Crime Scene Investigation Flashcards
Define Forensic Science
The study and application of science to matters of the law.
Physical Evidence
An object or substance that is used to prove elements of a crime
Testimonial Evidence
A verbal account of events or details of a crime given by a witness and/or expert
Circumstantial Evidence
Evidence that is collected and used INDIRECTLY to prove elements of a crime. DOES NOT PROVE GUILT!
Expert Witness
A person who is specially trained and certified in an area that allows him or her to testify in court (i.e. Medical Examiner, Blood Spatter Expert)
The Frye Standard
Expert opinion based on a scientific technique is admissible only where the technique is generally accepted as reliable in the relevant scientific community (The “General Acceptance Rule”)
The Daubert Standard
A Scientific technique is only admissible in court if it is:
Testable
Peer-Reviewed
Rate of Error must be given
Miranda Rights
Rights that are guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. An individual MUST be read his or her rights prior to being arrested.
Probable Cause
The standard by which an officer has the grounds to obtain a warrant to search and/or arrest an individual
Individual Characteristics
Features or details that link a piece of evidence to one single source
Class Characteristics
Features or details that link a piece of evidence to a group of sources
Crime Scene Reconstruction
To recreate the crime scene in order to determine the chain of events that led up to a crime
Motive
The reason a crime was committed
Means
The weapon, tool, or strength used to commit the crime.
Opportunity
The window of time during which the crime was committed
