Forensics U2 Test Review

Question 1

Describe the differences between testimonial evidence and physical evidence & give an example of each

Answer 1

Testimonial Evidence- a statement made under oath, also known as direct evidence or Prima Facie.

(Example: Witness)

Physical Evidence- relevant objects to a crime, also known as indirect evidence.

(Example: Handgun)

Question 2

What questions are answered by physical evidence?

Answer 2

The Presence of a suspect at the crime or a link to the victim.

Question 3

Transient

Answer 3

Temporary; Easily changed or lost; usually observed by the first officer at the scene. (Odor, Temp, Imprints/Indentions)

Question 4

Pattern

Answer 4

Produced by direct contact between a person and an object or between two objects. (Striations, Markings, Blood splatter, Glass fractures)

Question 5

Physical

Answer 5

Any object or material that is relevant in a crime; also known as indirect evidence. (Fingerprints, Footprints, Handwriting)

Question 6

Transfer

Answer 6

Produced by contact between person[s] & object[s], or between person[s] and person[s]. (DNA, Blood, Broken Objects)

Question 7

Associative

Answer 7

Something that may associate a victim or suspect with a scene or with each other. (Personal belongings, shared living, shared vehicle)

Question 8

Scenario: Cotton fibers are found at a crime scene.

What type of evidence are they (class or individual) and why?

Answer 8

Class; because the cotton fibers cannot be traced back to an origin.

Question 9

List the 4 aspects of crime scene investigation:

Answer 9

Biological
Chemical
Physical
Miscellaneous

Question 10

Describe the difference between a primary and a secondary crime scene.

Answer 10

Primary- the immediate surroundings of the crime.

Secondary- related to primary area but not ON the scene itself.

Question 11

Can there be more than one type of primary and secondary evidence?

Answer 11

You can have multiple of the same type if the assailant dispersed the body in different directions/areas

Question 12

What is the importance of documenting a crime scene?

Answer 12

For use of testimony in court to help clarify the situation in the scene in the case of reconstruction.

Question 13

What determines if a specific place is a crime scene or not?

Answer 13

If it can be connected to the scene of the crime.

Question 14

What is important to include when sketching a crime scene?

Answer 14

Address, Location, Case Number, Date of sketch, any sketched people, a helpful key

Question 15

What are the basic rules of packaging evidence?

Answer 15

Place evidence in separate containers.

Wet items must be dried and stored in water protected cases.

Biological evidence must be kept in plastic containers and frozen.

Arson evidence must be kept in airtight containers.

Question 16

Give examples of the following classification of evidence:

Biological

Answer 16

blood, semen, hair, bone, ect

Question 17

Give examples of the following classification of evidence:

Chemical

Answer 17

fibre, glass, soil, gun powder, powder, etc.

Question 18

Give examples of the following classification of evidence:

Physical

Answer 18

fingerprints, footprints, handwritings, firearms

Question 19

Give examples of the following classification of evidence:

Miscellaneous

Answer 19

voice, photo & polygraphs, stress evaluation

Question 20

Blood type is considered to be class evidence. Although it may not specifically identify the suspect, explain how it still could be useful in helping to investigate a crime.

Answer 20

Narrows down the list of potential suspects by blood type.

Question 21

What are The Seven S’s of Crime Scene Investigation

Answer 21

1. Secure the scene, 2. Separate the witness, 3. Scan the scene, 4. See that photos are taken, 5. Sketch the scene, 6. Search for evidence, 7. Secure the collected evidence