Unit 2-3 Test

Locard exchange principle

Whenever objects come in contact with each other, there is a cross-transfer/exchange of evidence.

CSI Effect

Tendency of the public to believe that every crime scene will yield forensic evidence and have unrealistic expectations regarding forensic support in prosecutions.

The Frye Standard

Scientific evidence is allowed in court if it is generally accepted by the relevant scientific community; the jury decides its use.

The Daubert Ruling

The judge determines if evidence can be entered into trial based on testability, peer review, standards, acceptance, and error rate.

Forensic Science

The study and application of science to connect a violation of law to a specific criminal, act, or victim.

Data

Information gathered during an experiment.

Scientific Method

A process using logical steps to find answers to questions.

Hypothesis

An educated guess.

Miranda Rights

You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can be used against you.

Observations

Information gained through our senses.

Defense

Reviews cases for potential trial issues, prepares the case, and makes evidentiary challenges based on case law.

Forensic Scientist

Collects, processes, and interprets evidence, prepares reports, and testifies as an expert witness.

Judge

Researches case law, reviews motions, and monitors the trial.

Prosecutor

Reviews cases for potential trial issues, prepares the case, and defends against evidentiary challenges.

Police/Investigator

Manages the crime scene, oversees evidence collection, writes warrants, and makes arrests.

4th Amendment

Regulates evidence collection and provides guidelines for search and seizure.

5th Amendment

Prohibits self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and mandates due process of law.

6th Amendment

Provides rights to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, a defense attorney, arraignment, and to face witnesses.

7th Amendment

Provides the right to a trial by peers and a definite & final verdict.

Crime Scene Investigator

Specially trained personnel who retrieve and properly collect and package evidence.

Criminalist

Works with physical evidence to analyze, identify, and interpret items that may help solve a crime.

Forensic Anthropologist

Studies the human skeleton system to help identify deceased remains.

Forensic Psychologist

Studies mental processes and behavior in civil and criminal matters.

Criminologist

Studies the psychology and behavior of criminals.

Forensic Pathologist/Medical Examiner

Performs autopsies and determines the cause of death.

Forensic Serologist

Studies DNA, blood types, and heredity as they apply to evidence.

Coroner

Transports corpses from crime scenes to the morgue and aids in death investigations.

Admissible

Acceptable as evidence in court and obtained lawfully.

Arraignment

A formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant.

Plea bargain

An agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for dropping more serious charges.

Due process

Everyone must be treated the same under the law.

Double jeopardy

A person found innocent of a crime cannot be tried again for that same crime.

Search warrant

A judicial order authorizing law enforcement to conduct a search and seize evidence.

Infraction

A minor violation of a rule or law.

Misdemeanor

A less serious crime, typically punishable by fines or short-term imprisonment.

Felony

A serious crime, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or by death.

Circumstances for no search warrant

If consent is given, someone is in immediate danger, after an arrest, if evidence is in plain view, or if there is reasonable suspicion.

Requirements for evidence admission

Must be obtained legally, be probative (prove something), and be material (relevant to the crime).