Introduction to Forensic Science FOS 706

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Questions and Answers

What is forensic science?

The evaluation of physical evidence using social sciences

The application of the natural sciences to matters of the law (correct)

The study of criminal behavior and psychology

The analysis of biological evidence in crime scenes

What is criminalistics?

The profession and scientific discipline directed to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence (correct)

The analysis of digital evidence in criminal cases

The application of social sciences to law enforcement

The study of criminal motives and intentions

What do professional organizations such as NEAFS and AAFS provide?

Training programs for aspiring forensic scientists

Networking events for forensic science students

Opportunities for attending annual meetings and staying updated on forensic science advancements (correct)

Legal advice for forensic science practitioners

What is the scientific method primarily focused on?

Problem solving and understanding phenomena through a stepwise approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the Locard Exchange Principle?

It emphasizes the mutual exchange of material when two objects come into contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the judge in the admissibility of scientific and technical expert testimony in court, as per the Daubert guidelines?

Acts as the gatekeeper for the admissibility of scientific and technical expert testimony. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of forensic science involves the study of human remains to solve criminal cases?

Forensic anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the professional issues in forensic science mentioned in the text?

Quality assurance Signup and view all the answers

In which century did the history of forensic science have its early use of fingerprints?

8th century Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in significant legal cases in forensic science, such as Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals?

Testability, standardized procedures, error rates, peer review, and acceptance by the scientific community. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of marking physical evidence at a crime scene?

To identify and distinguish it from other evidence without compromising its integrity Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence can physical evidence reveal?

Info on Corpus Delicti and Modus Operandi Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to protect the integrity of physical evidence during transportation and storage?

Minimize damage and contamination, maintain legal and scientific integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the general crime scene procedure guidelines for recognition of physical evidence?

Careful observation by an experienced crime-scene investigator Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of forensic analysis of physical evidence?

Comparison between questioned and known samples in an attempt to associate the two Signup and view all the answers

Why is careful observation required during recognition of physical evidence at a crime scene?

To recognize normal and abnormal conditions, make decisions about important evidence, and avoid tampering with evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done by responding officers at a crime scene to protect the area?

Secure/isolate the area and only admit those who can make a contribution to the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the extent of information obtainable and conclusions drawn in forensic analysis of physical evidence?

Type of evidence being analyzed Signup and view all the answers

Why is statistical comparison mentioned in relation to forensic analysis of physical evidence?

To emphasize that not all comparisons will result in a clear match or exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forensic Science and its Role in the Legal System

Forensic science is a set of rules that governs human behavior to facilitate societal harmony and includes criminal codes, civil codes, and fact-finding approaches used by scientists and lawyers in an adversarial system.
Branches of forensic science include criminalistics, forensic medicine, forensic odontology, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology, questioned documents examination, firearm and toolmark analysis, and fingerprint examination.
The history of forensic science dates back to the 700s, with early use of fingerprints, and has been popularized in fiction by authors like Edgar Allan Poe and A.C. Doyle.
The Locard Exchange Principle, established by Edmond Locard, states that "every contact leaves a trace" and emphasizes the mutual exchange of material when two objects come into contact.
In the U.S., the history of forensic science includes the establishment of crime labs, such as the FBI lab, Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and others.
Forensic scientists play a crucial role in identifying physical evidence, making decisions about tests and analyses, and reconstructing past events based on physical evidence.
Professional issues in forensic science include ethics, working with agents of the legal system, court testimony, quality assurance, and accreditation and certification for the forensic laboratory and scientists.
Significant legal cases in forensic science, such as Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, have provided guidelines for the admissibility of scientific evidence in federal courts, emphasizing testability, standardized procedures, error rates, peer review, and acceptance by the scientific community.
The judge acts as the gatekeeper for the admissibility of scientific and technical expert testimony in court, as per the Daubert guidelines.
New legislation is pending in 2023 to reinforce the judge's role as the gatekeeper for the admissibility of scientific and technical expert testimony.
The role of forensic science is to continuously and necessarily interact with the legal system, governing relations between individuals and groups and having unique objectives.
Forensic science has evolved from scientific inquiry into legal concerns and has expanded to include various branches, labs, and a crucial role in the legal system.

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Test your knowledge on the introduction to forensic science, physical and biological evidence, and professional organizations in the field. This quiz covers the basics of accessing course materials, using relevant websites, and staying updated on announcements and assignments.