Unit 2: Forensics

Corpus Delicti

Body of the crime

What must you prove in corpus delecti

1. the crime that occurred

2. That the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crime

What are the top reasons for committing a crime in corpus delicti

1. money

2. revenge

3. emotion— love, hate, anger

What are sources of evidence

1. body

2. primary/secondary crime scene

3. suspects

describe what does the first officer on the scene do?

A) asses the crime scene and help those who are hurt

D) detain the witness

A) arrest the perpetrator

P) protect the crime scene

T) take notes

name the team members of a crime scene team

1. first officer on scene

2. medics

3. investigators

4. medical examiner

5. photographer

6. lab experts

Explain the medical examiner’s responsibilities

1. Identify- Identify the dead

2. Establish- Establish the time and date of death

3. Determine- determine the cause of death or the mechanism of death

4. Classify- classify the manner of death (natural, suicide, homicide)

5. Notify- notify the next of kin

What are the steps of processing a scene

1. secure the scene

2. document the scene

3. search for evidence and pack it

4. submit evidence to crime lab

5. ME will note body’s condition and possible time of death

Walk-through

performed by crime scene investigator, the first officer and sometimes lead detective

Give the purposes of doing a walk-through

• Get an overall view of the scene

• Identify possible evidence

• Note the scene’s layout and condition

• Plan how to collect and document evidence

• Avoid disturbing or contaminating the scene

what should crime scene sketches include?

1. measurements

2. depict possible paths of entry

3. title block w information on the case, crime scene, and person created the sketch

4. legends with identity and dimensions of objects in sketch

5. compass showing directions

6. body containing the sketch itself

7. points of reference for objects can be shown by distance measurements from 2 fixed points

Name all the search methods

line/strip, grid, zone, wheel, spiral

how should trace evidence be packaged?

wrapped in a specific way in paper called druggist fold

how should liquids and powders be packaged

in air tight containers so they dont evaporate

how should biological materials be stored

in cardboard to prevent mold

name the steps for crime scene reconstruction

1. data collection

2. hypothesis formation

3. examination, testing and analysis

4. determination of the significance of evidence

5. theory formation

testimonial evidence and what kind of evidence is it

statement made under oath (direct evidence)

physical evidence and what kind of evidence is it

any object that is relevant in a crime (indirect evidence)

give examples of physical evidence

hair, fibers, fingerprints, documents, blood

what are the tasks of forensic scientists

1. observe evidence and determine its identity and origin

2. determine physical and chemical properties like color, density, pH change

probable cause

having enough reason to believe a crime was committed.

transient evidence

temporary evidence that can be easily changed or lost

give examples of transient evidence

odor, temperature, imprints, markings

pattern evidence