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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a key post-mortem change used to estimate time of death?
Which of the following is NOT a key post-mortem change used to estimate time of death?
What is the PRIMARY difference between a Medical Examiner's role and a Coroner's role?
What is the PRIMARY difference between a Medical Examiner's role and a Coroner's role?
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between Cause of Death (COD) and Mechanism of Death?
Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between Cause of Death (COD) and Mechanism of Death?
Which of the following statements regarding Livor Mortis is TRUE?
Which of the following statements regarding Livor Mortis is TRUE?
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In the context of death investigations, what is meant by 'Post-Medical History'?
In the context of death investigations, what is meant by 'Post-Medical History'?
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During an autopsy process, what technique is used to preserve organs for further examination and analysis?
During an autopsy process, what technique is used to preserve organs for further examination and analysis?
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Which of the following is a TRUE statement about Mechanical Trauma?
Which of the following is a TRUE statement about Mechanical Trauma?
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In the context of death investigation, which of the following BEST describes the primary purpose of the Autopsy?
In the context of death investigation, which of the following BEST describes the primary purpose of the Autopsy?
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Which of the following BEST defines 'Time, Manner, and Cause of Death', as essential components of death investigations?
Which of the following BEST defines 'Time, Manner, and Cause of Death', as essential components of death investigations?
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Which of the following scenarios is MOST LIKELY to be classified as an 'Accidental' Manner of Death?
Which of the following scenarios is MOST LIKELY to be classified as an 'Accidental' Manner of Death?
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What is the primary characteristic of contact gunshot wounds?
What is the primary characteristic of contact gunshot wounds?
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Which of the following best describes the condition known as adipocere?
Which of the following best describes the condition known as adipocere?
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In distinguishing between manual and ligature strangulation, which statement is accurate for ligature strangulation?
In distinguishing between manual and ligature strangulation, which statement is accurate for ligature strangulation?
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What does the presence of diatoms in bone marrow usually indicate?
What does the presence of diatoms in bone marrow usually indicate?
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What is the role of the judge in the Daubert Trilogy?
What is the role of the judge in the Daubert Trilogy?
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What is the primary purpose of 3D forensic mapping?
What is the primary purpose of 3D forensic mapping?
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Which pattern would be most appropriate for a crime scene with multiple defined zones?
Which pattern would be most appropriate for a crime scene with multiple defined zones?
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What marks the beginning of chain of custody procedures?
What marks the beginning of chain of custody procedures?
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Which technology is NOT typically associated with 3D forensic mapping?
Which technology is NOT typically associated with 3D forensic mapping?
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What does the preliminary crime scene search focus on?
What does the preliminary crime scene search focus on?
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Which investigative presence typically responds first to a questionable death scene?
Which investigative presence typically responds first to a questionable death scene?
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What is the primary function of the evidence management flowchart?
What is the primary function of the evidence management flowchart?
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Which pattern is generally considered least effective in outdoor environments?
Which pattern is generally considered least effective in outdoor environments?
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Which factor is NOT important when documenting evidence?
Which factor is NOT important when documenting evidence?
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What is the purpose of a chain of custody document in evidence collection?
What is the purpose of a chain of custody document in evidence collection?
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Which aspect is NOT a critical step in the chain of custody process?
Which aspect is NOT a critical step in the chain of custody process?
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What is the role of the sub datum point in mapping a crime scene?
What is the role of the sub datum point in mapping a crime scene?
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In forensic analysis, what should control samples be used for?
In forensic analysis, what should control samples be used for?
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What does evidence analysis typically aim to establish?
What does evidence analysis typically aim to establish?
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Which of the following is true regarding direct and circumstantial evidence?
Which of the following is true regarding direct and circumstantial evidence?
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What is NOT typically considered in staging a crime scene?
What is NOT typically considered in staging a crime scene?
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What strategy is commonly employed in a murder staging to mislead investigators?
What strategy is commonly employed in a murder staging to mislead investigators?
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Which of the following lists the correct order of the process involved in evidence handling?
Which of the following lists the correct order of the process involved in evidence handling?
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If a piece of evidence found at a crime scene points away from a suspect, what classification does this evidence fall under?
If a piece of evidence found at a crime scene points away from a suspect, what classification does this evidence fall under?
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Which principle explains the presence of fibers from a suspect's shirt on the victim's clothing, serving as critical evidence in recreating the crime?
Which principle explains the presence of fibers from a suspect's shirt on the victim's clothing, serving as critical evidence in recreating the crime?
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Which type of evidence is based on a witness's testimony, potentially including personal interpretations?
Which type of evidence is based on a witness's testimony, potentially including personal interpretations?
