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forensic science Flashcards

1
Q

Define ‘forensic science’

A

Forensic science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to criminal investigations and legal issues.

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2
Q

What historical figure established the first crime laboratory?

A

Edmond Locard, a pioneer in forensic science, established the first crime laboratory in Lyon, France in 1910.

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3
Q

What is the oldest forensic laboratory in the United States?

A

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) established the oldest forensic laboratory in the U.S. in 1923.

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4
Q

Which agency maintains the largest crime laboratory in the world?

A

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains the largest crime laboratory in the world.

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5
Q

What type of evidence would a biology-focused unit in a crime lab focus on?

A

A biology unit would focus on evidence like DNA, blood, bodily fluids, hair, and plant matter.

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6
Q

What is the responsibility of a unit focused on toxicology?

A

A toxicology unit analyzes bodily fluids and tissues to detect the presence of drugs, alcohol, poisons, or other toxic substances.

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7
Q

What is the Frye Standard?

A

The Frye Standard is a test used to determine the admissibility of scientific evidence based on whether the method is generally accepted by experts in the field.

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8
Q

What criteria must an expert witness meet?

A

An expert witness must have knowledge, skills, experience, training, or education in a particular area, and their testimony must be relevant and based on scientifically valid reasoning or methodology.

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9
Q

What does the field of forensic odontology focus on?

A

Forensic odontology focuses on the study of dental evidence, including bite marks and identification of human remains through dental records.

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10
Q

What standard for determining admissibility is used by federal courts?

A

Federal courts use the Daubert Standard to determine the admissibility of scientific evidence.

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11
Q

What U.S. Supreme Court case made it necessary for the forensic scientist to appear in court?

A

Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts (2009) established that forensic scientists must testify in court regarding their findings.

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12
Q

What are the reasons for the rapid growth of crime labs over the last 40 years?

A

Increased reliance on DNA evidence

Advances in forensic technology

Rising crime rates

The need for more detailed analysis in criminal investigations.

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13
Q

What is Locard’s Principle of Exchange?

A

Locard’s Principle states that whenever two objects come into contact, there is a transfer of material between them.

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14
Q

What standard for admissibility of evidence does Connecticut follow?

A

Connecticut follows the Daubert Standard.

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15
Q

What are the main functions of a forensic scientist?

A

Analyzing physical evidence

Providing expert testimony

Training law enforcement personnel in evidence collection and preservation.

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16
Q

What are the first priorities of a responding officer at a crime scene?

A

Ensuring the safety of individuals

Securing the scene to prevent contamination

Preserving evidence.

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17
Q

What is the purpose of a crime scene search?

A

The purpose is to locate and collect evidence that will help in the investigation and prosecution of a crime.

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18
Q

Distinguish between a primary and secondary crime scene.

A

The primary crime scene is where the crime occurred, while a secondary crime scene is any location related to the crime where evidence may be found.

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19
Q

What does contamination refer to?

A

Contamination refers to the introduction of foreign material to a crime scene or evidence, which can compromise the investigation.

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20
Q

What is the purpose of the initial walkthrough?

A

To observe and document the crime scene and determine the best method for evidence collection.

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21
Q

What considerations are weighed when determining what type of search pattern will be used?

A

Size of the area

Location of evidence

Number of investigators.

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22
Q

What type of search pattern is best for a large area?

A

The grid or zone search patterns are best for large areas.

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23
Q

How do investigators determine boundaries of a scene?

A

Boundaries are established based on the location of physical evidence and the scope of the crime.

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24
Q

What is the role of a command center at a crime scene?

A

A command center serves as a base for coordinating activities, communication, and management of the crime scene.

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25
Q

What is the purpose of conducting an initial walkthrough of a crime scene?

A

To assess the scene, make notes, and identify potential evidence while avoiding contamination.

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26
Q

What term refers to permanent written records of the facts of a case to be used in further investigation, in writing reports, and in prosecuting the case?

A

Field notes.

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27
Q

What are the disadvantages of photographs? Of video?

A

Photographs may lack context or be taken from poor angles.

Videos can be time-consuming to review and may miss specific details.

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28
Q

What are the possible advantages of photographs? Of video?

A

Photographs capture details and freeze moments in time.

Video provides context and continuity.

