Physical Evidence - Collection and Analysis Flashcards
What is evidence?
Refers to anything that can give or substantiate information in a legal investigation.
Why is evidence important (3)?
Provides a clear direction for investigators to form leads
The quantity of evidence establishes the case’s credibility in court affecting judge and jury
Certain types of evidence bring with it the testimony of expert witness
What are the 7 types of physical evidence?
Associative
Class
Electronic
Latent
Trace
Circumstantial
Direct
What is associative evidence?
Any evidence that places an individual at a scene, with the victim, or in possession of an item
Give examples of associative evidence.
Latent fingerprint left on an object
Semen from an SA
Paint transfer during car accident
Fibers left from contact with clothing items
Blood
What is class evidence?
Evidence that requires classification into a more narrow range
Can class evidence be used for identification purposes?
No, only exclusion
Give examples of class evidence.
Overall fingerprint patterns Size of shoe
Tire tread make
Shoe tread make
What is electronic evidence?
Information and data transmitted and/or stored in any electronic devices
What types of crimes is electronic evidence typically involved in?
Fraud, child pornography
Give examples of electronic evidence.
Computers
Cell phones
USB/flash drives
Printers
Trackers on vehicles
What is latent evidence?
Not visible to the naked eye without some form of enhancement or development
Give examples of latent evidence.
FIngerprints
Blood
Trace
Fibers
What is trace evidence?
Extracted from another substances and is in very small quantity (microscopic), often not visible to the naked eye.
Give examples of trace evidence.
Fibers
Hair
GSR
Paint
What is direct evidence?
Offers direct proof of fact
Give an example of direct evidence.
Eye witness account
What is circumstantial evidence?
Evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion or fact.
Give examples of circumstantial evidence.
Fingerprints
Witness testifies they only heard the sounds of a gunshot and ran around the corner to find the defendant standing over the victim with a gun
What are the 5 reasons for collecting physical evidence?
Shows that a crime has been committed
May show the key elements of the crime
Links suspects with scene and/or victims
Corroborates statements
Exonerates the innocent
Can someone be convicted solely based on circumstantial evidence?
Yes. Most evidence is circumstantial