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Questions and Answers
Why are class characteristics important in a criminal trial?
Why are class characteristics important in a criminal trial?
They help to corroborate the specific events and aspects of the crime.
A car windshield was shot with a bullet just seconds before the investigator arrives. How does the investigator most likely know this happened?
A car windshield was shot with a bullet just seconds before the investigator arrives. How does the investigator most likely know this happened?
There are radial fractures and a few concentric fractures.
What is the first step forensic scientists must do to analyze evidence?
What is the first step forensic scientists must do to analyze evidence?
Take measurements to identify the characteristics of the evidence.
What is true about the footprints made by a Nike, size 10 tennis shoe?
What is true about the footprints made by a Nike, size 10 tennis shoe?
What is Sergeant Jeffers most likely to do while using a photo array during an investigation?
What is Sergeant Jeffers most likely to do while using a photo array during an investigation?
What physical property can help characterize fragments of glass at a crime scene?
What physical property can help characterize fragments of glass at a crime scene?
What are individual characteristics?
What are individual characteristics?
What are ridge characteristics or minutiae?
What are ridge characteristics or minutiae?
What are class characteristics?
What are class characteristics?
What are radial fractures?
What are radial fractures?
What are concentric fractures?
What are concentric fractures?
What is true about the precipitin test?
What is true about the precipitin test?
What question is Leslie most likely trying to answer while using the precipitin test?
What question is Leslie most likely trying to answer while using the precipitin test?
What will Jorge using AFIS most likely include?
What will Jorge using AFIS most likely include?
What type of fingerprints is Huda examining if they have ridge patterns that are circular in shape with two deltas?
What type of fingerprints is Huda examining if they have ridge patterns that are circular in shape with two deltas?
How would a forensic scientist best categorize Christopher's bloody fingerprints on the steering wheel?
How would a forensic scientist best categorize Christopher's bloody fingerprints on the steering wheel?
What is the first thing the investigator should do when they find a short strand of hair at the crime scene?
What is the first thing the investigator should do when they find a short strand of hair at the crime scene?
How will the hair sample with mitochondrial DNA affect the criminal case?
How will the hair sample with mitochondrial DNA affect the criminal case?
Who is Sofia most likely to mention in her presentation on the history of blood analysis?
Who is Sofia most likely to mention in her presentation on the history of blood analysis?
What did Erica most likely find at the crime scene?
What did Erica most likely find at the crime scene?
What can Sabrina most likely conclude if the Hemastix strip turns green?
What can Sabrina most likely conclude if the Hemastix strip turns green?
DNA analysis can always create an individualized result that links a hair to a particular person.
DNA analysis can always create an individualized result that links a hair to a particular person.
What are the most common type of fingerprints?
What are the most common type of fingerprints?
What type of fingerprints is Damian examining if the ridge lines start on one side and exit on the other?
What type of fingerprints is Damian examining if the ridge lines start on one side and exit on the other?
Why is Karl Landsteiner most likely known by forensic scientists?
Why is Karl Landsteiner most likely known by forensic scientists?
What is likely to be true about a hair sample from the telogen stage?
What is likely to be true about a hair sample from the telogen stage?
What question is Jonathan most likely trying to answer using the Kastle-Meyer color test?
What question is Jonathan most likely trying to answer using the Kastle-Meyer color test?
What is true about luminol?
What is true about luminol?
What is Professor Nicholson most likely trying to determine when looking for the presence of a medulla?
What is Professor Nicholson most likely trying to determine when looking for the presence of a medulla?
How would a forensic scientist best categorize blood that has pooled around the victim's head?
How would a forensic scientist best categorize blood that has pooled around the victim's head?
Who is Raoul most likely to discover in his research on the history of fingerprint identification?
Who is Raoul most likely to discover in his research on the history of fingerprint identification?
If a substance from a Kastle-Meyer test turns pink, the substance is definitely blood.
If a substance from a Kastle-Meyer test turns pink, the substance is definitely blood.
How would a forensic scientist best categorize blood from a gunshot that splattered on the wall?
How would a forensic scientist best categorize blood from a gunshot that splattered on the wall?
How will a lawyer presenting a hair sample with nuclear DNA affect the criminal case?
How will a lawyer presenting a hair sample with nuclear DNA affect the criminal case?
What is most likely the purpose of purchasing a Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS) device by the local police department?
What is most likely the purpose of purchasing a Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS) device by the local police department?
What does Karl Landsteiner's work lead to?
What does Karl Landsteiner's work lead to?
What is the Kastle-Meyer color test?
What is the Kastle-Meyer color test?
What does a Hemastix strip do?
What does a Hemastix strip do?
