FIRST TEST - FORENSICS

(Refer to all Slides under 'CSI Basics' and the Study Guide)

[…] is when one uses science to address questions of law.

Forensic Science

A […] is a person who objectively examines evidence, documents methods and results, and explains conclusion and limitations.

Forensic Scientist

[…] is the person who invented forensic toxicology and the study of poisons.

Mathieu Orfila

[…] is the person who invented anthropometry and systematic identification photography.

Alphonse Bertillon

[…] is the person who invented the fingerprint study, classification, and individuality.

Francis Galton

[…] is the person who invented the fingerprint study, classification, and individuality.

Francis Galton

[…] is the person who invented criminalistics and the scientific investigation handbook.

Hans Gross

[…] is the person who created the exchange principle and the early police crime lab.

Edmond Locard

[…] is the person who invented firearms examination and comparison microscopy.

Calvin Goddard

[…] is the rule where every contact leaves a trace.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

An […] is when a detail is directly seen, sensed, or measured. (Think senses).

Observation

An […] is a possible explanation based on observations.

Inference

[…] is how the brain selects and interprets sensory information.

Perception

[…] is an expectation or preference that may influence what someone notices or concludes.

Bias

[…] is a person’s report of what they saw or experienced; it may be direct evidence but is not automatically accurate like direct evidence.

Eyewitness Testimony

Why can memory be wrong?

• Limited Attention

• Stress

• Poor Viewing Conditions

• Time

• Suggestive Questions

• Discussion

• Bias

• Reconstructive Memory

The […] uses evidence, including DNA testing, in order to investigate wrongful convictions. It demonstrates why corroboration, valid methods, objective analysis, and reliable eyewitness procedures matter.

Innocence Project

[…] evidence supports a fact without an inference.

Direct

[…] evidence requires reasoning.

Circumstantial

[…] evidence is a person’s spoken or written statement.

Testimonial

[…] evidence is a material item that can be collected and analyzed.

Physical

[…] evidence is small transferred material such as hair, fibers, glass, or soil.

Trace

[…] evidence is associated with a group: shoe size, fiber type, hair without root DNA.

Class

[…] evidence is associated with one unique source to a very high degree: DNA profile, fingerprint, matching torn edges.

Individual

A […] is the original location where the crime occurred.

Primary Scene

A […] is the other location connected to the crime.

Secondary Scene

A […] helps victims, controls entry, separates people, secures the scene, and records initial conditions.

First Responder

A […] is an unbroken written record of who collected, possessed, transferred, or examined evidence and when.

Chain of Custody

A […] is a permanent fixed reference point used for measurements.

Datum Point

A [...] is when one uses evidence to develop and test the sequence of events.

Reconstruction

What are the 7 S’s in order?

1. Secure: Protect people, boundaries, and evidence.

2. Separate: Keep witnesses from influencing each other.

3. Scan/Survey: Identify boundaries, fragile evidence, and search needs.

4. See/Document: Make notes, photographs, and video before moving evidence.

5. Sketch: Record measurements, orientation, and spatial relationships.

6. Search: Use a systematic line, grid, zone, or spiral pattern.

7. Secure and Collect: Package separately, lavel, seal, Document, and preserve chain of custody.

What should a Crime Scene Sketch include?

• Case number, date, time, and location.

• North arrow and orientation.

• Doors, windows, furniture, and fixed objects.

• Scale or '“not to scale”

• Sketch artist

• Evidence numbers and key

• Measurements to the center of evidence

• Datum or fixed reference points