Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Forensic Science > Study Guide Semester 1 Final > Flashcards

Study Guide Semester 1 Final Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

Where does the word forensics come from?

A

derived from the Latin forensis, meaning forum, a public place, where in other times, senators and others debated, performed and held judicial proceedings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Know the different types of Crime Lab Services.

A

Physical science unit, biology, ballistics, toxicology, chemistry, physics, geology, document examination, photography, latent fingerprints, polygraph, voiceprint analysis, evidence collection and engineering.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the first step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?

A
  1. Observe a problem of questioned evidence and collect objective data.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the second step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?

A
  1. Consider a hypothesis or possible solution.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the third step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?

A
  1. Examine, test and then analyze the evidence.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the fourth step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?

A
  1. Determine the significance of the evidence.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the fifth step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?

A
  1. Formulate a theory based on the evaluation of the significance of the evidence.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What do the three part of MMO stand for and how are they used?

A

Motive: person had a reason to do the crime (not necessary to prove in a court of law)
Means: Person had the ability to do the crime
Opportunity: person can be placed at the crime scene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Constitutional Law

A

supreme document and final authority on laws.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Statutory Law

A

legislative acts declaring, commanding or prohibiting something.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Common law or case law

A

body of law made up by judicial opinions or precedents.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Civil law

A

law that deals with noncriminal suits brought to protect or preserve a civil or private right or manner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Criminal law

A

regulation and enforcement of rights, setting the acceptable limits of conduct in society.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Equity law

A

remedial or preventive (restraining orders)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Administrative law

A

rules or laws established by agencies such as IRS, SSA, military.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Bill of rights

A

the first ten amendments of the US constitution, guaranteeing such rights as the freedom of speech, assembly and worship.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Miranda Rights

A

You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, you have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

4th amendment

A

prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for issuing warrants: warrants must be issued by a judge or magistrate, justified by probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

5th amendment

A

protects criminal defendants from having to testify if they may incriminate themselves through the testimony.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

14th amendment

A

no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privilages or citizens of the United States, nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty and prosperity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Infraction

A

Minor offence or petty crime: penalty is usually a fine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Misdemeanor

A

Minor crime punishable by fine or jail.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Felony

A

Major crime punishable by fines and/or more than one year in prison.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Probative

A

Actually proves something.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Material

A

Addresses an issue that is relevant to the particular crime/case.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Frye Standard

A

Scientific evidence is allowed into the courtroom if it is generally accepted by the relevant scientific community.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Daubert Ruling

A

The judge decides if the evidence can be entered into trial.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is required to prove a criminal case in court

A

Sufficient evidence to prove that is more than likely than not that the defendant committed the crime.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Eyewitness testimony-why is it used and what factors can affect the testimony of a witness

A

Used because the criminal justice system profoundly relies on eyewitness identification and testimony for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Factors: juries heavily influenced by eyewitness identifications, lots of innocent people convicted because of faulty eyewitness accounts.
Issues: types of questions asked by investigator, type of crime, eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions, playing a role in more than 75% of convictions overturned through DNA study.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Goal of Crime Scene Investigation

A

To recognize, document and collect evidence at the scene of a crime.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Direct evidence

A

Firsthand observations. Ex, eyewitness accounts, video, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Circumstantial evidence

A

Indirect physical or biological evidence that can link a person to a crime, but don’t directly prove guilt. Ex. a blonde hair found on the hand of the murder victim with black hair.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Physical evidence

A

any object or material that is relevant in a crime. Ex. bullets, weapons, fibers, tool marks, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Biological evidence

A

a type of physical evidence, consists of bodily fluids and tissues. Ex. body fluids, hair, plant parts, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the first 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Securing the Scene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the second 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Speak and question the witnesses

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is the third 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Scanning the scene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is the fourth 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Seeing the Scene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is the fifth 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Sketching the Scene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the sixth 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Searching for Evidence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is the seventh 7 “S” of crime scene investigation?

A

Securing and Collecting Evidence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Line/Strip Method

A

best in large, outdoor scenes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Grid

A

Basically a double-line search: effective but time-consuming

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Zone

A

most effective in houses or buildings: teams are assigned small zones for searching

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Spiral

A

May move inward or outward: best used when there are no physical barriers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

The case number

A

yearcase# 120111401= dec, 01,2014

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

The evidence inventory number

A

case number- evidence#_201401-01, 201401-02

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Why is an evidence log completed and what types of information does the log contain?

