Evidence with Respect to the Body Flashcards
What is evidence?
Any information or material relied on in legal proceedings to prove or disprove a fact or legal argument.
What is testimonial evidence?
Statements/testimony in court
Give an example of testimonial evidence.
(Expert) witness
What is documentary evidence?
Documents
What are the two types of documentary evidence?
Manual (handwritten)
Mechanical (word processing)
What are the two types of real evidence?
Physical (non-living origin)
Biological (living origin)
What us direct evidence?
Proves or disproves a fact beyond speculation
What is indirect evidence?
Direct proof of a secondary fact which, by logical inference, demonstrates the ultimate fact to be proven
What are other classifications of evidence briefly discussed in class?
Associative
Indicative
Class, latent, trace
Give examples of physical evidence.
Footprints
Fingerprints
Toolmarks
Glass
Paint
Fibres
Tire impressions
Give examples of biological evidence.
Body (autopsy, physical examination)
Hair
Skin
Bone
Viscera
DNA
Flora and fauna
What is evidence with respect to the body?
On, near or in
Give examples of evidence ON the body
Fingerprints
Trace evidence
Fluids (bio and physical)
Clothing
Body modifications
Surface wounds
Prostheses
Dirt
Chemicals
Give examples of evidence NEAR the body
Paraphernalia
Weapons
Give examples of evidence IN the body
Fluids
Projectiles
Ingested items
Weapons/fragments
Prostheses and devices
Why is evidence near the body important?
Associated with the victim
What kind of information can be given from weapons found near a body?
Suicide v homicide
What is significant information gleaned about drugs near the body?
Rx vs illicit
What can the setting a body is found in tell us?
Sanitary?
Food sources?
What type of examinations can be made on the body proper?
Surface/superficial
Deep/internal
What type of information can be gathered from a regional examination of the body proper?
Trauma
What type of information can be gathered from a systemic examination of the body?
Chemical, radiation
In a crime, who involved can have bodily samples taken?
Victim and perpetrator
What is meant by changes to normal anatomy?
loss and/or change of structure and/or function
What is anatomical evidence used for?
Determine COD, manner and mechanism of death
Assist in identification of an unknown decedent or perp
Determine postmortem time interval and time of injury
Document injuries and pathological conditions
Interpretation of events - sequence, timing, players
What is cause of death?
Initial injury or disease that produces a physiological derangement in the body that results in death.
Give an example of cause of death,
Strangulation
What is mechanism of death?
Final physiological derangement/process that results in death
Give an example of mechanism of death.
Asphyxia
What is manner of death?
Circumstances surrounding death, or the means by which death came about.
What are the 5 manners of death?
Natural
Homicide
Suicide
Accidental
Undetermined
What are the two types of identification?
Definitive/positive
Presumptive
Which type of identification is scientific?
Definitive/positive
Give examples of things that can lead to a definitive/positive identification.
Fingerprint
Teeth
DNA
Radiology
Medical hardware/device
Give examples of things that can lead to a presumptive identification.
Visual
Physical attributes
Distinctive marks
Circumstantial evidence
What type of information is included in documentation of injuries.
Description
Category of injury
Severity of injury
Interpretation of injuries
Give examples of injury decription
Type
Size
Anatomical location
Depth
Give examples of injury categories
Blunt force
Sharp force
Firearms
Asphyxia
Environmental
Give examples of how injuries can be interpreted.
Timing
Order
Cause and effect
Why is it important to document disease process?
Determine if they contributed to death or injury
How can time since injury or death be determined?
Development of injuries and sequelae
Pathophysiology of disease processes
Algor, rigor, livor mortis
Degree of decomposition
What type of information can be determined from interpretation of events?
Was a crime committed?
Who was involved (victim vs. perp)
Sequence of events?
Do the appearance, extent and consequences of injuries corroborate or refute victim/suspect/witness statements
