FIS 201 > Exam 1 > Flashcards

Exam 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the goal of forensic science?

A

Provide true information

Forensic science aims to understand and describe the physical universe in relation to crime.

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2
Q

What does the term forensic refer to?

A

Forum: place of debate

In this context, it relates to the court of law where evidence is debated.

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3
Q

List the core processes of forensics.

A
  • Evidence
  • Information and Identification
  • Meaning

These processes help in understanding the relationship between evidence and crime.

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4
Q

True or false: “Good science” can require an infinite number of observations to be true.

A

FALSE

A hypothesis must be disprovable through empirical observation.

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5
Q

What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

A

Every action leaves a trace

This principle states that criminals leave behind evidence of their actions.

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6
Q

What are the steps in the evidence analysis process?

A
  • Detection
  • Preservation
  • Comparison/Identification
  • Association
  • Reconstruction
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7
Q

What is the ideal condition for evidence detection?

A

Large quantity of highly visible, persistent evidence on a clean surface

This condition enhances the likelihood of successful evidence collection.

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8
Q

What does preservation of evidence involve?

A
  • Photography and sketches
  • Appropriate packaging
  • Freezing
  • Controlled drying

These methods help maintain the integrity of evidence collected from crime scenes.

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9
Q

Define identification in forensic terms.

A

Placing an unknown in a restricted class

This process helps narrow down the source of evidence.

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10
Q

What is the difference between class characteristics and individualizing characteristics?

A
  • Class Characteristics: Shared traits among a group
  • Individualizing Characteristics: Unique traits of a specific object

Understanding these distinctions is vital for forensic identification.

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11
Q

What is the role of expert witnesses in court?

A

Testify about things they actually know about

Experts must analyze evidence before drawing conclusions.

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12
Q

What is the Frye standard in relation to scientific evidence?

A

A procedure must be generally accepted by the scientific community

This standard assesses the admissibility of scientific evidence in court.

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13
Q

What does Daubert vs Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc (1993) establish?

A

Scientific techniques should be tested and subject to peer review

This case set a precedent for evaluating scientific evidence in court.

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14
Q

What is the function of the crime lab?

A

Analyze crime scene evidence prior to courtroom presentation

Crime labs vary in organization based on jurisdiction and case types.

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15
Q

What is apophenia in the context of forensic science?

A

False patterns

This cognitive bias can lead to misinterpretation of evidence.

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16
Q

What is the importance* of understanding contamination in evidence analysis?

A

Contamination can alter evidence that has been transferred

Recognizing contamination is crucial for maintaining evidence integrity.

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17
Q

What are the types of physical evidence?

A
  • Real
  • Demonstrative

These types of evidence are used to establish facts in a courtroom.

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18
Q

What does reconstruction of evidence involve?

A

Putting evidence into a consistent story of the crime

This process helps to identify how a crime occurred.

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19
Q

What is the significance of eyewitness testimony?

A

Juries are more likely to accept it as direct evidence

However, eyewitness testimony can be influenced by various factors.

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20
Q

What does cognitive bias refer to in the context of eyewitness evidence?

A

Influences that can distort memory and perception

Factors like stress and intoxication can affect eyewitness reliability.

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21
Q

The Kumho Tire case established that Daubert factors apply to what type of experts?

A

All experts, not just scientists

This emphasizes the need for relevance and reliability in expert testimony.

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22
Q

According to Joiner, what must scientific evidence be?

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A

Specifically relevant

This highlights the importance of direct applicability to the case at hand.

23
Q

What is the scientific method used for in forensic science?

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A

To answer questions about specific cases

It provides a structured approach to investigation.

24
Q

List the good aspects of forensic science.

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A
  • Extensive training opportunities
  • Evidence generated during criminal activity
  • Standard method for identifying evidence
  • Strong legal framework for evidence presentation

These factors contribute to the reliability of forensic investigations.

