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What is the primary focus of forensic science?
The skill of observation to uncover evidence and discover the facts of a crime.
What is forensic science?
Using science to help resolve legal matters.
What is the role of a forensic investigator?
Collects and examines physical evidence, reports to law enforcement, and possibly testifies in court.
What are the tools of a forensic investigator?
Ability to observe, interpret, report findings, identify evidence, document it, and determine its significance.
What types of data do forensic scientists collect?
Qualitative and quantitative data.
What is the significance of communication for forensic scientists?
They must convince a jury that evidence is scientific, reliable, valid, and sufficient.
What is the process of deductive reasoning in forensic science?
A scientific method that includes stating a problem, proposing a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
What model is used in deductive reasoning?
Claim Evidence Reasoning Model.
What is observation in the context of forensic science?
Gathering information through senses without thinking, often influenced by filters.
What is perception?
Interpreting sensory observations, which may not always be accurate.
What influences eyewitness perceptions?
Emotional states.
Why is eyewitness testimony often considered faulty?
Because perceptions can be incorrect and vary from person to person.
What are some tips to improve observation skills?
Examine the environment systematically, avoid looking for patterns, and concentrate on gathering information.
What should an interviewer do when conducting eyewitness interviews?
Separate witnesses, help reconstruct events, and avoid interjecting biases.
How can one identify a truth or lie in an eyewitness account?
A true account is consistent each time it's told, while lies are hard to repeat exactly.
What does forensic science involve?
Application of science to help resolve legal matters.
What are the responsibilities of forensic scientists?
To find, examine, photograph, document, evaluate evidence, and provide expert testimony.
What is the distinction between facts and opinions in witness testimony?
Facts are based on evidence; opinions are based on perceived events.
What is Locard's Principle of Exchange?
Physical transfer occurs whenever two people come into contact, creating trace evidence.
What are the two classifications of evidence?
Direct evidence (firsthand observations) and circumstantial evidence (implies a fact but does not prove it).
What is the difference between class evidence and individual evidence?
Class evidence is a group of persons or things; individual evidence narrows identity (e.g. fingerprint, DNA).
What are the Seven S's of crime scene investigation?
Securing the scene, separating witnesses, scanning the scene, seeing the scene, sketching the scene, searching for evidence, securing and collecting evidence.
What is necessary to map an outdoor crime scene?
Establishing a collection site, locating a datum point, and measuring evidence positions.
Who analyzes evidence from a crime scene?
Lab technicians and detectives.
What are some advances in technology for crime scene investigations?
Surveillance cameras, facial recognition, ground penetrating radar, drones, 3-D stationary camera systems.
What is crucial to ensure evidence is handled correctly?
Evidence must be properly packaged, sealed, and labeled.
What should first responders do at a crime scene?
Identify the extent of a crime scene.
What is essential for expert witness testimony?
Evidence must be scientific, sufficient, reliable, and valid.
What common crimes are often staged?
Arson, murder staged as suicide, and burglary for insurance money.
What methodology is used to determine if a crime scene was staged?
Evaluate the victim's profile, establish behaviors before the event, and corroborate statements.
When are eyewitness accounts valuable?
They are valuable but must be approached with caution due to varying accuracy.
What skills must forensic scientists continuously improve?
Observation skills.
What is the role of medical examiners at a crime scene?
Determine the manner of death.
What should forensic investigators document at crime scenes?
Photographs, sketches, and detailed evidence records.
How can observational skills be improved?
By limiting distractions and increasing awareness.
What is a key factor in eyewitness testimony?
The potential for emotional states to influence perceptions.
What does the analysis of evidence involve?
Forming a hypothesis based on the evidence and reconstructing the crime scene.
What is the importance of organization in crime scene investigation?
To ensure that evidence can be accurately interpreted and used in legal proceedings.
What do detectives do in crime scene investigations?
Interview witnesses and consult with other professionals to gather evidence.
How is the validity of evidence determined?
Evaluated to be scientific, sufficient, reliable, and valid.
What key aspect must forensic investigators avoid in interviews?
Injecting their own biases.
How do forensic scientists communicate the results of their investigations?
By reporting findings and potentially testifying in court.
What must witnesses do to aid investigations?
Recall events accurately and without bias.
What role does the first responder play in a crime scene investigation?
Securing the scene and ensuring no evidence is lost.
What are some factors that affect an eyewitness's account?
Lighting, stress levels, and time elapsed since the event.
Why is it essential to secure evidence properly?
To maintain its integrity for legal proceedings.
What should be done first when arriving at a crime scene?
Secure the scene.
What is the impact of technology on modern forensic science?
It enhances the capability to gather and analyze evidence.
What is the primary goal of crime scene investigation?
To piece together the evidence.
What technique can help improve eyewitness reporting?
Providing minimal guidance during interviews.
What does quantitative data refer to in forensic science?
Numerical information collected from evidence.
How should forensic scientists analyze discrepancies in eyewitness accounts?
By identifying variations in their perceptions and descriptions.
What are the characteristics of individual evidence?
It narrows an identity down to a single source.
In forensic investigations, what influences the collection of evidence?
The protocols and guidelines established by forensic standards.
What can affect the reliability of forensic evidence?
The methods used in its collection and testing.
What is the importance of recording and documenting evidence at a crime scene?
To provide a clear account of the evidence for future legal reference.
What results from effective communication by forensic scientists?
The ability to convince juries about the validity of the evidence.
What is one major limitation of eyewitness testimony?
Its susceptibility to human error and perception distortion.
What should be done to enhance observational accuracy in forensic work?
Train to observe without preconceived filters.
What are the protocols following the identification of a crime scene?
Systematically secure, document, and collect evidence.
How can forensic evidence be deemed admissible in court?
It must meet standards of being scientific and methodologically sound.
What can help witnesses in recalling specific details during interviews?
Asking them to recount the story in varied orders.
How often should trained forensic investigators update their practices?
Regularly, to incorporate new findings and technologies.
What is the relationship between effective observation and testimony reliability?
Better observation skills lead to more reliable testimony.
How does environmental context affect witness perceptions?
Conditions such as noise and distractions can alter what is noticed.
In crime scene investigation, what should happen after evidence is collected?
It must be analyzed in a forensic laboratory.
What continuous process is critical for forensic investigators?
Maintaining an objective and unbiased perspective.
What is one of the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists?
Ensuring accurate and truthful reporting of findings.