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What is the primary difference between the Frye Standard and the Daubert Standard?
What is the primary difference between the Frye Standard and the Daubert Standard?
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In the context of evidence interpretation, what is the most common type of reasoning used by investigators?
In the context of evidence interpretation, what is the most common type of reasoning used by investigators?
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Which of the following is an accurate statement about the admissibility of evidence in court?
Which of the following is an accurate statement about the admissibility of evidence in court?
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What distinction do the terms 'inculpatory' and 'exculpatory' emphasize when applied to evidence?
What distinction do the terms 'inculpatory' and 'exculpatory' emphasize when applied to evidence?
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What type of evidence does Locard's Exchange Principle primarily focus on?
What type of evidence does Locard's Exchange Principle primarily focus on?
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Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of 'Exclusive' evidence?
Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of 'Exclusive' evidence?
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Which type of reasoning is most commonly used in crime scene interpretation, according to the text?
Which type of reasoning is most commonly used in crime scene interpretation, according to the text?
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When evaluating evidence admissibility, what is the main concern of the court regarding the methods used?
When evaluating evidence admissibility, what is the main concern of the court regarding the methods used?
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Which of the following is NOT a distinguishing feature of the Daubert Standard?
Which of the following is NOT a distinguishing feature of the Daubert Standard?
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What is the primary difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?
What is the primary difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?
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What is the main reason that most evidence collected at a crime scene is considered 'circumstantial'?
What is the main reason that most evidence collected at a crime scene is considered 'circumstantial'?
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Which of the following is NOT considered to be a part of the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) process?
Which of the following is NOT considered to be a part of the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) process?
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A gunshot wound with stippling/tattooing around the injury suggests:
A gunshot wound with stippling/tattooing around the injury suggests:
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A lead detective examines a bloody shirt from a crime scene and concludes that the victim was likely stabbed, given the pattern of the bloodstains. This is an example of which type of evidence?
A lead detective examines a bloody shirt from a crime scene and concludes that the victim was likely stabbed, given the pattern of the bloodstains. This is an example of which type of evidence?
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A crime scene is staged to make it look like a burglary. However, investigation reveals that the victim's expensive jewelry is still present and undisturbed, which casts doubt on the staged event. What aspect of the staged crime scene makes this inconsistency clear?
A crime scene is staged to make it look like a burglary. However, investigation reveals that the victim's expensive jewelry is still present and undisturbed, which casts doubt on the staged event. What aspect of the staged crime scene makes this inconsistency clear?
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In the context of evidence collection and testing, what is the primary role of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)?
In the context of evidence collection and testing, what is the primary role of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)?
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A crime scene investigator meticulously documents the position of a bullet casing found near the victim. This documentation, along with other measurements and evidence, is used to reconstruct the events of the shooting. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of this documentation?
A crime scene investigator meticulously documents the position of a bullet casing found near the victim. This documentation, along with other measurements and evidence, is used to reconstruct the events of the shooting. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of this documentation?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic or example of Trace Evidence according to Locard's Principle of Exchange?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic or example of Trace Evidence according to Locard's Principle of Exchange?
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A suspect claims self-defense while being investigated for murder. However, the blood splatter patterns on his clothing indicate a different position at the time of the incident. This inconsistency in evidence can be classified as:
A suspect claims self-defense while being investigated for murder. However, the blood splatter patterns on his clothing indicate a different position at the time of the incident. This inconsistency in evidence can be classified as:
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What is the significance of 'Virtual Autopsies' in forensic investigations?
What is the significance of 'Virtual Autopsies' in forensic investigations?
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A crime scene investigator meticulously collects a sample of the victim's hair and a sample of the hair found on the victim's clothing. These samples are later compared in the lab to determine if they share similar characteristics. What is the primary purpose of collecting these control samples?
A crime scene investigator meticulously collects a sample of the victim's hair and a sample of the hair found on the victim's clothing. These samples are later compared in the lab to determine if they share similar characteristics. What is the primary purpose of collecting these control samples?
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Which of the following is NOT a key responsibility of the District Attorney at a crime scene?
Which of the following is NOT a key responsibility of the District Attorney at a crime scene?
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A forensic scientist analyzes a blood sample found at the crime scene and determines that it belongs to the victim. This finding is classified as:
A forensic scientist analyzes a blood sample found at the crime scene and determines that it belongs to the victim. This finding is classified as:
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The crime scene investigators at a murder scene observe a broken window and a trail of blood leading away from the crime scene. This trail of blood is an example of:
The crime scene investigators at a murder scene observe a broken window and a trail of blood leading away from the crime scene. This trail of blood is an example of:
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What is the most significant factor determining the extent of material transfer according to Locard's Principle?
