criminal investigations midterm

Direct Evidence

Proof that directly establishes a fact without the need for inference.

Circumstantial Evidence

Proof that requires an inference to be drawn based on other facts.

Person Crime

involves one person physically victimizing another

Property Crime

damage/destruction of physical property

Vice Crime

offenses that offend the morals of society

Preliminary Investigation

The initial inquiry of a crime by a patrol officer

• Terminate active danger

• Provide medical assistance

• Secure the crime scene

• Record the crime scene

• Categorize evidence

• Conduct interviews

Locard’s Exchange Principle

A forensic science principle stating that when two objects come into contact, they exchange material.

Patent Fingerprints

made from visible substances on our hands

Latent Fingerprints

made from invisible substances on our hands

Plastic Fingerprints

3d impression on a soft material

Class Characteristics

a type of physical evidence that can be used to narrow down a list of possible sources

Individual Characteristics

physical evidence that possesses unique features or markings that can be linked to a specific source with a high degree of certainty

Mens Rea

offender’s intention when they committed the crime (evil thought)

Actus Reus

actions taken by an offender to fulfill his criminal intentions (evil act)

Eyewitness

A person who has personally seen something happen and can give a first-hand description of it.

Interrogation

A firm discussion between an officer and a suspect, requiring the suspect to be Mirandized.

Interview

A brief, non-accusatory talk

Confession

A statement where someone explicitly admits to committing a crime.

Admission

a statement acknowledging a fact or circumstance related to a case

Solvability Factors

pieces of information that help investigators solve crimes

Stop and Frisk

when a police officer temporarily detains someone and pats them down for weapons

Exclusionary Rule

A legal rule preventing the use of evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights.

Excited Utterance

a spontaneous statement made in response to a shocking event

• exception to the hearsay rule

Homicide

the act of one person causing death to another person

Murder

A form of homicide involving intent to kill or cause serious harm.

1st Degree Murder

premeditated, intentional killing or a killing committed during certain felonies

2nd Degree Murder

intentional killing that is not premeditated but shows reckless disregard for human life

3rd Degree Murder

unintentional killings resulting from reckless behavior

Manslaughter

the unlawful killing of a person without malice

Involuntary Manslaughter

Unlawful killing due to reckless or negligent actions without intent to kill.

Voluntary Manslaughter

killing in the heat of passion or due to provocation without prior intent

Medical Examiner

A licensed physician who performs autopsies.

Coroner

an elected or appointed official responsible for determining the cause of death, relying on M.E.s for autopsies

Manner of Death

classification of death

Cause of Death

the specific disease/injury leading to death

Lividity (Livor Mortis)

Blood settling in the lowest parts of the body after death, creating purplish discoloration.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffening of muscles after death, usually setting in within 2-6 hours.

Algor Mortis

The cooling of the body after death, used to estimate time of death based on temperature drop.