Chapter 1 test

What is forensic science?

The application of science to criminal and civil investigations.

Define analytical skill in the context of forensic science.

The ability to examine evidence, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions.

What is the purpose of forensic science?

To use scientific methods to analyze evidence, establish facts, and support legal investigations.

What distinguishes observation from perception?

Observation is objective and based on senses, while perception is subjective and influenced by individual interpretation.

What is the role of a first responder at a crime scene?

To secure the scene, provide emergency aid, and begin initial documentation.

What does chain of custody refer to?

A documented process to track evidence handling and ensure its integrity.

What is Locard's Principle of Exchange?

Every contact leaves a trace; evidence is always transferred during an interaction.

What are the seven steps of crime scene investigation?

1. Secure the Scene 2. Separate Witnesses 3. Scan the Scene 4. See the Scene 5. Sketch the Scene 6. Search for Evidence 7. Secure and Collect Evidence.

Differentiate between direct evidence and circumstantial evidence.

Direct evidence directly proves a fact, while circumstantial evidence requires inference to link it to the crime.

How can eyewitness interviews be made more accurate?

Use open-ended questions, avoid leading language, separate witnesses, and build rapport.

What are fingerprints?

Unique patterns of ridges and grooves on the fingertips, used for identification.

What can forensic entomology determine?

The time of death by studying insect activity on decomposing remains.

What is DNA profiling?

A forensic technique used to identify individuals by their unique DNA patterns.

What is the purpose of a forensic autopsy?

To determine the cause of death through detailed examination of the body.

Define ballistics in forensic science.

The study of firearms, ammunition, and the effects of projectiles.

What is the significance of trace evidence?

Small materials transferred between people, objects, or environments that can link a suspect to a crime.

What role does forensic anthropology play?

To identify human skeletal remains and assess trauma or pathology.

What is blood spatter analysis?

The examination of blood patterns to help reconstruct the events of a crime.

Define the term 'forensic odontology.'

The study of dental records and bite marks for identification purposes.

What is the purpose of forensic psychology?

To understand psychological aspects of criminal behavior and aid legal processes.

Forensic science involves the application of _____ to criminal and civil investigations.

science

The ability to examine evidence, identify patterns, and draw logical conclusions is known as _____ skill.

analytical

The main purpose of forensic science is to use scientific methods to analyze _____ and support legal investigations.

evidence

_____ refers to a documented process to track evidence handling and ensure its integrity.

Chain of custody

Locard's Principle of Exchange states that every contact leaves a _____; evidence is always transferred during an interaction.

trace

The seven steps of crime scene investigation include securing the scene, separating witnesses, and _____ for evidence.

searching

_____ evidence directly proves a fact, while circumstantial evidence requires inference to link it to the crime.

Direct

Using open-ended questions and avoiding leading language can make eyewitness interviews more _____.

accurate

_____ are unique patterns of ridges and grooves on the fingertips, used for identification.

Fingerprints

Forensic entomology can determine the _____ of death by studying insect activity on decomposing remains.

time

DNA profiling is a technique used to identify individuals by their unique _____ patterns.

DNA

The purpose of a forensic autopsy is to determine the _____ of death through detailed examination.

cause

In forensic science, ballistics is the study of _____, ammunition, and the effects of projectiles.

firearms

Trace evidence consists of small materials transferred between people, objects, or _____ that can link a suspect to a crime.

environments

Forensic anthropology is used to identify human _____ remains and assess trauma.

skeletal

Blood spatter analysis involves examining blood patterns to help reconstruct the _____ of a crime.

events

Forensic odontology is the study of _____ records and bite marks for identification purposes.

dental

The purpose of forensic psychology includes understanding psychological aspects of _____ behavior.

criminal

A first responder at a crime scene is responsible for securing the _____ and providing emergency aid.

scene

_____ is the examination of evidence that requires logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Analysis

Forensic toxicology studies the presence of _____ in biological samples to determine effects on health.

toxins

The role of a forensic pathologist is to determine the _____ of death through examination of the body.

manner

A sketch of the crime scene should include important landmarks, evidence, and _____ indicators.

measurement

The initial scan of a crime scene helps in identifying potential _____ and areas for further examination.

evidence

Forensic linguistics involves the analysis of _____ to determine authorship or meaning.

language

Digital forensics is the recovery of material from digital devices that can serve as _____ in investigations.

evidence

The testimony of a forensic expert is typically based on _____ reviews and established methodologies.

scientific

In a court of law, forensic evidence must be proven to be _____ and reliable to be admissible.

valid

In forensic science, the presence of _____ traces can link a suspect or victim to the crime scene.

biological

Forensic entomologists may collect insect specimens from the body or surrounding area to establish a timeline of _____ events.

decomposition

The concept of ____ evidence includes materials like hair, fibers, and soil that can associate suspects with a crime scene.

trace

In interpreting forensic evidence, it is crucial to distinguish between correlation and _____ causation.

causal

Establishing the _____ of evidence ensures it has not been altered or tampered with since being collected.

integrity

What is forensic science?

