Vocab

Question 1

Optimum value

Answer 1

Greatest value for solving crime when:
➡️evidence collected properly
➡️know labs strengths and weaknesses
➡️chain of custody not broken 
➡️science begins at scene

Question 2

Polygraph

Answer 2

Lie detector

No longer considered admissible in any court as evidence - can be trained to trick system

*can be used to assist in investigation, but not in court

Question 3

Locard exchange principle

Answer 3

Whenever two objects come in contact with eachother , there is an exchange of materials between them

Question 4

Frye standard

“Can’t do it on the frye “

Answer 4

1923 federal case
Frye vs USA

hypothesis used to make a deduction must be scientifically established to have general acceptance

Question 5

Civil case

Answer 5

Determine competency in terms of preparing wills, settling property, or refusing medical treatment

Question 6

Forensic odentology

Answer 6

Characteristics of teeth and their alignment and overall structure of mouth

➡️provide individual evidence for identifying specific person

Question 7

Criminal case

Answer 7

Evaluate behavioral disorders and determine whether people are competent to stand trial

*also examine behavioral patterns of criminals as aid to developing suspect behavioral profiles

Question 8

DNA

Answer 8

Has more influence than any other form of evidence

200,000-300,000 convicted felons in DNA database
540,000 in evidence still to be analyzed

Question 9

Forensic computer and digital analysis

Answer 9

Involves identification, collection, preservation and examination of info derived from computers and other digital services

Question 10

Physical evidence

Answer 10

Key to labs success

All objects that can establish:
➡️crime
➡️link suspect/victim to scene

Question 11

Anthropometry

Answer 11

Systematic procedure of taking a series of body measurements as a means of distinguishing one individual from another

Question 12

CSI effect

Answer 12

Dramatization of forensic science on TV led to public belief that every crime scene yields forensic evidence

Produces unrealistic expectation that prosecutors case should be bolstered and supported by forensic evidence

Question 13

Forensic science

Answer 13

Application of science to law - knowledge and technology of science to the definition and enforcement of the law

Criminal and civil law

Question 14

Expert witness

Answer 14

Individual whom the court determines to possess knowledge relevant to the trial that is not expected of the average layperson

Question 15

Forensic engineering

Answer 15

Concerned with failure analysis, accident reconstruction, and causes and origins of fires or explosions