What is the most significant factor determining the extent of material transfer according to Locard's Principle?
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A forensic botanist would be most likely involved in which of the following scenarios?
A forensic botanist would be most likely involved in which of the following scenarios?
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A forensic technician carefully collects a blood sample from a crime scene and places it in a sealed container. The technician then documents the collection procedure thoroughly, including the date, time, and location. This process is part of establishing what?
A forensic technician carefully collects a blood sample from a crime scene and places it in a sealed container. The technician then documents the collection procedure thoroughly, including the date, time, and location. This process is part of establishing what?
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An investigator is analyzing the evidence found at a crime scene and notices that a set of footprints found near the victim's body doesn't match any of the known suspects. This evidence is considered:
An investigator is analyzing the evidence found at a crime scene and notices that a set of footprints found near the victim's body doesn't match any of the known suspects. This evidence is considered:
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In a burglary scene, an investigator identifies a set of fingerprints on the windowpane, which is subsequently determined to belong to a known burglar. This is an example of:
In a burglary scene, an investigator identifies a set of fingerprints on the windowpane, which is subsequently determined to belong to a known burglar. This is an example of:
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If a body exhibits rigor mortis only in the face, jaw, and neck, approximately how long has the body been dead?
If a body exhibits rigor mortis only in the face, jaw, and neck, approximately how long has the body been dead?
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What is the key factor that determines the time of death when utilizing the potassium buildup in the eye?
What is the key factor that determines the time of death when utilizing the potassium buildup in the eye?
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Which of the following conditions would DECREASE the rate of decomposition?
Which of the following conditions would DECREASE the rate of decomposition?
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Based on the information provided, if a body is found without visible rigor mortis, it could be because of:
Based on the information provided, if a body is found without visible rigor mortis, it could be because of:
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Based on the information provided, what is the primary factor that accelerates decomposition?
Based on the information provided, what is the primary factor that accelerates decomposition?
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A suspect's blood type, found at a crime scene, is AB+. This evidence is best classified as:
A suspect's blood type, found at a crime scene, is AB+. This evidence is best classified as:
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If a suspect's fingerprints are found on a murder weapon, this evidence is best characterized as:
If a suspect's fingerprints are found on a murder weapon, this evidence is best characterized as:
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Which of the Seven S of Crime Scene Investigation involves ensuring that witnesses do not contaminate each other's accounts?
Which of the Seven S of Crime Scene Investigation involves ensuring that witnesses do not contaminate each other's accounts?
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During a crime scene investigation, what is the purpose of a triangulation technique?
During a crime scene investigation, what is the purpose of a triangulation technique?
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The presence of pollen found on a victim's clothing can be considered what type of evidence?
The presence of pollen found on a victim's clothing can be considered what type of evidence?
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Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a secondary crime scene?
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies a secondary crime scene?
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The process of documenting evidence found at a crime scene includes all of the following EXCEPT:
The process of documenting evidence found at a crime scene includes all of the following EXCEPT:
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Which type of evidence is most likely to narrow down the suspect pool to a very small number of individuals?
Which type of evidence is most likely to narrow down the suspect pool to a very small number of individuals?
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What is the primary purpose of securing the crime scene?
What is the primary purpose of securing the crime scene?
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What is the most important factor in ensuring the admissibility of evidence in court?
What is the most important factor in ensuring the admissibility of evidence in court?
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Study Notes
Chapter 2: Evidence
- Edmond Locard (1877-1966) is known for Locard's Exchange Principle
- "every contact leaves a trace"
- Explains how evidence is created and used to recreate events
- Contact or interaction between people gives evidence
- Established his forensic lab in 1910
- Founded and directed institution of criminalistics at the University of Lyon
Evidence Types
- Inclusive evidence: Answers the question
- Indeterminate evidence: Doesn't help answer the question
- Exclusive evidence: Excludes a possibility; eliminates a possible answer to the question
Forms of Evidence
- Testimonial: Evidence recorded from a witness (eye witness)
- Physical: Raw material examined by forensic scientists
Chapter 3: Crime Scene Investigation
- Crime scenes are unique due to the events that occur
- The moment a crime scene is created, decay begins
- The biggest challenge in processing a crime scene is ensuring the evidence collected reflects what happened
- Forensic scientists analyze evidence and generate reports
- The objective of crime scene investigation is to recognize, preserve, and collect physical evidence
- Primary crime scene is where the initial act occurred
- Macroscopic: large-scale crime scene
- Secondary: scenes created by acts following the original crime
- Micro: smaller parts of a scene (e.g., a specific room)
Methods of Interpretation
- Deductive: Inference; similar to mathematical reasoning
- Inductive: Using existing data to make predictions and generalizations
- Abductive: Choosing the simplest and most likely solution from known data
Admissibility of Evidence
- Whether or not evidence can be used in court depends on how the courts apply the rules of evidence
- Courts consider precedent
- Methods must be scientifically acceptable and reliable
- Frye Standard: (Frye v. U.S.) Scientific methods must be generally acceptable to the scientific discipline for admissibility
- Federal Rules of Evidence & Daubert Standard: More flexible guidelines
-
Categories of Evidence:
- Inculpatory or exculpatory: Includes or excludes a person as a source
- Direct or circumstantial: Direct evidence establishes information without further inference; circumstantial evidence provides a basis for inferences.
