Introduction

Question 1

What is forensic science?

Answer 1

Forensic science utilizes scientific techniques and methodologies to reconstruct events of legal relevance from physical evidence and relevant information.

Question 2

What was one of the earliest uses of forensic science?

Answer 2

Pre-700 BC: Fingerprints were used on clay tablets, and in 44 BC, an autopsy was performed on Julius Caesar, marking the first recorded expert witness report in forensic science.

Question 3

Who was Quintilian, and what was his forensic contribution?

Answer 3

Quintilian was a jurist and orator in the 1st century AD who used a bloody handprint to prove a blind son’s innocence by analyzing the prints left on a wall.

Question 4

What is Locard’s Exchange principle?

Answer 4

“Every contact leaves a trace” - Dr. Edmond Locard’s theory that a criminal leaves traces of their presence at a crime scene.

Question 5

Name the four types of forensic science

Answer 5

Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Medicine, and Forensic Dentistry.

Question 6

What is the primary scientific method used in forensic science?

Answer 6

Forensic science starts with evidence collection, then hypotheses are formed, relationships identified, and conclusions drawn.

Question 7

List four types of forensic evidence

Answer 7

Trace Evidence (hair, fibers, soil), Biological Evidence (DNA, blood), Feature Comparison (fingerprints, tool marks), Digital Evidence (emails, phone data).

Question 8

What is the difference between objective and subjective analysis in forensic science?

Answer 8

Objective analysis is based on measurable data (e.g., DNA analysis), while subjective analysis is based on expert judgment and experience (e.g., fingerprint analysis).

Question 9

What are common causes of miscarriages of justice in forensic science?

Answer 9

Causes include eyewitness misidentification, unreliable forensic science, false confessions, and improper application of technique

Question 10

What is junk science?

Answer 10

Junk science refers to forensic methods that lack scientific validation, rely on anecdotal evidence, and are not rigorously researched.

Question 11

What did the NAS Report highlight regarding forensic science?

Answer 11

The report found that many forensic disciplines lacked scientific validation and reliability, recommending more research, standardization, and accreditation.

Question 12

What were the main findings of the PCAST report?

Answer 12

The report identified gaps in the scientific validity of feature comparison methods and called for evaluations of these methods to ensure their reliability and accuracy.

Question 13

What is the difference between trace evidence and biological evidence?

Answer 13

Trace evidence refers to small, often microscopic materials like fibers, hair, or glass fragments, while biological evidence includes substances derived from living organisms, such as DNA, blood, and saliva

Question 14

How is DNA used in forensic science?

Answer 14

DNA analysis is used to match biological evidence found at crime scenes (e.g., blood, hair) to a suspect, or to exclude individuals from suspicion. It is also used in forensic databases to help solve cold cases.

Question 15

What are the three main types of fingerprints?

Answer 15

The three main types are arches, loops, and whorls. Each type can have variations that help identify individuals.

Question 16

How does Locard’s Exchange Principle apply to a burglary investigation?

Answer 16

In a burglary, the criminal may leave trace evidence such as fingerprints, fibers, or shoeprints at the crime scene, while also taking items that may carry traces of the crime scene with them.

Question 17

What role does forensic toxicology play in criminal investigations?

Answer 17

Forensic toxicology involves the analysis of bodily fluids (e.g., blood, urine) to detect the presence of drugs, alcohol, poisons, or other substances that could have contributed to a person’s death or impairment.

Question 18

What is the difference between a forensic pathologist and a medical examiner?

Answer 18

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor specialized in determining the cause of death through autopsies, while a medical examiner is often a non-physician who conducts legal investigations into deaths, but may not always be a doctor.

Question 19

How does forensic ballistics help solve crimes?

Answer 19

Forensic ballistics involves analyzing bullets, bullet casings, gunshot residue, and firearms to determine the type of weapon used, the trajectory of bullets, and sometimes to link a suspect to a shooting.

Question 20

What is the role of an expert witness in forensic science?

Answer 20

An expert witness provides testimony in court based on their specialized knowledge in forensic science, explaining how evidence was collected, analyzed, and interpreted, and how it relates to the case.

Question 21

How can unreliable forensic science contribute to miscarriages of justice?

Answer 21

Unreliable forensic science may include misidentification, inaccurate analysis, or improperly applied techniques that lead to false conclusions, which can wrongfully convict an innocent person.

Question 22

What are the two main types of DNA analysis used in forensic science?

Answer 22

STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis are the two main types. STR is used for nuclear DNA, while mtDNA is used when nuclear DNA is not available (e.g., hair with no root).

Question 23

Why is maintaining a chain of custody important in forensic investigations?

Answer 23

The chain of custody ensures that evidence is handled, stored, and transferred in a way that preserves its integrity and prevents tampering, which is critical for the evidence’s admissibility in court.

Question 24

How should biological evidence (e.g., blood, hair) be collected and preserved at a crime scene?

Answer 24

Biological evidence should be collected using sterile equipment, stored in breathable paper containers (to prevent mold growth), and refrigerated or frozen if necessary to maintain integrity before testing.

Question 25

What is the role of forensic anthropology in a criminal investigation?

Answer 25

Forensic anthropology involves the identification and analysis of human skeletal remains to determine the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of the deceased, and to identify signs of trauma or foul play.

Question 26

How does forensic analysis of tool marks work?How does forensic analysis of tool marks work?

Answer 26

Tool mark analysis involves comparing marks left on an object (like a firearm or a door) with tools recovered from a suspect to determine if the marks match, helping link the tool to the crime.

Question 27

What types of digital evidence can be recovered in a forensic investigation?

Answer 27

Digital evidence can include emails, text messages, photos, videos, call logs, GPS data, and information stored on computers, mobile phones, or cloud services.

Question 28

How does forensic odontology help in criminal investigations?

Answer 28

Forensic odontology involves the analysis of dental records, bite marks, and dental impressions to help identify victims or perpetrators, especially in cases where other identification methods are not available.

Question 29

What are the risks of relying on junk science in forensic investigations?

Answer 29

Junk science can result in unreliable or misleading conclusions, potentially causing wrongful convictions, because it lacks scientific validation and rigorous research backing.

Question 30

How can forensic science help improve the accuracy of eyewitness testimony?

Answer 30

Forensic science provides objective evidence (such as DNA or fingerprint analysis) that can either corroborate or refute eyewitness testimony, potentially reducing errors caused by human memory or bias.

Question 31

What ethical issues can arise in forensic science?

Answer 31

Ethical issues include misrepresenting evidence, bias in analysis or testimony, conflicts of interest, and failure to report errors or misconduct, all of which can undermine the credibility of forensic work.

Question 32

Why is accreditation important for forensic laboratories?

Answer 32

Accreditation ensures that forensic laboratories adhere to standardized procedures, meet quality assurance requirements, and provide reliable, scientifically valid results that are admissible in court.

Question 33

How do forensic scientists ensure their findings are accepted in court?

Answer 33

Forensic scientists must follow standardized methods, maintain the integrity of evidence, provide transparent and reproducible results, and present findings in a clear, understandable manner to the court.