chapter 1 Flashcards
forensic science
the application of science to law
criminalistics
sub division of forensics that looks at the collection and analysis of physical evidence during criminal activity
CSI effect
growth in forensic science from TV shows
locard exchange principle
when a person comes into contact with an object or person a cross-transfer of materials occurs
physical science unit
using principles of science to the identification and comparison of crime scene evidence
biology unit
they perform DNA profiling on bodily fluids and hair, and identify botanical materials
firearms unit
examines firearms and ammunition of all types
document examination unit
studies handwriting and typewriting on questioned documents to determine the authenticity
photography unit
examines and records physical evidence
toxicology unit
examines organs and bodily fluids for the presence of drugs and poison
latent fingerprint unit
processes and examines evidence for latent fingerprints
polygraph unit
lie detector test
voiceprint analysis unit
use a sound spectrograph to tie a voice with a suspect
CSI unit
go to a crime scene and collect and preserve physical evidence
scientific method
process that uses strict guidelines to ensure careful and systematic collection, organization, and analysis of information
Frye vs U.S.
1923 case that set the standard for what can be admissable in court as evidence, it has to be generally accepted
daubert vs. merrell dow pharmaceuticals
a 1993 case that set the standard for what scientific testimony can be admissable as evidence in court, appointed judge as gatekeeper
kumho tire co. vs. carmichael
a 1999 case that ruled that the gatekeeping role of the judge applied to all expert testimony in the court
expert witness
an individual whom the court determines to possess knowledge relevant to the trial that is not expected of the average person
melendez-diaz vs. massachusetts
2009 supreme court case addressed the practice of using affidavits in lieu of in-person testimony
forensic psychiatry
they determine if someone is competent enough to make their own decisions or if they are competent to stand trial
forensic odontology
using teeth to help identify victims
forensic engineering
work in failure analysis, accident reconstruction, causes and origins of fires and explosions
forensic computer and digital analysis
identification, preservation, and examination of information derived from computers
one of the first functional crime laboratories was formed in lyons france under the jurisdiction of
edmond locard
the first forensic laboratory in the U.S. was created in 1923 by the
los angeles police department
four important federal agencies offering forensic services are
the FBI, the DEA, the Bureau of ATFE, and the U.S. postal inspection service
coppolino vs. state
a florida case that exemplifies the flexibility and wide discretion that the trial judge only to scientific testimony
