Forensic Science Origins and Practices

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Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the term 'forensic'?

The term 'forensic' comes from the Latin term forensis, meaning 'of or before the forum'.

How did ancient criminal investigations typically rely on determining guilt or innocence?

Ancient criminal investigations relied heavily on forced confessions and witness testimony.

Who wrote the first recorded account of using medicine and entomology in forensic investigations?

Song Ci wrote the first recorded account in his book Xi Yuan Lu in 1248.

What unique method did ancient Indians use to help determine innocence or guilt?

Ancient Indians made suspects fill their mouths with dried rice and then spit it back out. Signup and view all the answers

What contribution did Ambroise Paré's work make to forensic science?

Ambroise Paré's surgical work laid the groundwork for the development of forensic techniques. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence-gathering technique was developed based on early mouth and tongue examinations?

These examinations can be seen as precursors to the Polygraph test. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Song Ci's methods for examining dead bodies contribute to forensic science?

He developed methods for antiseptics, calculating time of death, and distinguishing suicide from murder. Signup and view all the answers

What role did advocacy play in ancient forensic cases as inferred from the origin of 'forensic'?

In the forum, both the accuser and the accused presented their cases, influencing the outcome based on delivery. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical figures with their contributions to forensic science:

Song Ci = Authored the book on forensic medicine and entomology Ambroise Paré = Pioneered surgical techniques relevant to forensics Rome = Origin of the term 'forensic' related to public debate Ancient India = Developed a method using dried rice to determine guilt Signup and view all the answers

Match the following practices with their descriptions:

Saliva examination = Determining innocence or guilt based on mouth examination Autopsy report = Procedure to protect evidence during investigation Rice powder test = Method used in ancient China to assess guilt Antiseptic methods = Techniques developed for examining dead bodies Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their meanings:

Forensic = Pertaining to courts or legal proceedings Entomology = Study of insects used in criminal investigations Standardized practices = Uniform methods in criminal investigations Public impartiality = Ensuring fair examination of evidence in courts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical texts with their significance:

Xi Yuan Lu = First written account of forensic practices Washing Away of Wrongs = Detailed forensic methods used in trials Surgical writings by Ambroise Paré = Foundation for future forensic techniques Communication in ancient courts = Use of advocacy in legal settings Signup and view all the answers

Match the following early forensic methods with their descriptions:

Mouth and tongue examination = Prototypical method leading to the Polygraph test Examination under sunlight = Technique to reveal hidden injuries Calculating time of death = Using weather and insects to determine death timing Confessions and witness testimony = Primary reliance in ancient criminal cases Signup and view all the answers

Match the following countries/regions with their forensic practices:

China = Innovated using entomology in criminal cases India = Utilized dried rice as a guilt assessment method Rome = Early public forums for presenting criminal cases Europe = Development of surgical techniques in forensic science Signup and view all the answers

Match the following forensic concepts with their relevance:

Evidence preservation = Critical for fair trials and investigations Injury examination = Method to uncover signs of foul play Mouth examination methods = Ancient precursor to modern lie detection Public forum debates = Foundation of advocacy in criminal cases Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ancient methods with their cultural origins:

Saliva test = Ancient China Dried rice method = Ancient India Autopsy regulations = Song Dynasty in China Forensic term origin = Roman legal practices Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Forensic science origin

Forensic science originates from Roman times, where criminal cases were presented in public forums.

Forensic science methods (early)

Early methods included forced confessions and witness testimonies, sometimes with unconventional techniques like using mouthfuls of rice to detect innocence.

Song Ci and forensic medicine

Song Ci, a 13th-century Chinese official, is credited with early forensic practices, including autopsies, evidence handling, and determining time of death using insect evidence.

Forensic science development

Modern forensic science evolved from early practices, laying the foundation with surgical work like that of Amboise Paré.