A

It indicates who has each piece of evidence and why. Information- name of victim, date and time of recovery, signature of person recovering evidence, signature of witnesses to collection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Chain of custody

A

Tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding and legal considerations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Describe how search and removal of evidence happens and which law or statute or amendment controls the search.

A

search and removal of evidence must be done according to the 4th amendment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Describe the rules for a warrantless search.

A

Existence of emergency circumstances, need to present immediate loss or destruction of evidence search of person/property made incident to lawful arrest, search made by consent of involved parties, plain view doctrine, circumstances defined by Supreme Court

52
Q

Medical examiner

A

A medical doctor (usually a pathologist) appointed by the governing body of the area

53
Q

Medical examiner system first step

A

Identify the deceased

54
Q

Medical examiner system second step

A

Establish the time and date

55
Q

Medical examiner system third step

A

Determine a medical cause of death (the injury or disease that resulted in the person dying)

56
Q

Medical examiner system fourth step

A

Determine the mechanism of death (the physiological reason the person died)

57
Q

Medical examiner system fifth step

A

Classify the manner of death (natural, accidental, suicide, homicide undetermined)

58
Q

Medical examiner system sixth step

A

Notify the next of kin

59
Q

Coroner

A

an elected official who usually has no special medical training. In four states, the coroner is a medical doctor.

60
Q

What does a coroner do?

A

Certifies cause of death

61
Q

Rules of good photographic evidence #1

A

DO NOT disturb the scene

62
Q

Rules of good photographic evidence #2

A

complete set of pictures

63
Q

Rules of good photographic evidence #3

A

pay attention to angles

64
Q

Rules of good photographic evidence #4

A

record all data

65
Q

Why are crime scene sketches important?

A

Assists in interrupting and interrogating persons, preparing an investigative report, presenting the case in court.

Accurately portrays physical facts, relates sequence of events at the scene, creates a mental picture of the scene for those not present, is a permanent record of the scene.

66
Q

Final sketch items requirements

A

Looks prettier: to scale, use a ruler, pencil only, all major furniture/items included, scale of room, lengths of items, including wall lengths, legend/key: names of furniture, evidence, symbols denoting evidence level: floor horizontal, Key: type of crime, location, sketch artists names, case number, compass indicating north, coordinates

67
Q

Rectangular coordinates

A

Rectangular coordinates: uses two adjacent walls as fixed points as distances are measured at right angles

68
Q

Baseline method

A

run a baseline from one fixed point to another, from which measurements taken at right angles

69
Q

Triangulation

A

common in outdoor scenes, two fixed objects create a triangle, evidence in angle formed by two straight lines

70
Q

Compass point method

A

uses a protractor to measure the angle formed by two lines

71
Q

Cross-projection

A

presents floors and walls as if they were on one surface

72
Q

Why are crime scene photos needed?

A

Testimonial evidence is faulty, admissions of guilt are not iron clad, jurors are influenced by what they can see and experience in the courtroom, photographs of the crime scene and evidence is powerful tool in bringing jury to crime scene

73
Q

Natural light

A

light from the sun

74
Q

Best use of natural light

A

produces different colors and contrasts based on time of day

75
Q

Back lighting

A

creates a silhouette- light source behind object

76
Q

Best use of back lighting

A

little value in crime scene photography

77
Q

Side lighting

A

puts shadows on unlit side

78
Q

Best use of side lighting

A

brings out fine texture, shadows obscure important interior details

79
Q

Front lighting

A

light source is behind you

80
Q

Best use of front lighting

A

best representation of most crime scenes

81
Q

Alternate light source

A

ultraviolet, infrared, fluorescent

82
Q

Galton’s contribution

A

Identified and named minutiae patterns. Published the first treatise on applying science to criminal investigation.

83
Q

Bertillon’s contribution

A

Developed a system to identify people using particular body measurements. Used anthropology to identify criminals

84
Q

Orfila’s contribution

A

Published a treatise on the detection of poisons.

85
Q

Locard’s contribution

A

Formulated his famous principle, “Every contact leaves a trace”

86
Q

James Watson and Francis Crick

A

discovered the DNA double helix

87
Q

Landsteiner’s contribution

A

Identified human blood groups, helped to discover Rh factor in human blood.

88
Q

What is the function of fingerprints?

A

All fingers, toes, feet and palms covered in small ridges, ridges help us grip objects, ridges are arranged in connected units called dermal or friction ridges, fingers accumulate natural secretions and dirt, fingers leave prints on objects we touch.

89
Q

How are fingerprints formed?

