Forensics Midterm Study Guide
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Questions and Answers

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?

There are radial fractures and a few concentric fractures.

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?

<p>They were only able to find class characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Sergeant Jeffers most likely to do while using a photo array during an investigation?

<p>He asks eyewitnesses to pick out the subject from many options.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical property can help characterize fragments of glass at a crime scene?

<p>Density.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are individual characteristics?

<p>Are properties associated with a common source to a high degree of certainty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are ridge characteristics or minutiae?

<p>Are the ridge endings, enclosures, and other details that make up a fingerprint.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are class characteristics?

<p>Can be associated with a group, but not a single source.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are radial fractures?

<p>Extend outward from the point of impact, almost like spokes on a wheel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are concentric fractures?

<p>Are fractures that form a circle around the point of impact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the precipitin test?

<p>It requires a very small amount of blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What question is Leslie most likely trying to answer while using the precipitin test?

<p>Is this human or animal blood?</p> Signup and view all the answers

What will Jorge using AFIS most likely include?

<p>He will use a computer to find fingerprint matches quickly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of fingerprints is Huda examining if they have ridge patterns that are circular in shape with two deltas?

<p>Whirl.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would a forensic scientist best categorize Christopher's bloody fingerprints on the steering wheel?

<p>Transfer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing the investigator should do when they find a short strand of hair at the crime scene?

<p>Determine if it is human or animal hair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How will the hair sample with mitochondrial DNA affect the criminal case?

<p>The evidence will show the suspect could not have committed the crime.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Sofia most likely to mention in her presentation on the history of blood analysis?

<p>Karl Landsteiner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Erica most likely find at the crime scene?

<p>A bar of soap with fingerprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can Sabrina most likely conclude if the Hemastix strip turns green?

<p>The substance is blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

DNA analysis can always create an individualized result that links a hair to a particular person.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the most common type of fingerprints?

<p>Loop.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of fingerprints is Damian examining if the ridge lines start on one side and exit on the other?

<p>Arch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Karl Landsteiner most likely known by forensic scientists?

<p>He discovered the A-B-O system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is likely to be true about a hair sample from the telogen stage?

<p>There will be very little DNA present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What question is Jonathan most likely trying to answer using the Kastle-Meyer color test?

<p>Is this substance blood?</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is true about luminol?

<p>It doesn't affect the DNA of a substance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Professor Nicholson most likely trying to determine when looking for the presence of a medulla?

<p>Whether a hair is from an animal or a human.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would a forensic scientist best categorize blood that has pooled around the victim's head?

<p>Passive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Raoul most likely to discover in his research on the history of fingerprint identification?

<p>Sir Edward Henry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a substance from a Kastle-Meyer test turns pink, the substance is definitely blood.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would a forensic scientist best categorize blood from a gunshot that splattered on the wall?

<p>Impact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How will a lawyer presenting a hair sample with nuclear DNA affect the criminal case?

<p>The evidence will provide a nearly exact match to the suspect's hair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is most likely the purpose of purchasing a Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS) device by the local police department?

<p>To find and process more fingerprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Karl Landsteiner's work lead to?

<p>The creation of the A-B-O system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Kastle-Meyer color test?

<p>This test mixes a sample of the dried substance with the chemical phenolphthalein and hydrogen peroxide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a Hemastix strip do?

<p>When moistened with distilled water and placed into contact with the stain, it will turn green in the presence of blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a luminol test?

<p>A luminol reagent is sprayed on surfaces or stains to see if blood is present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the precipitin test do?

<p>Is used to distinguish between animal and human blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a science that deals with disease?

<p>Pathology</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who figured out a way to determine the type of blood from a dried bloodstain?

<p>Leone Lattes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the father of toxicology?

<p>Mathieu Orfila</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sub-field of forensics uses social science to investigate crimes?

<p>Forensic sociology</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forensic entomologists study what to help solve crimes?

<p>Flies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What area specializes in the identification and examination of skeletal remains?

<p>Forensic anthropology</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forensic odontologists might be involved in which of the following circumstances?

<p>A victim has a bite on his arm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mathieu Orfila's contribution to forensic toxicology?

<p>In 1814, published work on poisons and how they affect animals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Francis Galton's study related to fingerprints?