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29
Q

What is the basic purpose of field notes?

A

document facts, observations, and important details during the investigation.

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30
Q

The quantity of notes taken in an investigation are determined by what factors?

A

Complexity of the crime

Amount of evidence

Number of witnesses.

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31
Q

What are the six questions that should be answered by good field notes?

A

Who, what, where, when, why, and how.

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32
Q

What is the role and purpose of crime scene photographs?

A

To provide a visual record of the crime scene and evidence for use in investigations and court.

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33
Q

When should photographs be taken?

A

As soon as possible after securing the crime scene.

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34
Q

In what order should photographs be taken?

A

From general (wide shots) to specific (close-up shots).

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35
Q

What should be photographed first at a scene?

A

The overall scene, including wide-angle views of the location.

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35
Q

Which type of photograph (long, medium or close-range shot) would best capture the immediate crime scene and the location of objects in the area or room?

A

Medium-range shots.

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36
Q

What are some challenges associated with night photography?

A

Low light conditions

Difficulty capturing details.

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37
Q

What is a frequent objection when photographs are used in court?

A

That they may misrepresent or distort the scene.

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38
Q

What are the requirements for photographs to be admissible in court?

A

They must accurately represent the scene.

The chain of custody must be intact.

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39
Q

What does a crime scene sketch accomplish?

A

It provides a detailed and accurate layout of the crime scene and the location of evidence.

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40
Q

Close-up photos should be taken with and without what?

A

With and without a scale or measuring device.

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41
Q

What Constitutional amendment applies to the search and seizure of evidence?

A

The Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

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42
Q

What are best practices for packaging and storing the following types of evidence?

A

Blood evidence:

Should be air-dried, placed in a paper container to avoid moisture, and then refrigerated or frozen if necessary.

Arson evidence:

Stored in airtight containers (e.g., metal cans or glass jars) to preserve volatile residues.

Firearms/ballistic evidence:

Packaged in a rigid container to prevent movement and avoid damaging the weapon or leaving fingerprints.

Trace evidence:

Stored in small, secure containers (e.g., paper packets or druggist folds) to avoid contamination or loss.

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43
Q

What factors contribute to the relative evidentiary value of lab tests?

A

The condition and integrity of the evidence

The accuracy of the test methods used

The expertise of the forensic analyst.

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44
Q

Where are investigators likely to recover physical evidence from?

A

The crime scene

The victim’s body or personal belongings

Suspect’s belongings or body

Nearby objects or locations associated with the crime.

45
Q

What is the chain of custody?

A

The chain of custody refers to the documented process that records the handling and storage of evidence from the crime scene to the courtroom to ensure its integrity and admissibility.

46
Q

What are best practices to avoid contamination of evidence?

A

Use gloves and protective gear when handling evidence

Seal and label evidence immediately after collection

Limit access to evidence storage areas.

47
Q

What are best practices to ensure that evidence is admissible in court from the time of its finding until its presentation in court?

A

Maintain a clear and unbroken chain of custody

Properly document and label evidence

Use correct packaging and preservation methods.

48
Q

Why is the collection of standard/reference samples at the crime scene important?

A

Reference samples are used for comparison purposes in lab testing to determine whether evidence matches a suspect or victim.

49
Q

The relative evidential value of laboratory test results is usually dependent on what factors?

A

The accuracy and reliability of the test methods

The condition of the evidence

The quality of the reference samples.

50
Q

When biological samples of unknown origin are discovered at a crime scene, what should investigators do?

A

They should collect the samples using proper protective measures and document the location and condition of the samples for further laboratory analysis.

51
Q

What determines the appropriate manner of collecting and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene?

A

The type of evidence, the conditions of the crime scene, and the potential for degradation or contamination.

52
Q

What is a standard/reference sample?

A

A sample from a known source (such as a suspect, victim, or crime scene) used for comparison with evidence collected from the scene.

53
Q

What is the difference between identification and classification related to evidence?

A

Identification is determining the physical or chemical identity of a substance (e.g., identifying a drug).

Classification refers to grouping evidence based on shared characteristics, such as classifying evidence into broad categories (e.g., fingerprints, fibers).

54
Q

What is a comparison sample?

A

A known sample collected from a person or place to compare with evidence found at the crime scene.