Crime Scene Investigation (Continued)
- Initial Crime Scene Investigation: First responders ensure safety and complete initial work, CSI perform preliminary surveys (images & videos), and special considerations (i.e., rain)
- Documentation Type:
- Triangulation
- Polar coordinates
- Sketching the Scene: Crucial to accurately document measurements and perspective
- Forensic mapping, laser scanning
- Search Patterns
- No pattern, following evidence
- Line/strip
- Spiral
- Grid
- Zone
- Wheel/ray
- Documentation: Includes chain of custody procedures, forms with collecting information (time, date, collector), a description of objects, and signatures
Evidence Packing
- Different types of evidence require specific container types for packing
- General guidelines involve first containers and then secondary containers, sealed with tamper-resistant tape, and labeling
Chapter 5: Medico-legal Investigation of Death
- Investigation of death
- Questionable death (equivocal death): death where cause is not clear
- Death investigation systems vary across the U.S.
- Medico-legal death investigator is the first investigative person to respond to an unverified death
- Death Scene Investigation
- Focus on the body and the scene
- Systems of death investigations
- Coroner
- Medical Examiner System
Mechanism of Death
- Biochemical or physiological abnormality produced by
- Types of death
- Natural (disease with no trauma)
- Accidental
- Homicidal
- Suicidal
- Time of death
- Post-mortem changes
Autopsy Processes
- Removal of internal organs
- Brain incision
- Organ preservation
- Traumatic death
- Mechanical trauma
- Firearm injuries
Crime Scene Investigation and Evidence
- Goal of Crime Scene Investigation is to collect evidence
- Trained to recognize, document, and secure the crime scene
- Evidence considerations: Sufficient, scientific (quantitative data), reliable (consistent when retested), and valid (properly collected and analysed)
- SWG: Standardized protocols for improving evidence collection and testing
Types of Evidence
- Direct evidence: First-hand observations (e.g., eyewitness testimony, dashboard cameras)
- Circumstantial evidence: Indirect evidence implying a fact, but not proving it ("e.g., finding a gun at a crime scene")
- Trace evidence: Physical or biological evidence in small amounts (e.g., fingerprints, hair)
Securing the Scene
- Safety of all individuals
- Preservation of evidence
- Protection of the area where the crime occurred is crucial
- First responder keeps a security log
- Additional requirements like experts
Mapping the Outdoor Crime Scene
- Datum point
- Permanent, fixed point of reference
- Collection site referenced from fixed datum point
- Analyzing the evidence: linking a suspect, establishing identity, confirming verbal witness testimony.
Crime Scene Reconstruction
- Involves forming a hypothesis of the sequence of events
- Investigator looks at evidence for reconstruction analysis
- Guidelines from Department of Justice
- Staged crime scenes (e.g., Arson, murder, or burglary).
Quizlet and additional information
- Macroscopic Crime Scene: The broader crime scene setting
- Microscopic Crime Scene: The smaller crime scenes in the broader scene
- Corpus Delicti: A crime must be proved to occur before conviction
- Modus Operandi: Habits of working - mode of operation
- Walk-Through: Preliminary scene inspection
- Sketch Types: Rough and finished sketches
Forensic Analysis of Death
- Autopsy: Medical examination to determine cause, manner, and mechanism of death
- Collection of evidence
- Fingerprints and DNA analysis
Additional topics (pages 33-38):
- Time of Death Estimation Methods (stomach contents, biological factors, etc.)
- Cause and Mechanism of Death (e.g., physical injuries, overdose, etc.)
- Specific indicators for different types of death
Case Studies (pages 33-38):
- Specific examples of cases for better understanding
- Providing more context for analysis.
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Description
Test your knowledge on forensic science and the processes involved in death investigations. This quiz covers key concepts such as post-mortem changes, the roles of Medical Examiners and Coroners, and the various manners of death. Dive deeper into important terminology and techniques used during autopsies.
