Introduction to CSI Effect

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant development during the 5th Century B.C. regarding Roman law?

Adoption of the Law of the Twelve Tables (correct)

Foundation of the Court of the Star Chamber

Introduction of police officials called Quaestorees Parricidi

Implementation of trial by ordeal

Which of the following elements was specifically part of the Law of the Twelve Tables?

Blueprints for building codes (correct)

Legalized use of torture

Trial by combat regulations

Classification of crimes

What role did the Quaestorees Parricidi play in Roman society?

To track murderers (correct)

To manage property ownership disputes

To enforce building codes

To conduct trials by ordeal

What was a consequence of the collapse of the Roman Empire during the Early Middle Ages?

Individual offenses were punished without standard legal procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of criminal justice systems today relates to the English definition of the legal age of reason?

Classification of juvenile offenders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the law within the criminal justice system?

To settle disputes and obtain a favorable outcome Signup and view all the answers

How does forensic science mainly assist in criminal investigations?

By linking a suspect to a crime scene or victim Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of truth in the context of law?

Truth is determined by a judge or jury Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of the scientific method as it relates to forensic science?

It validates ideas through hypothesis refinement Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'forensic' relate to?

Public discussions related to legal matters Signup and view all the answers

What misconception does forensic science aim to eliminate from criminal investigations?

The influence of emotions and biases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines forensic science?

Application of scientific knowledge and techniques to legal matters Signup and view all the answers

In the context of forensic science, what does it mean that 'anything can be evidence'?

Any item or observation that can support a legal conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)?

To reconstruct the crime Signup and view all the answers

How is forensic science primarily conducted according to the objectives of CSI?

In a forensic laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the unrealistic depiction of forensics in media have on public perception?

Creates higher expectations for forensic capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which show represents a federal point of view in terms of police procedurals?

Without a Trace Signup and view all the answers

Why are audiences particularly intrigued by crime investigations portrayed in media?

They enjoy solving puzzles and the process of investigation Signup and view all the answers

What can be a significant impact of the CSI Effect on court and legal proceedings?

Higher rates of acquittal for defendants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an aspect focused on in forensic science by CSI?

Witness testimonies as primary evidence Signup and view all the answers

What was the earlier known term similar to the CSI Effect?

The Holmes Effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of forensic pathology?

To apply medical knowledge to legal issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Main Questions forensic pathologists seek to answer?

What was the motive for death? Signup and view all the answers

What role does the coroner have in the medicolegal autopsy process?

To sign the death certificate Signup and view all the answers

Which item is NOT typically included in the personal protective equipment (PPE) for a forensic pathologist?

Laboratory coat Signup and view all the answers

In the medicolegal autopsy process, what is the focus of the pre-morgue analysis phase?

Gathering knowledge about the death scene Signup and view all the answers

After the autopsy, which phase involves microscopic and laboratory examinations?

Post-morgue analysis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'post-mortem interval' refer to?

Time since death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the responsibilities of a forensic pathologist?

To perform medical autopsies and analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of sketching a crime scene?

To provide a permanent record of size and distance relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required component of every crime scene sketch?

Documentary evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using floor plans in crime scene sketches?

They present all items of interest in one plane Signup and view all the answers

Which measurement method involves measuring the distance from two fixed points?

Triangulation Signup and view all the answers

When sketching a crime scene, what should be done first?

Making a rough sketch Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including a chain of custody in crime scene documentation?

To prove the integrity of evidence submitted to court Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an elevation plan from other types of sketches?

It shows vertical relationships of objects. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sketch is useful in forensic anthropology and is also known as a cross-projection sketch?

Cross-sectional plan Signup and view all the answers

Which method is considered the simplest and least accurate for measuring distances at a crime scene?

Polar Coordinates Signup and view all the answers

In the chain of custody, what is NOT typically recorded?

The personal opinions of the investigator Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement when using the baseline method for crime scene measurement?

It requires multiple people Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advised to document every photo taken at a crime scene in a photo log?

To establish an accurate timeline of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the documentation block in a crime scene sketch NOT typically include?