<p>Galton studied fingerprints and developed a methodology for their classification.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Leone Lattes contribute to forensic science?

<p>He figured out how to determine the type of blood from a dried bloodstain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Calvin Goddard's discovery involving firearms?

<p>He discovered how to use a comparison microscope to better match bullets.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Edmond Locard's contribution to forensics?

<p>Locard's Exchange Principle states there is an exchange of materials when two objects come into contact.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does forensic pathology study?

<p>It deals with sudden, unexplained, or violent deaths and performs autopsies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of forensic psychiatry?

<p>It focuses on the relationship between human behavior and criminal justice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of forensic sociology?

<p>The application of social science to criminal investigations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forensic entomology studies what?

<p>The study of insects to help criminal investigations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does forensic odontology provide insight into?

<p>The identification of individuals through their teeth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is digital forensics?

<p>Recovering and investigating evidence found on devices like laptops and smartphones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rough sketches of a crime scene contain information such as the orientation of the scene, the weather, and the lighting.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should Rosa MOST accurately order her presentation slides on how to properly work a crime scene?

<p>Make the scene safe. Secure the scene. Document the scene. Collect evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Martin's job in a crime lab MOST likely entail?

<p>He uses computer programs to create a detailed representation of the scene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Terrance found a small hair on the victim's shirt. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?

<p>Trace evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Trevor was able to collect what appeared to be blood and sweat from a kitchen counter. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?

<p>Biological evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forensic toxicologist John Trestrail thought there was something curious about the Crippen case. What was MOST likely his most pressing question about the case?

<p>Why use poison then dismember the body?</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mateo was the first responder at a crime scene. What should Mateo and the officers do next?

<p>They must secure the crime scene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Officers have secured the crime scene by putting a rope around it. What should they do next?

<p>Document the crime scene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence should NOT be stored in an airtight container because it could cause damage?

<p>Bloodstained evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is TRUE about the use of drawings at a crime scene?

<p>It is common practice for investigators to make a sketch of a crime scene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>A close-up photograph</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sofia is a medical examiner who is performing an autopsy on a murder victim. What will this process MOST likely involve?

<p>She will look for trace evidence present on the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>The jury will now wonder if the evidence is valid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>A close-up photograph</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Include a description of the crime scene and the location of pieces of evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When storing a gun as evidence, it is best to store it in a plastic bag.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>The dimensions of the crime scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

When investigating a crime scene, Grant finds some evidence that could possibly be blood. What should he do?

<p>He should wear latex gloves when he collects it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Charred evidence from a fire should be stored in an airtight container.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Isabelle found shell casings at the secondary crime scene. What type of evidence does this BEST represent?

<p>Ammunition evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deven is accused of killing his wife. The police found that she was poisoned. Traditionally, why would a murderer choose poison as his weapon?

<p>To make the death look like natural causes</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common reason for evidence to be excluded from trial?

<p>The Fourth Amendment</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is TRUE about documenting a crime scene?

<p>It records the overall condition of the scene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>An intermediate photograph</p> Signup and view all the answers

Overview photographs in crime scene documentation?

<p>Show the crime scene in wide angles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intermediate photographs in crime scene documentation?

<p>Are closer to the evidence but still show the area surrounding it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Close-up photographs in crime scene documentation?

<p>May focus on an injury, a weapon, or a piece of evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rough sketches in crime scene documentation?

<p>Show the location of evidence and dimensions of the crime scene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Finished sketches in crime scene documentation?

<p>Are created using aids like computer programs and drafting tools.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chain of custody in forensic evidence?

<p>A list of all persons who had possession of the evidence during the crime investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Impression evidence includes?

<p>Fingerprints, shoe prints, and tire tracks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Firearms and ammunition evidence includes?

<p>Shell casings, bullet holes, or the firearm itself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Biological evidence includes?

<p>Samples of bodily fluids, such as blood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Trace evidence refers to?

<p>Small evidence that is often hard to find.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>The bullet hole is wider on the outside of the windshield.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>This is documentary evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Comparison</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>He should build a frame around it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is TRUE about individual characteristics of evidence?

<p>They are properties associated with a common source to a high degree of certainty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>They were able to find both class and individual characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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.

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