Evidence with Respect to the Body

Question 1

What is evidence?

Answer 1

Any information or material relied on in legal proceedings to prove or disprove a fact or legal argument.

Question 2

What is testimonial evidence?

Answer 2

Statements/testimony in court

Question 3

Give an example of testimonial evidence.

Answer 3

(Expert) witness

Question 4

What is documentary evidence?

Answer 4

Documents

Question 5

What are the two types of documentary evidence?

Answer 5

Manual (handwritten)
Mechanical (word processing)

Question 6

What are the two types of real evidence?

Answer 6

Physical (non-living origin)
Biological (living origin)

Question 7

What us direct evidence?

Answer 7

Proves or disproves a fact beyond speculation

Question 8

What is indirect evidence?

Answer 8

Direct proof of a secondary fact which, by logical inference, demonstrates the ultimate fact to be proven

Question 9

What are other classifications of evidence briefly discussed in class?

Answer 9

Associative
Indicative
Class, latent, trace

Question 10

Give examples of physical evidence.

Answer 10

Footprints
Fingerprints
Toolmarks
Glass
Paint
Fibres
Tire impressions

Question 11

Give examples of biological evidence.

Answer 11

Body (autopsy, physical examination)
Hair
Skin
Bone
Viscera
DNA
Flora and fauna

Question 12

What is evidence with respect to the body?

Answer 12

On, near or in

Question 13

Give examples of evidence ON the body

Answer 13

Fingerprints
Trace evidence
Fluids (bio and physical)
Clothing
Body modifications
Surface wounds
Prostheses
Dirt
Chemicals

Question 14

Give examples of evidence NEAR the body

Answer 14

Paraphernalia
Weapons

Question 15

Give examples of evidence IN the body

Answer 15

Fluids
Projectiles
Ingested items
Weapons/fragments
Prostheses and devices

Question 16

Why is evidence near the body important?

Answer 16

Associated with the victim

Question 17

What kind of information can be given from weapons found near a body?

Answer 17

Suicide v homicide

Question 18

What is significant information gleaned about drugs near the body?

Answer 18

Rx vs illicit

Question 19

What can the setting a body is found in tell us?

Answer 19

Sanitary?
Food sources?

Question 20

What type of examinations can be made on the body proper?

Answer 20

Surface/superficial
Deep/internal

Question 21

What type of information can be gathered from a regional examination of the body proper?

Answer 21

Trauma

Question 22

What type of information can be gathered from a systemic examination of the body?

Answer 22

Chemical, radiation

Question 23

In a crime, who involved can have bodily samples taken?

Answer 23

Victim and perpetrator

Question 24

What is meant by changes to normal anatomy?

Answer 24

loss and/or change of structure and/or function

Question 25

What is anatomical evidence used for?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What is cause of death?

Answer 26

Initial injury or disease that produces a physiological derangement in the body that results in death.

Question 27

Give an example of cause of death,

Answer 27

Strangulation

Question 28

What is mechanism of death?

Answer 28

Final physiological derangement/process that results in death

Question 29

Give an example of mechanism of death.

Answer 29

Asphyxia

Question 30

What is manner of death?

Answer 30

Circumstances surrounding death, or the means by which death came about.

Question 31

What are the 5 manners of death?

Answer 31

Natural Homicide Suicide Accidental Undetermined

Question 32

What are the two types of identification?

Answer 32

Definitive/positive Presumptive

Question 33

Which type of identification is scientific?

Answer 33

Definitive/positive

Question 34

Give examples of things that can lead to a definitive/positive identification.

Answer 34

Fingerprint Teeth DNA Radiology Medical hardware/device

Question 35

Give examples of things that can lead to a presumptive identification.

Answer 35

Visual Physical attributes Distinctive marks Circumstantial evidence

Question 36

What type of information is included in documentation of injuries.

Answer 36

Description Category of injury Severity of injury Interpretation of injuries

Question 37

Give examples of injury decription

Answer 37

Type Size Anatomical location Depth

Question 38

Give examples of injury categories

Answer 38

Blunt force Sharp force Firearms Asphyxia Environmental

Question 39

Give examples of how injuries can be interpreted.

Answer 39

Timing Order Cause and effect

Question 40

Why is it important to document disease process?

Answer 40

Determine if they contributed to death or injury

Question 41

How can time since injury or death be determined?

Answer 41

Development of injuries and sequelae Pathophysiology of disease processes Algor, rigor, livor mortis Degree of decomposition

Question 42

What type of information can be determined from interpretation of events?

Answer 42

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