intro Flashcards
who undertook the first definitive study of fingerprints as a method of personal identification?
Galton
the exchange of evidence theory was theorized by..?
Locard
t/f modern forensic scientists are experts in many different fields, as opposed to an expert in a particular field
false
the application of science to the law
forensic science
what are 3 reasons for the rapid growth of crime labs during the last 40 years?
- supreme court decisions in 1960s
- increase in crime rates in USA
- emergence of DNA profiling
final evaluator of forensic evidence..?
jury
t/f fee-for-service concept encouraged creation of a number of private labs
True
five basic services a crime lab can provide
- physical sci unit
- biology unit
- firearms unit
- document examination unit
- photography unit
t/f the physical science unit is in charge of examining burnt/charred documents
false
the largest forensic science organization in the world
American Association of Forensic Sciences
the comparison of hairs and fibers would be performed in which unit?
biology
organization that provides ethical guidelines for Canadian forensic scientists?
The Canadian Society of Forensic Science
Locard’s Exchange Principle
two objects come into contact with each other, a cross transfer of materials occurs
describes the services of a crime lab, with a focus on physical evidence
Criminalistics
CSI Effect
public belief that every crime scene will yield forensic evidence
Anthropometry
systematic procedure that involved taking a series of body measurements as a means of distinguishing a person from others
confirmed or agreed-upon empirical observation or conclusion
fact
Explanation of some aspect of the natural world that has been substantiated through repeated experiments or testing
scientific theory
Who was Victor Balthazard? What were his contributions to forensic sci?
-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)
What were Alphonse Bertillon’s contributions to forensic sci?
-first systematic method for the identification of suspects and criminals (Anthropometry or Bertillonage)
- first person to use fingerprints to solve a crime
what did Anthropomerty consist of? When was it primarily used?
-Based on 11 body measurements
-Descriptive information
-Photographs
-Fingerprints not commonly collected
-1883 to early 1900s
what were Sir Francis Galton’s contributions to forensic sci?
-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
what were Edmond Locard’s contributions to forensic sci?
-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’)
finder/trier of fact
judge or jury determines the truth based on evidence
presented by two opposing sides
tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation
hypothesis
t/f the job of forensic scientist is to find the truth
false
a forensic scientist’s main concern is..?
evidence
-proper collection and examination
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…
list a few types of evidence that would be examined in the toxicology field
-Body tissues
-Body fluids
-Tablets
-Powders
-Liquids
-Alcohols
-Drugs
-Poisons
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
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%)
what are civil cases?
-b/w individuals
-“Lawsuit” or “being sued”
-Preponderance of evidence (51%)
t/f forensic scientists can testify for either the prosecution or defendant
true
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
t/f forensic scientests need to be supportive of the side they are working for in a case
false
