Evidence (Exam 1) Flashcards
What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?
“When 2 objects come in contact with one another, a transfer of material will occur.”
What is the purpose of associative evidence?
To associate or disassociate a person to a crime
What are 4 examples of trace evidence?
1) Hairs
2) Fiber
3) Paint
4) Glass
What are the two types of associative evidence?
Class characteristic & identification
Describe class characteristic evidence.
Evidence that is not unique and is part of a limited class, so you can only say so much about it
What 3 possible conclusions can be derived from class characteristic evidence?
1) Q is indistinguishable from K
2) Q does not match K
3) Inconclusive
Describe identification evidence.
Evidence with unique characteristics i.e. “built different” or “cut from a different cloth”
What are the two major pieces of identification evidence?
Fingerprints and DNA
The seal, laboratory rule of thumb, and label are 3 things to consider in…
Evidence collection and preservation
What is the difference between a tamper-proof seal vs. a tamper-evident seal?
Tamper-proof cannot be open while tamper-evident can be opened, but it will show so b/c of the serrated edge
What is THEE rule of thumb in evidence collection and preservation?
Nothing goes in; nothing comes out
What 4 details does the evidence label consist of (HINT: CIDI)?
1) Case number
2) Items w/ description
3) Date
4) Initials
Where should your initials go during evidence collection and preservation?
Partly on the seal and partly on the envelope
