ch. 2 notes - the crime scene

Question 1

what is the goal of a crime scene inventigation

Answer 1

to recognize, document, and collect evidence at the scene of a crime

Question 2

what is locard’s exchange principle ( list both)

Answer 2

i.Whenever two objects come in contact with one another, a cross-transfer of physical evidence can occur
ii.The intensity, duration, and nature of the materials in contact determine the extent of the transfer

Question 3

what is direct evidence (list examples)

Answer 3

firsthand observations (eyewitness account, videos, confessions )

Question 4

what is circumstantial evidence ( list examples)

Answer 4

indirect evidence that can be used to imply a fact but does not directly prove it. Example: finding a suspect’s gun at a crime scene is circumstantial evidence that the suspect was there.

Question 5

what are the 3 different types of circumstantial evidence

Answer 5

physical, biological and trace

Question 6

what is physical evidence ( list examples)

Answer 6

synthetic fibers, weapons, bullets, shell casings, paint chips, documents, imprints and prints (shoes, tires, etc.), toolmarks, soil, drugs, etc.

Question 7

what is biological evidence ( list examples)

Answer 7

body or body parts, body fluids, hair, leaves or other plant parts, natural fibers, feathers, wood

Question 8

what is trace evidence ( list examples)

Answer 8

small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene. Examples: strand of hair, fingerprint, DNA, drop of blood, pollen, gunshot residue

Question 9

evidence can also be divided into..

Answer 9

class and individual

Question 10

what is class evidence ( list examples)

Answer 10

narrows evidence to a group of persons or things
example: blood Type- can be A, B, AB, O. Finding one type at a crime scene narrows down the suspects to a smaller group