Names of witnesses present Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction & Defining The CSI Effect

The criminal justice system aims to protect the innocent and ensure truth emerges.
Law defines criminal behavior and provides a framework for regulations, as well as determining evidence standards for prosecution.
Law and science work within the criminal justice system, but differ in goals and methods.
Law focuses on settling disputes, obtaining favorable outcomes, and relies on the adversarial system to resolve conflict.
Truth is determined by the trier of fact, such as a judge or jury, and outcomes are based on this.
Science focuses on describing the workings of the natural world, relying on the scientific method and refinement of hypothesis to validate ideas.
Truth in science is dependent on available evidence and justification is based on this.
Forensic science stems from the Latin word ‘forensis’ meaning public debate or discussion, and ‘science’ derived from Latin meaning knowledge.
Forensic science uses a range of disciplines and is broadly defined as the application of scientific knowledge to legal matters.
Forensic science assists in criminal investigations by linking suspects to crime scenes or victims, establishing timelines, ascertaining motives, and providing objectivity through the scientific method.

The CSI Effect

The CSI effect is the unrealistic expectation of the capabilities of forensic science and crime scene investigation.
This effect, also known as the Sherlock Holmes Effect, results from inaccurate portrayals in media, focusing on roles, responsibilities, capabilities, evidence nature, procedures and time frame.
The CSI effect impacts real criminal justice systems, with viewers expecting unrealistic solutions by forensic teams, leading to higher rates of acquittal or conviction, depending on the specific perception.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology applies medical principles and knowledge to legal matters.
Forensic Pathologists perform autopsies and have expertise in various areas to assist in death investigations.
Forensic pathologists seek to answer five main questions: who died, when did they die, where did they die, how did they die, and by what means did they die.

Forensic Pathology: PPE

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for forensic pathologists includes scrubs, a medical scrub cap, Tyvek apron, Tyvek booties, mask, goggles, and gloves.

The Medicolegal Autopsy Process

The medicolegal autopsy process has three phases:
- Pre-morgue analysis involves reviewing the death scene, witness statements, and circumstances surrounding the death.
- Morgue analysis includes the autopsy itself, examining the body and associated trace evidence.
- Post-morgue analysis comprises microscopic and laboratory examinations following the autopsy.

Sketching the Crime Scene

Crime scene sketches are permanent records of the size and distance relationships of the crime scene and its evidence.
Two types of sketches are created: a rough sketch and a final sketch.
Every crime scene sketch includes a title, a legend, a compass designation, and a documentation block with case number, offense type, victim name, date/time, sketcher's name and affiliation, and scale.

Types of Sketches

Crime scene investigators use various sketch types depending on the scene location:
- Floor plans provide a two-dimensional, bird’s eye view of a room or series of rooms used for indoor crime scenes.
- Elevation plans depict the vertical plane of interest, applicable for both indoor and outdoor scenes.
- Site plans provide a two-dimensional bird's eye view of outdoor crime scenes, illustrating property lines, roads, and topography.
- Cross-sectional plans or 'exploded view' sketches combine aspects of floor plans and elevation plans, used for both indoor and outdoor scenes.

Measurements

All sketches incorporate measurements, taken last in the crime scene process to avoid interference.
Four methods of measurement are used:
- Triangulation: measures the distance from two fixed points to the evidence, requiring multiple people and best suited for outdoor scenes.
- Baseline: measures the distance of an object from a baseline at a right angle, best for indoor or outdoor scenes.
- Polar Coordinates: also known as "map and compass," is the simplest but least accurate method, using a fixed point and measuring along one line of sight using a compass.
- Photogrammetry: also known as "perspective grid method," uses multiple, overlapping photos from various angles, including a standard measuring tool, and relies on specialized software.

Chain of Custody

Chain of custody ensures the integrity of evidence submitted to court, which may be deemed inadmissible if not carefully documented.
It requires details of evidence collection, including who collected it, when it was collected, where it was collected, and how it was collected.
Each change of custody must be recorded, including date, time, and name of the person who took possession of the evidence.
This ensures that the evidence is not tampered with and that it is not contaminated. It also establishes that the evidence is authentic and that it is not a forgery.

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Description

Explore the intersection of law and science within the criminal justice system, focusing on the role of forensic science. Understand how truth is established in legal contexts compared to scientific inquiry. This quiz will deepen your knowledge of the CSI Effect and its implications on public perception and the judicial process.