Year 10 Forensics Understanding Checklist

Flashcards to review key concepts in Year 10 Forensics.

What are the three main types of evidence in forensics?

Testimonial: accounts given by witnesses; Circumstantial: indirect evidence that implies a fact; Physical: tangible items found at a crime scene.

How can an eyewitness testimony be distorted?

Outside influences can distort eyewitness testimony.

What are the 3 types of fingerprint patterns?

Compare and contrast the arch, loop, and whorl patterns.

What type of fingerprints are found at a crime scene?

Latent prints are invisible to the naked eye and are left by oils and sweat on a surface, requiring development techniques to be seen. Patent prints are visible and can be left by substances like blood, grease, or ink. Plastic prints are three-dimensional impressions left in pliable materials like clay or wax. 

What are the key facts of the cold case?

A case that has never been solved.

How can you analyze handwriting and align it with its writer?

Physical features like slant, size, pressure etc. can align handwriting with its writer.

Explain techniques involved in detecting forgery.

Techniques include examining ink, paper, and handwriting characteristics.

What are the elements of the fire triangle?

The fire triangle consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen.

What are the basic chemical principles behind a fire?

Fires involve chemical reactions like oxidation and combustion.

How to classify differentiate between poisons and venoms?

Poisons are substances that cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Venoms are injected toxins.

What bones of the human skeletal system are used to estimate height?

Femur, tibia, and humerus are used to estimate height.

How do male and female bone structures differ?

Pelvis, skull, and long bones show differences in size and structure.

What can different types of blood spatter patterns indicate?

Different patterns indicate height, angle, and velocity.

How do you apply blood spatter analysis techniques to interpret crime scene evidence?

Techniques include analyzing the size, shape, and distribution of bloodstains.

What are the different blood types and how is it inherited?

A, B, AB, and O blood types are inherited through genes.

How to determine blood type compatibility for transfusions?

Compatibility depends on antigen and antibody interactions.

How can you analyze blood evidence to assist in forensic investigations?

Blood evidence can link suspects to a crime scene.

What are the four main components of blood and their functions?

Plasma - a mode of transport for blood cells, hormones, nutrients and watse throughotu the body and red blood cells - carries oxygen from lungs to the body tissues, white blood cells - fight against infections, and platelets - clot blood and prevent blood loss.

What is DNA and why is it unique to each person?

DNA is a unique genetic code that identifies each person.

How is DNA evidence collected and analyzed in criminal investigations?

DNA is collected through samples and analyzed in criminal investigations.

What is the reliability and limitation of DNA evidence in solving crimes?

Reliability depends on proper handling, contamination, and analysis.

What is a DNA database and how is it used by forensic scientists?

A DNA database is where DNA profiles are stored and used by forensic scientists.

What are the benefits of using a DNA database in solving crimes?

It helps to link repeat offenders to crime scenes.

What are the ethical concerns related to privacy, consent, and misuse of genetic information?

DNA databses can reveal ancestry information, medical conditions and even link individuals to family members that are not involved.

How do you analyze the psychological, social, or environmental factors that contributed to a criminal’s actions?

Criminal behavior is often influenced by a mix of psychological issues (like trauma or mental illness), social pressures (such as family or peer influence), and environmental factors (like poverty or exposure to violence).

What is criminal profiling and how is it used in forensic science?

Criminal profiling is the analysis of a crime scene to identify traits and behaviors of a likely offender, helping forensic scientists narrow down suspects.

What is the difference between organised and disorganised offenders?

Organized offenders plan their crimes while disorganized offenders do not.

How can you evaluate the usefulness and limitations of criminal profiling?

Usefulness depends on the type of crime as well as the information available.