Shoe print Analysis

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Questions and Answers

Which type of shoe impression is typically invisible to the naked eye and requires dusting to be visualized?

Visible
Patent
Plastic
Latent (correct)

How can the depth of a shoe print primarily assist investigators at a crime scene?

Determining the shoe brand
Identifying socio-economic indicators
Estimating the suspect's height
Estimating the suspect's approximate weight (correct)

What is the main difference between class and individual evidence in shoeprints?

Class evidence is related to the shoe size, while individual evidence is related to the shoe brand.
Class evidence is always visible, while individual evidence is latent.
Class evidence links a shoe to a group, while individual evidence links it to a specific shoe worn by a person. (correct)
Class evidence can link a shoe to a specific person, while individual evidence links it to a group.

Two people can own the same shoe, in the exact same size, but the wear pattern will be different. What causes this difference?

The way each person walks and characteristics that effect shoe wear (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors can affect an individual's shoe wear pattern?

Whether they walk on their toes, heels, or flat-footed (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to take photographs directly overhead when photographing shoe impressions?

To ensure an accurate representation of the impression's dimensions (B) Signup and view all the answers

When creating a cast of a shoe impression, why is it recommended to pour the mixture onto a piece of cardboard first rather than directly onto the print?

To avoid damaging the fine details of the impression (D) Signup and view all the answers

When examining tire tracks, what does the 'track width' refer to?

Distance between the center of each tire to the opposite tire (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the case study of Russell Williams, what evidence led police to suspect him in Jessica Lloyd's disappearance?

Tire tracks from his vehicle matching those found at the crime scene (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why do investigators document the tire and shoe impressions of first responders at a crime scene?

To distinguish between evidence left by the suspect and that left by first responders (D) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how shoe wear patterns can assist in identifying a suspect, even when multiple people own the same type of shoe.

Each person walks differently, causing unique wear patterns on the shoe's sole. These individual wear patterns, influenced by factors like gait, weight distribution, and walking surface, differentiate shoes of the same make and size. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the differences between class and individual characteristics of shoe prints and how they are used in forensic investigations.

Class characteristics narrow down the type of shoe, linking it to a group, while individual characteristics are unique damages or wear patterns that can link a shoe print to a specific shoe. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of photographs that should be taken when documenting shoeprint evidence, and why is each important?

Overview (shows the context of the print), midrange (shows the location and surroundings), and close-ups (captures fine details). Each serves a different purpose in documenting, preserving, and analyzing the evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of the commercial databases used for shoe prints?

Threadmark, solemate Signup and view all the answers

Outline the steps for creating a cast of a tire impression, including key considerations for snow impressions.

Photograph, frame the impression, mix dental stone, pour mixture on cardboard, let it dry, and remove. For snow, spray with snow wax or dental stone in dry form before adding liquid. Signup and view all the answers

During bite mark photography, why is it important to use long-wave UV light rather than short-wave UV light?

Short-wave UV light can degrade DNA evidence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In cases involving bite marks on food items, what is the recommended procedure for preserving this evidence?

Take photographs and then immediately cast the bite mark, as the food may dry out. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did dental records play a crucial role in confirming the identity of Josef Mengele?

Comparing dental records with the exhumed body provided a match, later confirmed by DNA. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of enamel in human teeth, and how does it contribute to forensic odontology?

Enamel is the hardest tissue, enabling teeth to withstand extreme conditions, making them useful for identification in events like fires. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'Megan's Law,' which stemmed from the case of Megan Kanka, in the context of forensic science?

It mandates the registration of all sex offenders in a database. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In forensic odontology, what does comparing 'antemortem' and 'postmortem' dental records involve, and why is this comparison crucial?

Comparing dental records taken during life with those recorded after death to identify human remains. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of using teeth to determine characteristics such as age, gender, and race/ethnicity without dental records?

While teeth accurately show age, they cannot reliably determine gender or race/ethnicity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A forensic odontologist is called to a scene where skeletal remains have been discovered. Besides identification, in what other capacity can the odontologist assist the investigation?

Providing insights into potential abuse or trauma through dental evidence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the Universal Numbering System used in dentistry, what is the significance of assigning a specific number to each tooth?

It standardizes dental record keeping for easier comparison and identification. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is bite mark evidence considered controversial in forensic science, despite its historical use in criminal cases?

Experts often disagree on the interpretation of bite mark matches, and there have been cases of wrongful convictions based on this evidence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the role of a forensic odontologist in identifying human remains, incorporating the concept of 'antemortem' and 'postmortem' records.

A forensic odontologist compares dental records, specifically antemortem (taken before death) and postmortem (taken after death) records, to identify human remains. They look for matches in fillings, tooth shape, and other dental characteristics to confirm identity. Signup and view all the answers

A body is discovered but is unidentifiable because of tissue decomposition. What dental characteristics may still be used to assist in making an identification?

Fillings, missing teeth and the patterns they create, unusual dental work, the overall shape and alignment of teeth, and root canal work are all still useful when trying to identify a body. Signup and view all the answers

Name the part of the tooth that is above the gum line, at the gum line, and below.

crown, neck, root Signup and view all the answers

What part of the tooth must you have in order to sequence DNA?

pulp Signup and view all the answers

Name the two bones that hold teeth, and where they are located on the skull.

Maxilla and Mandible Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of gait?

Walking, Running, Jogging, Skipping, Sprinting (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two materials commonly used to make impression casts?

Plaster of Paris and Dental Stone Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are patent impressions?

Visible 2D shoe impressions left through soil, dust, paint, or blood.

What are latent impressions?

Shoe impressions hidden to the eye, often found on polished floors and requiring dusting to become visible.