FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

Question 1

refers to the branch of chemistry that deals with the application of chemical theories and principles in the solution of legal problems in relation to the administration of justice.

Answer 1

Forensic chemistry

Question 2

The word “forensic” is derived from the Latin word ‘’’’, which means “of the forum,” or speaking the truth in public.

Answer 2

forensis

Question 3

, an ancient philosopher widely considered as the father of modern science, was probably the first to study poisons.

Answer 3

Demorates

Question 4

Socrates was sentenced to death by drinking “””, a highly poisonous plant.

Answer 4

hemlock

Question 5

, a very poisonous metallic element

Answer 5

arsenic

Question 6

conducted studies on various methods employed to detect certain types of vegetable poisons in the body.

Answer 6

Belgian chemist Jean Servais Stas (1813–1891)

Question 7

is best known for his work in determining the atomic weights of the elements

Answer 7

Jean Servais Stas

Question 8

who discovered the first reliable method for identifying human blood in 1863

Answer 8

Christian Friedrich Schönbein

Question 9

, who developed another test for the presence of blood at about the same time.

Answer 9

Dutch chemist Izaak van Deen

Question 10

invented the Marsh test for arsenic

Answer 10

James Marsh

Question 11

who also made several significant contributions to the new science of fingerprinting.

Answer 11

Edmond Locard (1877–1966)

Question 12

He is best known for exchange principle, which has been adopted as one of the tenets of forensic science. The principle holds that “every contact leaves a trace,” or that every contact between two objects results in an exchange of traces between them

Answer 12

Edmond Locard

Question 13

first person to conduct experiments on the effects of poisons.

Answer 13

Mathieu Joseph Bonaventure Orfila

Question 14

The role of fingerprinting in the field of forensic science was established with the publication of the first scientific book on fingerprinting in 1892.

Answer 14

Sir Francis Galton: Finger Prints

Question 15

deals with the application of science to legal matters and crime-solving.

Answer 15

Forensic science

Question 16

plays an essential role in the interdisciplinary field of forensic science, especially in the crime laboratory wherein the same principles and laws of chemistry are used to examine evidence

Answer 16

Chemistry

Question 17

is a scientific laboratory that uses forensic science for the purpose of examining evidence from criminal cases. It refers to a laboratory where highly trained technical personnel render various related services.

Answer 17

A crime laboratory (or “crime lab” for short)

Question 18

is a professional chemist who analyzes evidence from the crime scene and derives a conclusion based on tests undertaken on such evidenc

Answer 18

A forensic chemist

Question 19

Four Stages in the Practice of Forensic Chemistry

Answer 19

Stage 1: Collection and Reception of the specimen
Stage 2: Actual Examination
Stage 3: Report Writing of the Results
Stage 4: Court Appearance

Question 20

– refers to the proper collection, handling, and packaging of specimen before an analysis can be started.

Answer 20

Stage 1: Collection and reception of the specimen

Question 21

The conduct of various examination procedures for different specimens submitted as requested by the requesting party

Answer 21

Stage 2: Actual examination –

Question 22

– This step involves the drafting of the positive or negative result (e.g., presence of a drug)

Answer 22

Stage 3: Report writing of the result

Question 23

– This is the final stage, wherein the chemist must explain to the court the findings of the examination conducted on the specimen submitted

Answer 23

Stage 4: Court appearance

Question 24

The Forensic Chemist as an Expert Witness in Court

Answer 24

Education
Training
Experience

Question 25

as an expert witness, must have sufficient and specialized knowledge in the forensic sciences beyond that of an average person,

Answer 25

forensic chemist,

Question 26

refers to any material object introduced in a trial for the purpose of proving a fact in issue based on its demonstrable physical characteristics

Answer 26

Physical evidence

Question 27

• Compared with testimonial evidence, which may change, physical evidence “can’t lie, quit, die, forget, or get fired;” in addition, the source of testimonial evidence may also be lost, thus losing the connection between the original and the court version

Answer 27

Human factor

Question 28

• Physical evidence cannot change, whereas testimonial evidence is based solely on interpretation that can change or be erroneous

Answer 28

Physical properties

Question 29

refers to microscopic materials found at a crime scene, such as hair, blood, glass particles, foot/tire impression, fiber, or paint, to name a few.

Answer 29

Trace evidence

Question 30

Guiding Principles in the Collection of Physical Evidence

Answer 30

Sufficiency of samples
standard for comparison
maintenance of individuality
labeling and sealing

Question 31

sufficient weight, volume, or pieces of sample for analysis should be submitted so that a series of lab tests can be performed

Answer 31

Sufficiency of sample –

Question 32

– a standard should be submitted so that comparative analysis can be performed and facilitate the evaluation of unfair trade completion

Answer 32

Standard for comparison

Question 33

– different specimens should be packed individually to prevent contamination
Labeling and sealing – individually packed specimens should be labeled and sealed properly to avoid confusion in the preparation of requests and documentations

Answer 33

Maintenance of individuality

Question 34

refers to a written record of all the individuals who maintained unbroken control over certain items of evidence collected from a crime scene

Answer 34

The chain of custody

Question 35

Certainly, it is very important to properly tag and label items of evidence. A crime scene investigator or evidence recovery technician must be able to tag and label/mark items of evidence so that these can be easily identified at a later date.

Answer 35

Proper Tagging, Labeling, and Marking of Evidence

Question 36

is the person responsible for preserving the chain of custody of each item of evidence submitted by the examiner; he or she ensures the security and integrity of such evidence. is also responsible for receiving inventories, logs, stores, packages, and issues and providing assistance in the release of that adjudicated piece of evidence.

Answer 36

An evidence custodian

Question 37

or property room refers to a secure facility or room, in which evidence related to criminal cases or investigations are stored. The evidence custodian always has direct supervision of this room.

Answer 37

evidence room