Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the two general types of evidence?
What are the two general types of evidence?
What factors influence the reliability of a witness?
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?
What is an eyewitness?
What does physical evidence imply?
What does physical evidence imply?
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What is the value of physical evidence compared to testimonial evidence?
What is the value of physical evidence compared to testimonial evidence?
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The process of using evidence to answer what took place is called __________.
The process of using evidence to answer what took place is called __________.
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Match the types of physical evidence with their descriptions:
Match the types of physical evidence with their descriptions:
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What are examples of transient evidence?
What are examples of transient evidence?
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Name some examples of pattern evidence.
Name some examples of pattern evidence.
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What is classified as conditional evidence?
What is classified as conditional evidence?
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Which of the following is classified under biological evidence?
Which of the following is classified under biological evidence?
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What distinguishes individual evidence from class evidence?
What distinguishes individual evidence from class evidence?
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What are the roles of forensic investigators?
What are the roles of forensic investigators?
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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.
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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.