25
List the bad aspects of forensic science.
- Reliance on non-falsifiable hypotheses - Variability in expert training - Subjectivity in some forensic areas - Potential for false positives and negatives - Challenges in evaluating research findings ## Footnote These issues can undermine the integrity of forensic evidence.
26
What are the steps of CSI?
- First response - Initial assessment and searching - Collection and processing - Final assessment ## Footnote These steps ensure a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
27
What is the goal of securing a crime scene?
Prevent contamination ## Footnote This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of evidence.
28
What are the immediate threats to victims at a crime scene?
- Ongoing crime - Acute trauma ## Footnote Addressing these threats is essential for victim safety.
29
What should be included when establishing boundaries at a crime scene?
- Primary scene - Secondary scenes - Points of entry/exit - Places where evidence may have moved ## Footnote Clear boundaries help in managing the investigation effectively.
30
What is the purpose of crime scene documentation?
- Logs - Notes - Photography - Sketches - Video ## Footnote Documentation is vital for legal proceedings and evidence integrity.
31
What are the types of search methods in crime scene investigation?
- Zone - Line search - Grid - Wheel/ray - Spiral - Link ## Footnote Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on the scene's specifics.
32
What is the goal of evidence collection?
Preserve intact without contamination ## Footnote Proper handling is crucial for maintaining evidence integrity.
33
What are examples of biological fluids that may be collected as evidence?
- Saliva - Semen - Blood - Urine - Feces - Vomitus ## Footnote These fluids can provide critical information in investigations.
34
What is livor mortis?
Bluish-purple discoloration of skin after death ## Footnote It indicates blood pooling at the lowest points of the body.
35
What does rigor mortis indicate?
Temporary fusion of muscle proteins ## Footnote It helps determine the position of the body at the time of death.
36
What are the types of trauma mentioned?
- Mechanical - Electrical - Thermal - Chemical - Asphyxia ## Footnote Understanding these types helps in reconstructing the events leading to injury.
37
What are the wound types in mechanical trauma?
- Closed - Open - Blunt force trauma - Sharp force trauma - Penetrating trauma ## Footnote Each type provides insights into the nature of the injury.
38
What is the role of a forensic anthropologist?
Specializes in anatomy, biology, and archeology ## Footnote They assist in identifying human remains and determining characteristics of the deceased.
39
What are common estimators of age in forensic anthropology?
- Sternal rib ends - Pubic symphysis ## Footnote These features help in estimating the age of skeletal remains.
40
What are the key components of a Biological Profile for unidentified remains?
- Age - Sex - Height - Ancestry ## Footnote These components help in comparing remains to reference material.
41
At birth, how many immature bones/ossification centers does a human have?
Approximately 405 ## Footnote Fusing results in about 206 adult bones.
42
Describe the characteristics of a female pelvis.
- U-shaped sub-pubic angle - Round, wide inlet - Wide sciatic notch ## Footnote T
43
Describe the characteristics of a male pelvis.
- V-shaped subpubic angle - Narrower or apple-shaped inlet - Narrower sciatic notch
44
What are the common features used to determine race, ancestry, or ethnicity?
- Eye orbit shape - Cheekbone shape - Nasal bone shape - Nasal opening shape - Prognathism ## Footnote These features vary among groups with distinct geographical histories.
45
What are the common features of African ancestry in skeletal remains?
Rectangular to squared orbits Wide nasal opening with gutter Alveolar prognathism common ## Footnote These features help in identifying ancestry.
46
What are the common features of Asian ancestry in skeletal remains?
Rounded eye orbits Projecting cheekbones ## Footnote These features help in identifying ancestry.
47
What are the common features of European ancestry in skeletal remains?
Angled, 'aviator' orbits Narrow nasal opening ## Footnote These features help in identifying ancestry.
48
Define Perimortem Fracture.
Bone is going to split or break with sharp edges ## Footnote The color is the same on both the inside and outside.
49
Define Postmortem Fracture.
Crumbly, irregular edges with color change ## Footnote Indicates that the fracture occurred after death.
50
What methods are used for locating remains?
- Visual Detection/CSI Search - Ground Penetrating Radar - Human Remains Detection Dogs - Metal Detector - Ground Penetrometer ## Footnote These methods assist in finding human remains in various environments.
51
What qualifications do forensic dentists typically have?
- College degree - Dental school - Specialty training - ABFO certification ## Footnote These qualifications are necessary for practicing forensic odontology.
52
What is the primary question forensic dentists address regarding teeth?
- Who do these teeth belong to? - How old is the person? - Can we identify the source of a bite mark? ## Footnote Teeth are more likely to survive decomposition than other body parts.
53
What is considered normal dentition?
32 teeth, evenly aligned and spaced ## Footnote Unusual dental features can indicate specific ancestry or conditions.
54
What is the bite mark value in forensic analysis?
Skin can accurately record marks ## Footnote However, this is not always true due to various factors affecting the skin.
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