55
Q

What is the difference between individual characteristics and class characteristics? What are some examples?

A

Individual characteristics: Unique to a single source (e.g., fingerprints, DNA).

Class characteristics: Shared by a group or category (e.g., shoe tread patterns).

56
Q

During a comparison analysis, a suspect specimen and a control specimen are subjected to the same tests and examinations for the ultimate purpose of determining what?

A

Whether the suspect and control specimens match in terms of characteristics or properties.

57
Q

What information is contained in the following databases?

A

CODIS (Combined DNA Index System): A database of DNA profiles used to identify suspects by comparing DNA found at crime scenes.

NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network): A database used to compare firearm-related evidence such as bullet casings.

IAFIS (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System): A database containing fingerprints and criminal histories.

SICAR (Shoeprint Image Capture and Retrieval): A database used to compare footwear impressions.

58
Q

What is forensic palynology?

A

The study of pollen and spores to link objects, people, or locations to crime scenes.

59
Q

Who ultimately determines the significance of physical evidence during a trial?

A

The judge or jury, based on the expert testimony and presentation of evidence.

60
Q

What can be used in making an identification of a deceased individual?

A

Fingerprints

Dental records

DNA analysis

Visual identification

Personal effects (clothing, jewelry).

61
Q

Distinguish between the various manners of death and be able to identify which examples would fall under:

A

Natural: Death by illness or old age.

Accidental: Death by an unforeseen event (e.g., car accident).

Suicidal: Self-inflicted death (e.g., overdose).

Homicidal: Death caused intentionally by another person.

Undetermined: Cause of death cannot be conclusively determined.

62
Q

What is the cause of the largest percentage of accidental deaths?

A

Traffic accidents.

63
Q

What typically distinguishes a suicide by firearm and a homicide by firearm upon examination of the body?

A

In suicide, the gunshot wound is typically closer with signs of self-inflicted angles, while in homicide, the wounds may indicate distance or different angles.

64
Q

Where are defense wounds most typically seen?

A

On the hands, forearms, or arms, indicating that the victim tried to protect themselves.

65
Q

Death at a fire scene is most often attributed to inhalation of what?

A

Carbon monoxide.

66
Q

Understand the characteristics that can be analyzed to determine approximate time of death:

A

Rigor mortis: Stiffening of muscles; typically starts within 2-4 hours and lasts for 36-48 hours.

Liver mortis (livor mortis): Settling of blood, causing skin discoloration; begins within 20 minutes to 3 hours after death.

Body temperature: Drops at about 1.5°F per hour until reaching ambient temperature.

Pupil appearance: Fixed and dilated after death.

Stomach contents: Can provide an estimate of when the last meal was consumed.

67
Q

Time of death can be approximated by analyzing the vitreous humor for the levels of what?

A

Potassium.

68
Q

How long does adipocere typically take to develop?

A

Adipocere, or “grave wax,” typically takes weeks to months to form under certain conditions.

69
Q

What should be performed first at a death scene?

A

Securing the scene and ensuring there are no survivors in need of assistance.

70
Q

What factors can help to determine whether a victim was alive during a fire?

A

Soot in the airways and carbon monoxide levels in the blood.

71
Q

Victims of hanging will typically display what physical characteristics?

A

Ligature marks around the neck and sometimes broken neck vertebrae.

72
Q

What is commonly fractured in strangulation cases?

A

The hyoid bone.

73
Q

What part of the victim’s body often is covered in bags in order to prevent loss of trace evidence?

A

Hands.

74
Q

Death intentionally caused by another person is typically ruled to be what?

A

Homicide.

75
Q

Evidence of tampering with the position of a body after death can be obtained by evaluating what?

A

The distribution of liver mortis (settling of blood) can indicate if the body was moved.

76
Q

The rate of cooling of a dead body is influenced by what factors?

A

Ambient temperature

Body size

Clothing and coverings

Environmental conditions.

77
Q

What indicators can be used to estimate the time of death?

A

Rigor mortis

Liver mortis

Body temperature

Stomach contents.

78
Q

What part of a body resists rapid decomposition and is used by forensic anthropologists to provide information about the decedent?

A

The bones.

79
Q

To determine the sex of skeletal remains, a forensic anthropologist would examine what areas of the skeleton?

