intro Flashcards

1
Q

who undertook the first definitive study of fingerprints as a method of personal identification?

A

Galton

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2
Q

the exchange of evidence theory was theorized by..?

A

Locard

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3
Q

t/f modern forensic scientists are experts in many different fields, as opposed to an expert in a particular field

A

false

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4
Q

the application of science to the law

A

forensic science

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5
Q

what are 3 reasons for the rapid growth of crime labs during the last 40 years?

A
  1. supreme court decisions in 1960s
  2. increase in crime rates in USA
  3. emergence of DNA profiling
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6
Q

final evaluator of forensic evidence..?

A

jury

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7
Q

t/f fee-for-service concept encouraged creation of a number of private labs

A

True

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8
Q

five basic services a crime lab can provide

A
  1. physical sci unit
  2. biology unit
  3. firearms unit
  4. document examination unit
  5. photography unit
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9
Q

t/f the physical science unit is in charge of examining burnt/charred documents

A

false

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10
Q

the largest forensic science organization in the world

A

American Association of Forensic Sciences

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11
Q

the comparison of hairs and fibers would be performed in which unit?

A

biology

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12
Q

organization that provides ethical guidelines for Canadian forensic scientists?

A

The Canadian Society of Forensic Science

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13
Q

Locard’s Exchange Principle

A

two objects come into contact with each other, a cross transfer of materials occurs

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14
Q

describes the services of a crime lab, with a focus on physical evidence

A

Criminalistics

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15
Q

CSI Effect

A

public belief that every crime scene will yield forensic evidence

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16
Q

Anthropometry

A

systematic procedure that involved taking a series of body measurements as a means of distinguishing a person from others

17
Q

confirmed or agreed-upon empirical observation or conclusion

18
Q

Explanation of some aspect of the natural world that has been substantiated through repeated experiments or testing

A

scientific theory

19
Q

Who was Victor Balthazard? What were his contributions to forensic sci?

A

-Medical examiner in Paris
-fingerprint, firearm, and hair analysis
-Probability models for fingerprints
-Photographic methods of comparing bullet markings
- Firing pin and fabric impressions of a soft lead bullet moving through fabrics
-Wrote the first comprehensive book on
hair analysis entitled – The Hair of Man
and Animals (1910)

20
Q

What were Alphonse Bertillon’s contributions to forensic sci?

A

-first systematic method for the identification of suspects and criminals (Anthropometry or Bertillonage)

  • first person to use fingerprints to solve a crime
21
Q

what did Anthropomerty consist of? When was it primarily used?

A

-Based on 11 body measurements
-Descriptive information
-Photographs
-Fingerprints not commonly collected
-1883 to early 1900s

22
Q

what were Sir Francis Galton’s contributions to forensic sci?

A

-First classification system for fingerprints

-Basic Patterns: Loop, Arch, and Whorl

-Published Finger Prints in 1892; helped bring fingerprinting to the forefront of criminal identification

-Still considered a primary reference in the field

23
Q

what were Edmond Locard’s contributions to forensic sci?

A

-Established a Forensic laboratory in Lyon, France

-believed microscopic and trace evidence was crucial in linking people to places

-Locard’s Exchange Principle (‘every contact leaves a trace’)

24
Q

finder/trier of fact

A

judge or jury determines the truth based on evidence
presented by two opposing sides

25
tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation
hypothesis
26
t/f the job of forensic scientist is to find the truth
false
27
a forensic scientist's main concern is..?
evidence -proper collection and examination
28
list a few types of evidence that would be examined in the chemistry field
-Paint and glass -Fire & explosives -Gunshot residue -Soils and metals -Vehicular examination -Plastics, cosmetics, lubricants...
29
list a few types of evidence that would be examined in the toxicology field
-Body tissues -Body fluids -Tablets -Powders -Liquids -Alcohols -Drugs -Poisons
30
list a few types of evidence that would be examined in the electronics field
-Computers -Cell phones -Gaming machines -Stun guns/tasers -Poor quality audiotapes
31
what is a criminal case? What impact does evidence have on criminal cases?
-b/w government and individual -Violation of criminal laws -Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt (99%)
32
what are civil cases?
-b/w individuals -“Lawsuit” or “being sued” -Preponderance of evidence (51%)
33
t/f forensic scientists can testify for either the prosecution or defendant
true
34
what would a forensic scientist's day in court look like?
-Analysis → Report → Subpoena -Voir Dire (Background, training, experience) -Direct Examination (foundation for the admissibility of the evidence in question) -Cross Examination (Discredit witness or evidence) -Re-direct/Re-cross
35
t/f forensic scientests need to be supportive of the side they are working for in a case
false