The application of science to criminal and civil investigations.

What are the three main types of evidence in forensic investigations?

Physical, biological, and digital evidence.

What is a forensic scientist?

A professional who applies scientific knowledge to solve criminal and civil cases.

What does forensic pathology study?

The causes and manners of deaths through the examination of corpses.

What are forensic fingerprints used for?

To uniquely identify individuals based on the pattern of ridges and grooves on their fingertips.

What is the significance of bite mark analysis?

It can link a suspect to a victim or crime scene through unique dental impressions.

What role does forensic accounting play?

It investigates financial discrepancies and fraud in legal matters.

What is the purpose of a forensic interview?

To elicit accurate and reliable information from witnesses or victims.

Define the term 'forensic engineering.'

The investigation of materials, products, and structures to determine causes of failure.

What is a crime scene investigator (CSI)?

A professional who collects and analyzes physical evidence from a crime scene.

What types of analysis are used in forensic biology?

DNA analysis, serology, and microbiological tests.

What is toxicology in forensic science?

The study of the effects of drugs and poisons on the body.

How is fiber evidence significant in forensic investigations?

Fibers can link suspects, victims, and locations through transfer evidence.

What does a forensic psychologist assess?

The mental state of individuals involved in the legal system, including defendants.

What is the process of forensic reconstructive surgery?

To restore the appearance of unidentified remains for identification purposes.

Define digital forensics.

The preservation, identification, and analysis of electronic data for legal investigations.

What is a controlled substance?

Drugs that are illegal or restricted under law due to their potential for abuse.

What is bloodstain pattern analysis?

The examination of blood patterns to reconstruct the events surrounding a crime.

What role do cadaver dogs play in forensic science?

They are used to locate human remains through scent detection.

What is forensic timing?

The estimation of time related to the events surrounding a crime based on evidence.

What is evidence preservation?

The process of collecting, securing, and storing physical evidence to prevent contamination.

Define the term 'chain of custody.'

A documented process for maintaining and proving the handling of evidence.

What does forensic linguistics analyze?

Language usage and its implications in legal contexts.

What is geographical profiling?

A statistical method to determine the likely area where a criminal lives based on crime locations.

What does forensic serology involve?

The analysis of bodily fluids to establish connections to individuals.

What is the role of forensic digital analysis?

To retrieve, analyze, and present digital evidence from devices.

What is a polygraph test?

A lie detection test that measures physiological responses while asking questions.

How do forensic artists assist investigations?

They create composites or reconstructions to identify individuals based on descriptions.

What is 3D crime scene scanning?

A technological method used to capture and recreate crime scenes in three dimensions.

How does forensic odontology assist in disaster victim identification?

By matching dental records to unidentified remains.

What does forensic archeology involve?

The recovery and analysis of remains and artifacts from archaeological sites.

What is autopsy and what is its purpose?

An examination of a body to determine the cause of death.

What is the importance of scene sketches in forensic investigations?

They provide a visual reference for the layout of a crime scene and evidence location.

What is forensic photography?

The use of photography to capture crime scenes, evidence, and injuries for legal purposes.

What is the role of a forensic document examiner?

To analyze handwriting, typewriting, and documents to detect alterations or authenticity.

What does a forensic nurse do?

Provides specialized care for victims of violence and collects evidence.

What is the significance of soil analysis in forensic science?

Helps link a suspect or victim to a crime scene through soil samples.

What is the purpose of a crime lab?

To analyze physical evidence collected from crime scenes for investigative purposes.

Define forensic microbiology.

The study and analysis of microorganisms in relation to criminal investigations.

What is the role of a forensic engineer?

To examine structures and materials for failures in criminal or civil cases.

What are the main components of a crime scene report?

Description of the scene, evidence collected, and investigative actions taken.

What is the function of a medical examiner?

To determine cause and manner of death through post-mortem examinations.

What is forensic chemistry?

The analysis of chemical substances related to criminal investigations.

What does a fingerprint analyst do?

Compares fingerprint patterns to identify individuals.

Define forensic sociology.

The study of social factors related to crime and criminal behavior.

What is the role of police officers at a crime scene?

To secure the scene and ensure safety for investigators.

What is the importance of evidence collection?

To ensure that evidence is preserved and maintained for legal processes.