Chapter 5: Interpretation and Evaluation of Scientific Evidence

Question 1

true/false “analysis” is unique to the FS

Answer 1

false

Question 2

according to Evett et al, what is the crucial element that the scientist brings to any case

Answer 2

interpretation of observations

Question 3

what are the two strategies for FS

Answer 3

• investigative
• evaluative

Question 4

what FS strategy is considered traditional and intuitive

Answer 4

investigative

Question 5

what FS strategy is based on the black-box view

Answer 5

investigative

Question 6

The model for delivery of evaluative forensic science is termed what

Answer 6

case assessment and interpretation (CAI)

Question 7

true/false expert witness may provide both factual and opinion evidence

Answer 7

true

Question 8

what type of opinion is rarely controversial

Answer 8

factual

Question 9

“The sample is cocaine hydrochloride” is what type of opinion

Answer 9

factual

Question 10

“The blood sample contains 90mgdm–3 of alcohol” is what type of opinoin

Answer 10

factual

Question 11

what is the difference between a factual and investigative opinion

Answer 11

• factual result of a test, and no attempt to daw an explanation or inference form it
• investigative reflects the significance of the experts findings to the case

Question 12

what are the four modes of evidence examinations

Answer 12

• identification
• comparison
• classification
• individualization

Question 13

describe identification as a mode of evidence exam

Answer 13

establishing as a fact the general nature/ type of evidence

Question 14

describe comparison as a mode of evidence exam

Answer 14

• basis of observations and measurements
• to determine if evidence is indistinguishable from some reference material, and thus by implication they may be from the same source

Question 15

describe classification as a mode of evidence exam

Answer 15

characterization based on the identification of a set of generic traits that place them into a group

Question 16

describe individualization as a mode of evidence exam

Answer 16

• observation of features that make this evidence stand out from its class
• w a view to make the material unique (within limitations)

Question 17

what are the different forms of categorical outcomes

Answer 17

• identification of materials
• exclusion of materials/ negative assertion

Question 18

true/false posterior probabilities are based on rigorous statistical interpretation

Answer 18

• false
• choice of words is purely subjective

Question 19

“The hair could have come from the head of the defendant” is an example of what

Answer 19

explanations

Question 20

“I cannot exclude…” is an example of what

Answer 20

explanation

Question 21

what is a proposition

Answer 21

a statement that is capable of being tested in some way with a view of determining whether it is true or not

Question 22

“Mr X had intercourse with Miss Y” is an example of what level proposition

Answer 22

activity level

Question 23

“Mr C stabbed Mr D with a knife” is an example of what level proposition

Answer 23

offence level

Question 24

“Mr Z broke the glass screen on the post‐office counter” is an example of what level proposition

Answer 24

activity level

Question 25

"The semen on the vaginal swab came from Mr X" is an example of what level proposition

Answer 25

source level

Question 26

turn this "The footwear mark on the kitchen floor originated from the presence of the defendant at the scene" into activity level

Answer 26

The footwear marks on the kitchen work surface and on the floor beneath, originated from the defendant climbing through the window and jumping on to the floor

Question 27

turn this "The footwear mark on the kitchen floor originated from the presence of the defendant at the scene" into the defences case

Answer 27

The footwear mark on the kitchen floor originated from the presence at the scene of **someone other than the accused**