IDEAS IN JUSTICE

How does the Patriot Act relate to forensic science?

It provides tools to intercept and obstruct terrorism, including the creation of a terrorist databank.

When was the Patriot Act passed?

2001, after the 9/11 attacks.

What is the significance of DNA databanks in relation to terrorism?

They allow for the comparison of DNA profiles, fingerprints, and vehicle registration data globally.

What was the Wall Street attack in 1920?

It was the largest terrorist attack in the USA for 50 years.

What were the largest terrorist attacks in the USA?

Oklahoma City in 1995 and September 11, 2001.

How can non

human DNA solve crimes?

What types of organisms can non

human DNA testing be applied to?

What is the most likely transfer of DNA in a crime?

From an owner's residence to a visitor or vice versa.

When would a homicide investigation utilize non

human DNA testing?

What is species identification in forensic science?

It confirms whether biological material is human or animal.

What is individual identification in forensic science?

Matching DNA from a crime scene to a specific person.

What is geographic origin identification?

Determining where a victim or suspect may come from.

What is parentage analysis in forensic science?

Identifying victims through relatives using family DNA databases.

What is sex determination in forensic science?

Narrowing down victim identification using partial or degraded remains.

What is ethics?

Standards of right and wrong, dealing with moral conduct and judgment.

Where do our values come from?

From personal, professional, and scientific influences.

What is the importance of public trust in forensic science?

It determines whether people believe and cooperate with institutions like police and courts.

What are some causes of deliberate dishonesty?

Pressure, money, fame, and the belief that 'the ends justify the means.'

How can deliberate dishonesty be prevented?

Through ethical training, competency testing, and pairing new investigators with experienced ones.

What is cognitive bias?

A tendency to think in a way that can deviate from rational judgment.

What is confirmational bias?

Justifying preconceptions and losing objectivity.

What is the CSI Effect?

The influence of crime

What are the ideal characteristics of a crime lab?

Equal access, objectivity, external regulation, and certification.

What are common issues in crime labs?

Contamination, lost evidence, changing results, sample consumption, and backlog.

What is an evidence backlog?

Cases that have not been examined for a long time, often months or years.

What are reasons for evidence backlogs?

New technology, insufficient personnel, and lack of resources.

What solutions exist for the backlog problem?

Increased funding, staffing, facilities, and automation.

Why was the NAS important?

It investigates scientific questions for Congress regarding crime labs.

What areas did the NAS report focus on?

DNA, death investigations, and fingerprinting.

What is DNA profiling?

The strongest and most scientifically valid forensic method.

What is the coroner system?

An elected official, not required to have medical training.

What is the medical examiner system?

A system where medical doctors serve as examiners.

What is junk science?

Any method presented as scientific fact without sufficient research to support it.

How can junk science be identified in criminal justice?

It lacks scientific evidence, is presented as conclusive, relies on subjective criteria, oversimplifies complex science, and allows rapid expertise.

Who are expert witnesses?

Individuals permitted to testify at a trial due to special knowledge or proficiency in a relevant field.

What causes wrongful convictions?

Eyewitness testimony, false confessions, forensic misuse, and ethical issues.

What is an Innocence Project?

An organization dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted individuals.

What is needed to prove wrongful convictions?

DNA evidence, new evidence, proof of misconduct, and identifying the real perpetrator.

What is the significance of cold cases?

They wait for new evidence or leads to solve unresolved crimes.

What types of evidence can reopen cold cases?

New witnesses, new evidence, fresh activity, old evidence reanalysis, and new technology.

What is biological evidence?

Evidence such as blood, saliva, semen, hair, and skin cells.

What are the advantages of solving cold cases?

Public closure, reducing backlog, preventing crime, and showing commitment to justice.

What improvements have been made in solving cold cases?

Advancements in DNA technology and databases like CODIS.

What is the role of DNA in exonerations?

It is used to prove innocence and clear wrongful convictions.

What is ante mortem data?

Information collected before death.

What is post mortem data?

Information collected after death.

What defines a mass disaster?

A sudden catastrophic event causing major destruction and overwhelming local resources.

What is a mass fatality?

An incident where deaths exceed local resources for recovery and identification.

What is the purpose of identifying remains in mass disasters?

To provide closure for families and meet legal and administrative needs.

What is CODIS?

A DNA database used by law enforcement to match DNA profiles.

When does DNA take precedence in identification?

When other methods are weak, unavailable, or inconclusive.

What is needed from a victim's family for identification?

Reference samples like toothbrushes, razors, or hairbrushes.

What is the role of first responders in mass disaster situations?

Initial body recovery and scene control.

What is the significance of a death certificate?

It is needed for legal and administrative purposes.

What are the challenges of identifying remains?

Decomposition, lack of dental records, and absence of visual identification.

What is the importance of forensic science in criminal justice?

It aids in solving crimes and ensuring justice through scientific methods.

What techniques are used for identifying remains?

Visual recognition, dental records, personal possessions, medical records, tattoos, fingerprints, and DNA.

What is the impact of eyewitness testimony on wrongful convictions?

It can be unreliable due to lying or reconstructive memory.

What is the role of forensic experts in court?

To provide analysis and opinion based on their specialized knowledge.

How does new technology aid in solving cold cases?

By providing improved methods for evidence analysis.

What is the importance of public awareness in cold cases?

It shows that the public and authorities have not forgotten the victims.