A

The pelvis and skull are key indicators.

80
Q

What is the primary role of the medical examiner?

A

To determine the cause and manner of death through autopsy and investigation.

81
Q

What do the internal and external examinations involve?

A

External: Inspection of the body for injuries, wounds, and identifying marks.

Internal: Dissection of the body to examine internal organs and potential causes of death.

82
Q

Where is it best to collect blood from to obtain the most accurate drug levels?

A

From the heart or major blood vessels.

83
Q

Why is objectivity necessary?

A

Ensures conclusions are based on facts, not bias, maintaining scientific accuracy.

84
Q

Difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

A

Inductive: General conclusions from specific evidence.

Deductive: Applying a general theory to specific facts.

85
Q

What is falsifiability?

A

The ability to test and potentially disprove a theory based on evidence.

86
Q

How are theories falsified?

A

By testing them against evidence and modifying or rejecting them if contradicted.

87
Q

Types of fallacies:

A

Generalization: Broad conclusions from limited data.

Bifurcation: Presenting only two options when more exist.

False Linkage: Assuming unrelated evidence is connected.

88
Q

Definitions:

A

Physical evidence: Tangible objects from the crime scene.

Direct evidence: Directly proves a fact (e.g., eyewitness testimony).

Testimonial evidence: Statements made under oath.

89
Q

Role of a timeline:

A

Establishes the sequence of events and highlights inconsistencies.

90
Q

What is a reenactment?

A

A simulation to visualize the crime based on evidence.

91
Q

Limitations of reconstruction:

A

Incomplete evidence

Biases

Missing key information

92
Q

Weaknesses of testimonial evidence:

A

Memory flaws

Subjectivity

Potential conflict with physical evidence

93
Q

Which direction does the pointed end of a bloodstain always face?

A

The pointed end of a bloodstain always faces the direction of travel.

94
Q

What characteristic will a blood droplet deposited at a 90-degree angle exhibit?

A

It will create a nearly circular stain with no tail or elongated shape.

95
Q

What is the most common type of bloodstain pattern found at a crime scene?

A

Passive stains, created by gravity (e.g., drips or drops).

96
Q

What does the area of convergence refer to?

A

The 2D point where the axes of bloodstains intersect, showing the approximate source of blood.

97
Q

What does the area of origin refer to?

A

The 3D location where the blood source was located when the blood was expelled.

98
Q

What is back spatter?

A

Blood directed back toward the source of energy, often seen in gunshot wounds

99
Q

What is forward spatter?

A

Blood that moves away from the source, often from an exit wound.

100
Q

What do flow patterns tell investigators about a scene?

A

Flow patterns reveal blood movement due to gravity, indicating possible movement of bodies or objects.

101
Q

What do cast-off patterns tell investigators about a scene?

A

They show the direction and number of blows from blood flung off a moving, blood-bearing object.

102
Q

What is expirated blood?

A

Blood expelled from the mouth, nose, or a wound, often showing bubbles or diluted appearance.

103
Q

What may show movements of objects or bodies while the pattern was still forming?

A

Bloodstain patterns that have been smudged or altered can indicate object or body movement.

104
Q

What is a void pattern?

A

An outline where an object blocked blood spatter from reaching a surface.

105
Q

What factors affect the drying time of a pool of blood?

A

Temperature, humidity, and airflow can influence drying time, helping estimate timing of events.

106
Q

What are the characteristics of low-velocity spatter?

A

Large droplets, usually caused by gravity.

107
Q

What are the characteristics of medium-velocity spatter?

A

Smaller droplets, often from blunt force trauma.

108
Q

What are the characteristics of high-velocity spatter?

A

Fine misting, commonly caused by gunshot wounds.

109
Q

If blood flow found on an object or body does not appear consistent with gravity, what should be assumed?

A

It may indicate that the object or body was moved after bloodshed.

110
Q

How does the angle of impact affect bloodstain shape?

A

90 degrees: Circular stain
Smaller angles: Elongated with tail pointing in the direction of travel
Larger angles: Less elongated, closer to circular

111
Q

What can the skeletonized perimeter of a bloodstain be used to interpret?

A

It indicates elapsed time and potential movement if only the edges of the stain remain.

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