Key Concepts in Criminalistics and Forensic Science

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts and details related to criminalistics and forensic science, essential for exam preparation.

What is the definition of forensic as derived from Latin and Greek origins?

Forensic refers to something that is of or pertaining to the forum, indicating its public nature and involvement in scientific applications to legal contexts.

What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

It ruled that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal, leading to the desegregation of schools.

What is the main role of a Forensic Scientist?

A Forensic Scientist mainly conducts laboratory work to analyze and test collected evidence such as DNA, blood samples, and fingerprints.

What is the primary focus of a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)?

A CSI is responsible for collecting evidence from a crime scene, protecting it from contamination, and ensuring it is properly documented and stored.

Who is often referred to as the Father of Forensic Science in the USA?

Dr. Paul Kirk is commonly recognized as the Father of Forensic Science in the USA.

What is Chain of Custody in forensic investigations?

Chain of Custody refers to the systematic tracking and documentation of evidence handling from the crime scene to analysis in the lab.

What is the role of The Anthropology Research Facility or Body Farm?

It is a facility established to study human decomposition and contribute to forensic research.

When was the first system for classifying fingerprints established, and by whom?

The first fingerprint classification system was established in 1892 by eugenist Sir Francis Galton.

What is the significance of the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS)?

IBIS is a forensic technique that uses ballistic fingerprinting to match bullets recovered at crime scenes to specific firearms.

What does forensic entomology study?

Forensic entomology involves the examination of insects in and around human remains to assist in determining the time of death.

What is dental DNA fingerprinting and its significance?

Dental DNA fingerprinting takes advantage of the uniqueness of an individual’s DNA from dental pulp to help identify victims or suspects.

What does forensic pathology focus on?

Forensic pathology is the application of medical principles to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in suspicious cases.

How does the Gustafson method aid in age determination in forensic dentistry?

The Gustafson method involves histological analysis of dental structures to estimate a person's age at the time of death.

What are the stages of decomposition as studied in forensic science?

The stages of decomposition include fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay, and dry remains, each with distinctive characteristics.

What are some common factors affecting the validity of bite mark evidence in courts?

Bite mark evidence can be influenced by variations in individual dentition and may be subject to misidentification.