A

Basal layer grows faster than the layers above and below it, basal layer collapses and folds to form intricate shapes.
Formed during fetal development. Fetuses develop smooth volar pads because of the swelling tissue. Around week 10, the volar pads stop growing while the hands continue to grow. As a result, the volar pad is absorbed back into te hand and during this stage the first signs of ridges will start to appear. If the ridges appear while the volar pad is pronounced= whorl. Less pronounced= loop. Nearly absorbed= arch.

90
Q

Eccrine glands

A

secretes largely water with both salts and amino acids. Found on palms of hands, feet. Most important for fingerprints.

91
Q

Apocrine glands

A

secretes pheromones and other organic materials. Found in axial and genetical regions.

92
Q

Sebaceous glands

A

secretes fatty or greasy substances, sprouts a hair

93
Q

Will this test make you sweat? Why?

A

Yes, because of stimulus responses. The chief stimuli to sweating are heat, emotion and gustatory perspiration (eating spicy food). Emotional perspirations occurs characteristically on the forehead, axillae, palms and soles.

94
Q

Arches

A

a pattern in which ridges form a hill

95
Q

What is the first type of arch in which the friction ridges enter on one side of the print and flow out the other side with a rise or wave in the center? Percentage?

A

Plain arch and 4%

96
Q

What is the second type of arch in which two independent ridges come together and form an angle? Percentage?

A

Tented arch and 1%

97
Q

What percent of the population has arches?

A

About 5%

98
Q

Loops

A

a pattern in which one or more of the ridges enter on either side of the impression, recurve, touch or pass an imaginary line drawn from the delta to the core and tend to go towards the same side of the impression

99
Q

What is the first type of loop in which a fingerprint or palmprint pattern consists of a loop which opens toward the ulna side of the hand (toward the pinkie)?

A

Ulnar loop

100
Q

What is the second type of loop in which the pattern flows in the direction of the radius bone of the forearm (i.e., toward the thumb)?

A

Radiule/radial loop

101
Q

Whorls

A

a pattern of spirals or concentric circles, a pattern in which one of the two deltas and in at least one ridge makes a turn through one complete circuit

102
Q

What is the first type of whorl in which the pattern is the generic kind? Percentage?

A

Plain whorl and 2%

103
Q

What is the second type of whorl in which two deltas and at least one ridge make a complete circuit? Percentage?

A

Central pocket loop whorl and 4%

104
Q

What is the third type of whorl in which there are two separate loop formations with two separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas? Percentage?

A

Double loop whorl and 0.01%

105
Q

What percentage of the population has loops?

A

About 65%

106
Q

What is the fourth type of whorl in which there are two deltas and a combination of two different types of patterns? Percentage?

A

Accidental whorl and 23.99%

107
Q

What percent of the population has whorls?

A

About 30%

108
Q

Principle of permanence

A

a fingerprint will remain unchanged during an individual’s lifetime

109
Q

Principle of uniqueness

A

an individual characteristic: no two fingers have yet to be found to possess identical ridge characteristics

110
Q

Patent prints: Contaminated print

A

2.D, visible prints transferred onto smooth surfaces by blood or other liquids

111
Q

Patent prints: Plastic prints

A

3.D, indentations left in soft materials such as clay or wax

112
Q

Latent prints

A

made visible dusting with powders or the use of chemicals

113
Q

Dusting

A

a very fine powder is used that can stick oil to the fingerprint

114
Q

Ninhydrin reaction

A

reacts with amino acids to produce a purple color

115
Q

Ninhydrin surfaces

A

paper, tissue, clothing, porous surfaces

116
Q

Ninhydrin color development

A

purple blue print

117
Q

Silver nitrate reaction

A

reacts with chloride to form silver chloride, a material that turns grey when exposed to light

118
Q

Silver nitrate surfaces

A

wood, styrofoam

119
Q

Silver nitrate color development

A

black or reddish brown (under UV light)

120
Q

Cyanoacrylate reaction

A

“superglue” fumes react with water and other fingerprint constitutes to form a hard, whitish deposit

121
Q

Cyanoacrylate surfaces

A

household items, plastic, metal, glass

122
Q

Cyanoacrylate color development

A

white print

123
Q

Dusting powder surfaces

A

Glass, metal

124
Q

Porous

A

having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass.

125
Q

Porous examples

A

Sponges, wood, rubber, cork

126
Q

Non porous examples

A

glass, plastics, metals, steel

127
Q

Minutiae/Galton details

A

Core, ending ridge/ridge ending, short ridge, fork/bifurcation, delta, hook, eye, dot/island, crossover/bridge, enclosures, specialty, enclosure, enclosure spur

Forensic Science (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions