Forensic U1 Review Flashcards
When is a case considered civil
A case is considered a civil action when a person petitions the court to protect a private, civil right or to obtain a civil remedy.
What is a criminal case?
A criminal case is a court proceeding where the government prosecutes a person for breaking the law
What is Direct Evidence in Forensics
Evidence of a fact based on a witnesses personal knowledge of the fact acquired by means of the witnesses senses
What is Evidence in forensics
Information or objects that may be admitted into court for judges and jurries to consider when hearing a case
What is an Expert Witness
A witness who is qualified by the court as an expert in a particular field
What is a Fact in forensics
A statement or assertion of info that can be verified, relating to applications of scientific knowledge to legal questions
What is a felony
A crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of one year or more
What is forensic science
The application of science principles and methods to support legal decision-making in matters of criminal and civil law.
What does infraction mean
The violation of a law or rule that is not punishable by prison
What does Means mean in forensics
Describing something forensicly usually means it has to do with finding evidence to solve a crime
What is a misdemeanor?
An offense recognized in criminal law, usually more than an infraction but less severe than a felony
What does Motive mean in forensics
The reason a person may have committed a crime
What is Observation in forensics
What a person may perceive using their senses
What is Opportunity in forensics
An ideal set of circumstances needed to commit that crime
What is perception in forensics
Interpretation of info received by the senses
Forensics is Latin for _____
“Of the forum”
What are the responsibilities of a forensic scientist?
-Detail oriented
-Organized
-Patient
-Thorough
-Proficient in science and math
-Skilled at research
-Good writer
-Good communicator
-Curious
-Creative
CSI Team Members:
First police officer at the scene
Properly protect, preserve, and, in some cases, collect evidence.
CSI Team Members:
Medics
Respond to any injured personnel.
CSI Team Members:
Investigators
Look through the crime scene for clues/leads.
CSI Team Members:
Photographers and/or Field Evidence Technician
Photograph/get important data from the scene to support evidence in a legal case in a court of law.
CSI Team Members:
Medical Examiner
Examines the victim(s).
CSI Team Members:
Lab Experts
Examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings.
Federal Crime Labs:
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Provides forensic analysis support services to the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Federal Crime Labs:
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
Analysis of drugs seized in violation of federal laws.
Federal Crime Labs:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Analyzing alcoholic beverages, weapons, and explosive devices.
Federal Crime Labs:
US Postal Inspection Service
Criminal investigations related to postal services.
Crime Lab-Units:
Physical Sciences Unit
Uses chemistry, physics, and geology to identify and compare physical evidence.
Crime Lab-Units:
Biology Unit
Analyzes DNA, fluids, hair, fibers, wood, and plants.
Crime Lab-Units:
Firearms and Ballistics Unit
Examines firearms discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition.
Crime Lab-Units:
Document Examination Unit
Handwriting and typewriting on documents is analyzed.
Crime Lab-Units:
Photography Unit
Digital imaging, infrared, UV, and X-ray.
How is information processed in the brain?
- Info from our sense
- What we pay attention to
- PERCEPTION
- Short-term memory
- Long-term memory
What is the role of an expert witness?
To testify during cases in order to assist the judge and/or jury in reaching a decision.
Locard Principle
No scene is ever assailant-free.
What is the importance of the Locard Principle to an investigation?
To collect any materials and evidence that could be used as an omission of an offense later on.
What is the 1st Bill of Rights?
Freedom of Religion
What is the 2nd Bill of Rights?
Freedom of Speech
What is the 3rd Bill of Rights?
Freedom of Press
What is the 4th Bill of Rights?
Freedom of Assembly
What is the 5th Bill of Rights?
Freedom of Petition
List the three facets of guilt
Reactive
Anticipatory
Existential
What is the difference between an infraction, a misdemeanor, and a felony?
Severity and type of crime; infraction being the lowest and felony the highest.
