional and satellite labs.
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In contrast to the US, Britain's crime lab system is characterized by a national system of ______ labs.
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The increasing demand for ____ analysis has been the single most important factor in the recent expansion of crime labs in the US.
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Four important federal agencies offering forensic services are the _____, ______, ______, and the ______.
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A decentralized system of crime labs currently exists in the US under the auspices of various government agencies in at the _____, _____, and _____ levels of government.
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The application of chemistry, physics, and geology to the identification and comparison of crime-scene evidence is the function of the _________ unit.
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The examination of blood, hair, fibers, and botanical materials is conducted in the _____ unit.
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The examination of bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition of all types in the _____ unit.
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The examination of body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons is a function of the ________ unit.
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The _________ unit dispatches trained personnel to the scene of a crime to retrieve evidence.
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The 'general acceptance' principle, which serves as a criterion for the judicial admissibility of scientific evidence, was set forth in the case of _________.
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In the case of ____________, the Supreme Court ruled that in assessing the admissibility of new and unique scientific tests, the trial judge did not have to rely solely on the concept of 'general acceptance'.
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The US Supreme Court decision in Kumho Tire Co v Carmichael restricted the 'gate-keeping' role of a trial judge only to scientific testimony.
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A Florida case that exemplifies the flexibility and wide discretion that a trial judge has in matters of scientific inquiry is ______.
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A(n) _________ 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.
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The expert witness's courtroom demeanor may play an important role in deciding what weight the court will assign to their testimony.
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The testimony of an expert witness incorporates his or her personal opinion relating to a matter they have either studied or examined.
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The ability of the investigator to recognize and collect crime-scene evidence properly depends on the amount of ______.
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Study Notes
Forensic Science Overview
- Forensic science applies scientific methods to legal matters, aiding in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
Influential Figures and Innovations
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes inspired early forensic scientists and investigators.
- Bertillon developed the first systematic approach to personal identification based on body measurements.
- Francis Galton pioneered statistical studies demonstrating the uniqueness of fingerprints.
- Leone Lattes created a procedure for typing dried bloodstains, advancing forensic biology.
- Calvin Goddard's work made the comparison microscope essential for firearm examinations.
- Osborn contributed to scientific approaches in document examination.
Historical Developments
- Hans Gross called for the application of scientific principles in criminal investigations.
- Edmond Locard established one of the first functional crime labs in Lyons, France, and formulated the principle of evidence transfer through contact.
- The first US forensic lab was established by the Los Angeles police department in 1923. California exemplifies an integrated system of crime labs within the US.
Crime Lab Systems
- Britain's crime lab framework consists of regional labs, contrasting with the decentralized system in the US, which includes federal, state, and local agencies.
- The rise in drug analysis demands has significantly fueled the expansion of US crime labs.
- Key federal agencies providing forensic services include the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Postal Service.
Forensic Science Units
- Physical Science Unit: Utilizes chemistry, physics, and geology for crime scene evidence analysis.
- Biology Unit: Focuses on blood, hair, fibers, and botanical materials.
- Firearms Unit: Examines bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition.
- Toxicology Unit: Analyzes body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons.
- Crime Scene Investigation Unit: Sends trained personnel to collect evidence from crime scenes.
Legal Principles in Forensic Science
- The "general acceptance" criterion for scientific evidence admissibility emerged from the Frye v. US case.
- The Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals ruling highlighted that trial judges need not solely rely on general acceptance for new scientific tests.
- In Kumho Tire Co v. Carmichael, the Supreme Court broadened the "gatekeeping" role of judges beyond just scientific testimony.
- The case Coppolino v. State showcased the judicial flexibility regarding scientific inquiry.
Expert Witnesses and Their Role
- An expert witness possesses specific skills or knowledge that aids the court in discerning the truth.
- Courtroom demeanor can affect the perceived credibility and influence of an expert witness's testimony.
- Expert witnesses’ testimonies are based on objective analysis rather than personal opinions, according to legal standards.
- Investigators’ proficiency in recognizing and collecting crime scene evidence is often correlated with their level of training and relationship with forensic labs.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these review questions on Chapter 1 of Forensic Science. This quiz covers key concepts and historical figures that shaped the field, making it an excellent resource for students and enthusiasts alike. Challenge yourself and reinforce your understanding of forensic principles.