What is a luminol test?
What is a luminol test?
What does the precipitin test do?
What does the precipitin test do?
A Chinese book has the first written record of medical knowledge to solving crime in a description of how to distinguish between strangulation and drowning.
A Chinese book has the first written record of medical knowledge to solving crime in a description of how to distinguish between strangulation and drowning.
What is a science that deals with disease?
What is a science that deals with disease?
Who figured out a way to determine the type of blood from a dried bloodstain?
Who figured out a way to determine the type of blood from a dried bloodstain?
Who is known as the father of toxicology?
Who is known as the father of toxicology?
Which sub-field of forensics uses social science to investigate crimes?
Which sub-field of forensics uses social science to investigate crimes?
Forensic entomologists study what to help solve crimes?
Forensic entomologists study what to help solve crimes?
What area specializes in the identification and examination of skeletal remains?
What area specializes in the identification and examination of skeletal remains?
Forensic odontologists might be involved in which of the following circumstances?
Forensic odontologists might be involved in which of the following circumstances?
Mathieu Orfila's contribution to forensic toxicology?
Mathieu Orfila's contribution to forensic toxicology?
Francis Galton's study related to fingerprints?
Francis Galton's study related to fingerprints?
What did Leone Lattes contribute to forensic science?
What did Leone Lattes contribute to forensic science?
Calvin Goddard's discovery involving firearms?
Calvin Goddard's discovery involving firearms?
Edmond Locard's contribution to forensics?
Edmond Locard's contribution to forensics?
What does forensic pathology study?
What does forensic pathology study?
What is the focus of forensic psychiatry?
What is the focus of forensic psychiatry?
What is the purpose of forensic sociology?
What is the purpose of forensic sociology?
Forensic entomology studies what?
Forensic entomology studies what?
What does forensic odontology provide insight into?
What does forensic odontology provide insight into?
What is digital forensics?
What is digital forensics?
Rough sketches of a crime scene contain information such as the orientation of the scene, the weather, and the lighting.
Rough sketches of a crime scene contain information such as the orientation of the scene, the weather, and the lighting.
How should Rosa MOST accurately order her presentation slides on how to properly work a crime scene?
How should Rosa MOST accurately order her presentation slides on how to properly work a crime scene?
What does Martin's job in a crime lab MOST likely entail?
What does Martin's job in a crime lab MOST likely entail?
Terrance found a small hair on the victim's shirt. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?
Terrance found a small hair on the victim's shirt. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?
Trevor was able to collect what appeared to be blood and sweat from a kitchen counter. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?
Trevor was able to collect what appeared to be blood and sweat from a kitchen counter. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?
Forensic toxicologist John Trestrail thought there was something curious about the Crippen case. What was MOST likely his most pressing question about the case?
Forensic toxicologist John Trestrail thought there was something curious about the Crippen case. What was MOST likely his most pressing question about the case?
Mateo was the first responder at a crime scene. What should Mateo and the officers do next?
Mateo was the first responder at a crime scene. What should Mateo and the officers do next?
Officers have secured the crime scene by putting a rope around it. What should they do next?
Officers have secured the crime scene by putting a rope around it. What should they do next?
What type of evidence should NOT be stored in an airtight container because it could cause damage?
What type of evidence should NOT be stored in an airtight container because it could cause damage?
What is TRUE about the use of drawings at a crime scene?
What is TRUE about the use of drawings at a crime scene?
At the crime scene, the investigator sees a bloody knife on the floor of the kitchen. What is the BEST type of photograph for the investigator to use to document this evidence?
At the crime scene, the investigator sees a bloody knife on the floor of the kitchen. What is the BEST type of photograph for the investigator to use to document this evidence?
Sofia is a medical examiner who is performing an autopsy on a murder victim. What will this process MOST likely involve?
Sofia is a medical examiner who is performing an autopsy on a murder victim. What will this process MOST likely involve?
During a criminal case, the detective tells his team that there is a problem with the chain of custody. What does this MOST likely mean?
During a criminal case, the detective tells his team that there is a problem with the chain of custody. What does this MOST likely mean?
When documenting the crime scene, Detective Diaz places a ruler next to a piece of broken glass and takes a photograph. What type of photograph did the detective MOST likely take?
When documenting the crime scene, Detective Diaz places a ruler next to a piece of broken glass and takes a photograph. What type of photograph did the detective MOST likely take?
Sarah is teaching her new partner how to take notes at a crime scene. What is the MOST accurate advice she should offer her partner?
Sarah is teaching her new partner how to take notes at a crime scene. What is the MOST accurate advice she should offer her partner?
When storing a gun as evidence, it is best to store it in a plastic bag.
