Study Guide Unit 1 Flashcards
What is the first step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?
- Observe a problem of questioned evidence and collect objective data.
What is the second step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?
- Consider a hypothesis or possible solution.
What is the third step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?
- Examine, test and then analyze the evidence.
What is the fourth step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?
- Determine the significance of the evidence.
What is the fifth step of the scientific method as it pertains to forensic science?
- Formulate a theory based on the evaluation of the significance of the evidence.
What is the 1st rule for good observation by forensic investigators?
Make a conscious effort to examine our environment systematically.
What is the 2nd rule for good observation by forensic investigators?
Consciously decide to observe everything, no matter what.
What is the 3rd rule for good observation by forensic investigators?
Concentrate first and foremost on gathering all of the available information and leaving the interpretation until we have as much information as possible.
What is the 4th rule for good observation by forensic investigators?
Write down and photograph as much information as possible.
Forensic
derived from the Latin forensis, meaning forum, a public place, where in other times, senators and others debated, performed and held judicial proceedings.
Forensic science/scientist
The study and application of science to matters of law.
Criminalistics
The scientific examination of physical evidence for legal purposes.
Criminology
Includes the psychological angle: studying the crime scene for motive, traits and behavior that will help to interpret the evidence.
Probative
Actually proves something.
Material
Addresses an issue that is relevant to the particular crime.
Infraction
Minor offence or petty crime: penalty is usually a fine.
Misdemeanor
Minor crime punishable by fine or jail.
Felony
Major crime punishable by fines and/or more than one year in prison.
Miranda Rights
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.
Entomology
The study of the application of insects and other arthropods in criminal investigation.
Odontology
The study of dental evidence (handling, examination and evaluation)
Pathology
The study of disease and causes of death (non natural or suspicious deaths)
Anthropology
The study of human remains.
Constitutional Law
Final authority on laws.
Statutory Law
Legislative acts declaring, commanding or prohibiting something.
Common or case law
Body of law made up of judicial opinions or precedents.
Criminal law
Regulation and enforcement of rights, settling the acceptable limits or conduct in society.
Equity law
Remedial or preventive (restraining order)
Administrative Law
Rules or laws established by agencies such as IRS, SSA, military.
CODIS
Combined DNA Index System
AFIS
Automated Fingerprint Identification System
Frye Standard
Scientific evidence is allowed into the courtroom if it is generally accepted by the relevant scientific community.
Daubert Ruling
The judge decides if the evidence can be entered into trial.
Expert witness
The expert witness presents scientific evidence in court.
The 3 facets of guilt (MMO)
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
Issues with eyewitness accounts
Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause at wrongful convictions, playing a role in more than 75% of convictions overturned through DNA testing.
Casey Anthony case study
Casey murdered Caylee and lied about it
Henry’s contribution
Developed the first classification system for fingerprint identification.
Bertillon’s contribution
Developed a system to identify people using particular body measurements.
Locard’s contribution
Formulated his famous principle, “Every contact leaves a trace”
Galton’s contribution
Published the first treatise on applying science to criminal investigation.
Landsteiner’s contribution
Identified human blood groups, helped to discover Rh factor in human blood.
Jeffreys contribution
Developed and used the first DNA tests to be applied to a criminal case.
Orfila’s contribution
Published a treatise on the detection of poisons.
