Forensics Chapter 2 Midterm: Types of Evidence

Questions and Answers

What are the two general types of evidence?

Physical (correct)

Circumstantial

Testimonial (correct)

Statistical

What factors influence the reliability of a witness?

Nature of the offense, characteristics of the witness, manner of information retrieval, prior relationship with the accused, identification timing, prior identifications.

What is an eyewitness?

A person who hears an event

A person who directly sees an event (correct)

A forensic scientist

A police officer

What does physical evidence imply?

It implies a fact or event without actually proving it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of physical evidence compared to testimonial evidence?

More reliable Signup and view all the answers

The process of using evidence to answer what took place is called __________.

reconstruction Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of physical evidence with their descriptions:

Transient Evidence = Temporary and easily changed Pattern Evidence = Produced by direct contact Conditional Evidence = Produced by a specific event Transfer Evidence = Produced by contact between objects Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of transient evidence?

Odors, temperature, imprints, indentations. Signup and view all the answers

Name some examples of pattern evidence.

Blood spatter, glass fracture, tire marks, tool marks. Signup and view all the answers

What is classified as conditional evidence?

Lighting conditions, smoke color, temperature of fire, body's position. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified under biological evidence?

Blood Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes individual evidence from class evidence?

Individual evidence can be traced to a specific person or source, while class evidence is shared by a group. Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles of forensic investigators?

Recognition, Preservation, Identification, Comparison, Individualization, Interpretation, Reconstruction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Evidence

Testimonial evidence refers to statements made under oath, known as direct or prima facie evidence.
Physical evidence consists of objects or materials relevant to a crime, recognized as indirect evidence.

Reliability of a Witness

Witness reliability is influenced by the offense nature, observational conditions, and the witness's characteristics.
Key factors include prior relationships with the accused and the time elapsed since the offense.

Eyewitnesses

Composite images can be created from witness testimonies by police or forensic artists.
The accuracy of eyewitness memory stresses the importance of physical evidence.

Physical Evidence

Most physical evidence is indirect, often categorized as circumstantial evidence, implying facts without direct proof.
Probability and statistics are crucial in interpreting circumstantial evidence.

Value of Physical Evidence

Generally more reliable than testimonial evidence; it can confirm crime occurrence and connect suspects to crimes or victims.
DNA and fingerprints are critical for establishing identities and can facilitate event reconstruction.

Reconstruction

Physical evidence aids in understanding the crime, including the victim's cause of death, number of individuals involved, and event sequence.
Forensic scientists compare unknown samples with known samples to derive insights.

Types of Physical Evidence

Transient Evidence: Temporary and easily lost, often noted by first responders (e.g., odors, impressions).
Pattern Evidence: Created through direct contact, produced as marks such as shoe prints or blood spatter.
Conditional Evidence: Arises from specific actions, vital for crime scene reconstruction (e.g., overturned furniture).
Transfer Evidence: Results from interaction between people and objects (e.g., footprints).
Associative Evidence: Ties victims or suspects to crime scenes (e.g., personal items).

Examples of Transient Evidence

Odors from substances like gasoline or explosives can provide clues.
Temperature measurements can indicate time frames (e.g., car hood heat).
Imprints like footprints or bite marks are key transient evidence.

Examples of Pattern Evidence

Includes various forms of imprints and markings, such as blood spatter and tire tracks.
Analyzing patterns assists in understanding events and actions taken during the crime.

Examples of Conditional Evidence

Light conditions, smoke characteristics, and fire behavior can reveal situational contexts.
Location and condition of items, like victims and weapons, provide insight into the crime dynamics.

Classification of Evidence by Nature

Biological evidence comprises materials from living organisms (e.g., blood, hair).
Chemical evidence includes synthetic or inorganic substances (e.g., drugs, fibers).
Physical evidence encompasses identifiable markings or prints (e.g., fingerprints).
Miscellaneous evidence includes diverse forms like voice analysis and photography.

Evidence Characteristics

Class characteristics are shared among groups, while individual characteristics denote a specific source.
Enhancing the probative value of class evidence can strengthen links between suspects and crimes.

Forensic Investigators

Key skills include recognition, preservation, identification, comparison, individualization, interpretation, and event reconstruction.
Forensic scientists employ various methodologies, including statistical data and pattern analysis, to analyze evidence effectively.

Description

Test your knowledge on the various types of evidence in forensics with these flashcards. Explore key concepts such as testimonial evidence, physical evidence, and the reliability of witnesses. Perfect for preparing for your midterm exam in forensic science.