Study Guide Unit 1

Question 1

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

Answer 1

1. Observe a problem of questioned evidence and collect objective data.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

2. Consider a hypothesis or possible solution.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

3. Examine, test and then analyze the evidence.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

4. Determine the significance of the evidence.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

5. Formulate a theory based on the evaluation of the significance of the evidence.

Question 6

What is the 1st rule for good observation by forensic investigators?

Answer 6

Make a conscious effort to examine our environment systematically.

Question 7

What is the 2nd rule for good observation by forensic investigators?

Answer 7

Consciously decide to observe everything, no matter what.

Question 8

What is the 3rd rule for good observation by forensic investigators?

Answer 8

Concentrate first and foremost on gathering all of the available information and leaving the interpretation until we have as much information as possible.

Question 9

What is the 4th rule for good observation by forensic investigators?

Answer 9

Write down and photograph as much information as possible.

Question 10

Forensic

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Forensic science/scientist

Answer 11

The study and application of science to matters of law.

Question 12

Criminalistics

Answer 12

The scientific examination of physical evidence for legal purposes.

Question 13

Criminology

Answer 13

Includes the psychological angle: studying the crime scene for motive, traits and behavior that will help to interpret the evidence.

Question 14

Probative

Answer 14

Actually proves something.

Question 15

Material

Answer 15

Addresses an issue that is relevant to the particular crime.

Question 16

Infraction

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Misdemeanor

Answer 17

Minor crime punishable by fine or jail.

Question 18

Felony

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Miranda Rights

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Entomology

Answer 20

The study of the application of insects and other arthropods in criminal investigation.

Question 21

Odontology

Answer 21

The study of dental evidence (handling, examination and evaluation)

Question 22

Pathology

Answer 22

The study of disease and causes of death (non natural or suspicious deaths)

Question 23

Anthropology

Answer 23

The study of human remains.

Question 24

Constitutional Law

Answer 24

Final authority on laws.

Question 25

Statutory Law

Answer 25

Legislative acts declaring, commanding or prohibiting something.

Question 26

Common or case law

Answer 26

Body of law made up of judicial opinions or precedents.

Question 27

Criminal law

Answer 27

Regulation and enforcement of rights, settling the acceptable limits or conduct in society.

Question 28

Equity law

Answer 28

Remedial or preventive (restraining order)

Question 29

Administrative Law

Answer 29

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

Question 30

CODIS

Answer 30

Combined DNA Index System

Question 31

AFIS

Answer 31

Automated Fingerprint Identification System

Question 32

Frye Standard

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Daubert Ruling

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Expert witness

Answer 34

The expert witness presents scientific evidence in court.

Question 35

The 3 facets of guilt (MMO)

Answer 35

Motive: person had a reason to do the crime (no 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

Question 36

Issues with eyewitness accounts

Answer 36

Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause at wrongful convictions, playing a role in more than 75% of convictions overturned through DNA testing.

Question 37

Casey Anthony case study

Answer 37

Casey murdered Caylee and lied about it

Question 38

Henry’s contribution

Answer 38

Developed the first classification system for fingerprint identification.

Question 39

Bertillon’s contribution

Answer 39

Developed a system to identify people using particular body measurements.

Question 40

Locard’s contribution

Answer 40

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

Question 41

Galton’s contribution

Answer 41

Published the first treatise on applying science to criminal investigation.

Question 42

Landsteiner’s contribution

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Jeffreys contribution

Answer 43

Developed and used the first DNA tests to be applied to a criminal case.

Question 44

Orfila’s contribution

Answer 44

Published a treatise on the detection of poisons.