When storing a gun as evidence, it is best to store it in a plastic bag.
Marisa's rough sketch of a crime scene is going to be used in a court case. What will her rough sketch MOST likely include?
Marisa's rough sketch of a crime scene is going to be used in a court case. What will her rough sketch MOST likely include?
When investigating a crime scene, Grant finds some evidence that could possibly be blood. What should he do?
When investigating a crime scene, Grant finds some evidence that could possibly be blood. What should he do?
Charred evidence from a fire should be stored in an airtight container.
Charred evidence from a fire should be stored in an airtight container.
Isabelle found shell casings at the secondary crime scene. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?
Isabelle found shell casings at the secondary crime scene. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?
Deven is accused of killing his wife. The police found that she was poisoned. Traditionally, why would a murderer choose poison as his weapon?
Deven is accused of killing his wife. The police found that she was poisoned. Traditionally, why would a murderer choose poison as his weapon?
What is the most common reason for evidence to be excluded from trial?
What is the most common reason for evidence to be excluded from trial?
What is TRUE about documenting a crime scene?
What is TRUE about documenting a crime scene?
In a murder case, the prosecutor shows a photo to demonstrate the position of the body in relation to the rest of the crime scene. What type of photograph was MOST likely shown?
In a murder case, the prosecutor shows a photo to demonstrate the position of the body in relation to the rest of the crime scene. What type of photograph was MOST likely shown?
Overview photographs in crime scene documentation?
Overview photographs in crime scene documentation?
Intermediate photographs in crime scene documentation?
Intermediate photographs in crime scene documentation?
Close-up photographs in crime scene documentation?
Close-up photographs in crime scene documentation?
Rough sketches in crime scene documentation?
Rough sketches in crime scene documentation?
Finished sketches in crime scene documentation?
Finished sketches in crime scene documentation?
Chain of custody in forensic evidence?
Chain of custody in forensic evidence?
Impression evidence includes?
Impression evidence includes?
Firearms and ammunition evidence includes?
Firearms and ammunition evidence includes?
Biological evidence includes?
Biological evidence includes?
Trace evidence refers to?
Trace evidence refers to?
Detective Sanders knows the hole in the windshield was caused by a bullet being shot from inside the car. How is he MOST likely to make this conclusion?
Detective Sanders knows the hole in the windshield was caused by a bullet being shot from inside the car. How is he MOST likely to make this conclusion?
During the trial, the lawyers used a model recreation of the crime scene to best illustrate what happened. How would this evidence MOST accurately be classified?
During the trial, the lawyers used a model recreation of the crime scene to best illustrate what happened. How would this evidence MOST accurately be classified?
Sarah has collected fingerprints at the crime scene. She also has the suspect's fingerprints on file. She looks at both sets of fingerprints to see if they match. What is this process known as?
Sarah has collected fingerprints at the crime scene. She also has the suspect's fingerprints on file. She looks at both sets of fingerprints to see if they match. What is this process known as?
Bruno is making a mold of an impression of tire tracks at a crime scene. What should he do to MOST accurately and efficiently create this mold?
Bruno is making a mold of an impression of tire tracks at a crime scene. What should he do to MOST accurately and efficiently create this mold?
What is TRUE about individual characteristics of evidence?
What is TRUE about individual characteristics of evidence?
The scientists could show that the paint at the crime scene was from a 1992 Chevy. The specific chip of paint that was recovered also matched the chip of paint that was taken from the suspect's car. What is TRUE about this evidence?
The scientists could show that the paint at the crime scene was from a 1992 Chevy. The specific chip of paint that was recovered also matched the chip of paint that was taken from the suspect's car. What is TRUE about this evidence?
Study Notes
Medical Forensics
- The first recorded instance of using medical knowledge to solve crimes is found in a Chinese book, detailing how to differentiate between strangulation and drowning.
Pathology
- Pathology is the science that deals with diseases and abnormalities in the human body.
- Forensic pathology focuses specifically on sudden or violent deaths, typically performed by medical examiners or coroners.
Key Figures in Forensics
- Leone Lattes developed a method to identify blood types from dried bloodstains.
- Mathieu Orfila is recognized as the father of toxicology for his foundational work on poisons in 1814.
- Francis Galton studied fingerprints, establishing their uniqueness for identification.
- Calvin Goddard used a comparison microscope for bullet matching in forensic investigations.
- Edmond Locard introduced the Exchange Principle, emphasizing material exchange in contact situations.
Forensic Specialties
- Forensic Anthropology specializes in identifying and examining skeletal remains, often assisting with disaster victim identification.
- Forensic Sociology applies social science methods to investigate criminal behavior and study community influences on crime.
- Forensic Entomology involves studying insects to ascertain the time of death in investigations.
- Forensic Odontology focuses on identifying individuals through dental records and bite mark analysis.
Crime Scene Investigation
- The sequence of processing a crime scene includes ensuring safety, securing the area, documenting evidence, and collecting physical evidence.
- Rough sketches at a crime scene detail evidence locations and dimensions to assist in later, more detailed sketches.
- Close-up photographs capture specific evidence details, while overview photographs show the entire scene context.
Evidence Types
- Trace Evidence refers to small, often difficult-to-obtain evidence, such as hair or fibers.
- Biological Evidence includes bodily fluids, often identified through visual and olfactory means.
- Ammunitions Evidence pertains to bullet casings and firearms found at the crime scene.
- Impression Evidence encompasses fingerprints and shoe prints left at the scene.
Chain of Custody
- The chain of custody is crucial for ensuring the integrity of evidence, listing all individuals who handled it.
- Issues with the chain can lead juries to question the validity of evidence in trials.
Crime Scene Documentation
- Effective documentation requires a mix of sketches and photographs to capture the scene's overall condition and specifics.
- Rulers and other aids are essential for accurately depicting the size and relationships of evidence.
Evidence Handling Guidelines
- Bloodstained evidence should not be stored in airtight containers due to potential degradation.
- Charred evidence must be stored in airtight containers to preserve samples.
Evidence Analysis Techniques
- Forensic scientists start by measuring evidence characteristics before comparing them to known samples from suspects.
- Class characteristics can isolate evidence types common to a category, while individual characteristics provide unique identifiers linking evidence to a specific source.
Investigative Procedures
- Investigators must wear protective gear, like gloves, when collecting possibly hazardous evidence.
- A model recreation of a crime scene is classified as documentary evidence, used to illustrate key case aspects effectively.
General Knowledge
- Understanding how to take proper notes and documenting the crime scene accurately is essential for all investigators involved.
- Attention to detail, including environmental factors like weather and scene orientation, can significantly impact investigation outcomes.### Photography and Evidence at Crime Scenes
- Utilizes 35mm, digital, and video cameras to document evidence comprehensively.
- Captures photographs of all evidence before laboratory analysis is conducted.
Eyewitness Identification
- Eyewitnesses are asked to identify subjects from multiple choices to aid investigations.
Glass Fragment Analysis
- Density is a key physical property for characterizing glass fragments at crime scenes.
Individual and Class Characteristics
- Individual characteristics indicate high certainty linked to a common source, e.g., fingerprint ridge characteristics.
- Class characteristics can relate to a group but not pinpoint an exact source; evidence may display both types.
Fracture Types
- Radial fractures radiate from the point of impact.
- Concentric fractures form circular patterns around the point of impact.
Precipitin Test
- Requires a very small blood sample and distinguishes between human and animal blood.
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)
- A computer is used to quickly find fingerprint matches, streamlining the identification process.
Fingerprint Patterns
- Whorl: Fingerprints with circular ridge patterns and two deltas.
- Loop: Ridge lines enter on one side and exit on the other side.
- Arch: Ridge patterns that rise in the center.
Blood Analysis
- Hemastix strips turn green in the presence of blood.
- Kastle-Meyer test produces a pink result when blood is present but is not definitive for identification.
Mitochondrial DNA in Hair Samples
- Mitochondrial DNA links may indicate a suspect could not have committed the crime, but do not provide exact matches.
Historical Figures in Forensic Science
- Karl Landsteiner is recognized for discovering the A-B-O blood classification system.
- Sir Edward Henry is notable for advancements in fingerprint identification.
Bloodstain Categorization
- Passive bloodstains result from pooling without force.
- Transfer stains occur when blood is transferred from a surface.
- Impact stains are created when blood is propelled due to force, as seen in gunshot scenarios.
RUVIS (Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System)
- Used by police to enhance and process fingerprints found at scenes.
Evidence and Admissibility
- Nuclear DNA samples from hair provide nearly exact matches, making them highly relevant in criminal cases.
- It is important to determine if hair is human or animal for forensic analysis.
Additional Concepts
- The luminol test reveals blood in darkened conditions by emitting light from blood residues.
- The precipitin test requires a limited blood amount to distinguish between human and animal blood.
Limitations of DNA Analysis
- It is false that DNA analysis can always create individualized results linking hair to a specific person; variances exist.
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Description
Prepare for your forensics midterm with this study guide featuring key concepts and flashcards. Test your knowledge on medical history related to crime, and dive into essential definitions and important figures in the field of pathology. Ideal for students looking to strengthen their understanding in forensic science.
