FORENSIC SCIENCE SM1 EXAM QUESTIONS

What is the job of a forensic scientist?

To accurately test evidence and present it to the lead investigator.

Which of the following describes the Miranda Rights?

They are a notification given by police advising criminal suspects of their right to remain silent.

Who was Frances Glessner Lee?

The creator of mini crime scene dioramas.

What is the difference between ethical and moral standards?

Ethics are a person's behavior at work while morals are a person's behavior based on personal standards.

Which of the following is an example of the Locard Exchange Principle?

Your friend sits on your couch and when they get up they notice cat hair on their clothes.

What did the Daubert Ruling do that the Frye Standard did not cover?

It set standards for evidence reliability.

Who is Edmond Locard?

He is the father of criminalistics.

Detective Rivera was working late at the precinct, preparing for a high-stakes case involving a suspected embezzler, Alex Thompson. The investigation had reached a critical point, and the next step was to execute a ____________________for Thompson's office to uncover potential evidence.

search warrant

As the team gathered evidence, they stumbled upon documents that seemed to directly link Thompson to the embezzlement scheme. Rivera knew that any statements Thompson made during the search could be crucial, but they needed to be careful about how they handled the situation to avoid issues with ______________________.

self incrimination

The detective approached Thompson, who was visibly anxious. Rivera began by issuing the ________________________, informing Thompson of his right to remain silent and his right to an attorney. It was essential to ensure that Thompson's rights were upheld and that no evidence obtained could later be challenged on the grounds of improper interrogation.

Miranda warning

Despite the warning, Thompson decided to speak. The evidence they were gathering appeared _____________________— proving Thompson's involvement.

probative

Rivera knew that by following proper protocol, they would not only ensure that the evidence was __________________ in court but also protect the integrity of the investigation.

admissible

Throughout the process, Rivera remained vigilant, ensuring that each step from the execution of the ____________________ to the handling of evidence was carried out with respect for Thompson's legal rights, ultimately reinforcing the fairness of the judicial system.

search warrant

What type(s) of evidence are bullets that have NOT been fired from a gun?

Indirect, Physical, and Class

What type(s) of evidence are documents?

Indirect and physical

What type(s) of evidence are fingerprints?

Indirect, physical, and individual

What type(s) of evidence are soil samples?

Indirect, physical, chemical, and trace

What type(s) of evidence is gunshot residue?

Indirect, physical, and chemical

What type(s) of evidence is blood type (no DNA)?

Indirect, physical, biological, and class

What type(s) of evidence is DNA?

Indirect, physical, biological, and individual

What type(s) of evidence are 3 strands of hair WITH the root? (DNA)

Indirect, physical, biological, trace, and individual

What type(s) of evidence are 3 blades of grass?

Indirect, physical, biological, and trace

What type(s) of evidence are 3 strands of hair WITHOUT the root? (no DNA)

Indirect, physical, biological, trace, and class

What type(s) of evidence are 3 natural cotton fibers found on the victim's couch?

Indirect, physical, biological, trace

What type(s) of evidence is a written confession?

Direct

Which of the following factors can affect the memory an eyewitness?

Drugs, other witnesses, age

All of these

Which of the following could lead to an eyewitness having a more accurate memory?

• The time they have to focus on the perpetrator's face.

• The less disguises the perpetrator is wearing.

• The less traumatic the situation is.

All of these.

What does exonerate mean?

To absolve someone of blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of their case.

What does the Innocence Project do?

They help exonerate the wrongfully convicted.

Messiah Johnson was wrongly convicted of a robbery at a hair salon based on an eyewitness statement. Which of the following is true about his case?

The eyewitness never saw the perpetrator's face during the robbery and identified Messiah based only on his sunglasses.

Ronald Cotton was wrongly convicted based on a faulty eyewitness statement made by a lady named Jennifer. She was pressured to pick her attacker from photos and then called back in two weeks later for a lineup. Which of the following is true about why she picked Ronald a second time?

Out of everyone from the photos she looked at, he was the only one repeated in the lineup so her brain recognized his face.

What are two negatives of the CSI effect?

They always get the right person. There is an unrealistic time frame for catching a criminal. It's often difficult for the prosecution lawyer to make a conviction. Jurors now rely too much on scientific findings and don't want to accept any that can be compromised by human or machine error.

What are two positives of the CSI effect?

Helps defense lawyers. There is an increase interest in Forensic Science. The shows tend to show correct science practices and techniques. Jurors are now more educated about the science involved with the evidence presented.

What is an ethical standard that a Forensic Scientist must uphold?

Accurate representation of qualifications Pursue professional competency through training Stay up-to-date on new findings, equipment, and techniques Validate and incorporate new tech Maintain the integrity of the evidence Avoid participation in any case where there are personal or conflicts of interest True and accurate representation of data Clear and complete documentation Impartiality of the examination Impartiality of testimony Confidentiality and disclosure Reporting of colleagues who violate the profession's ethical code