Chapter 7: Crime-Scene Reconstruction

crime-scene reconstruction

[BLANK] is the method used to develop a likely sequence of events at a crime scene by the observation and evaluation of physical evidence and statements made by individuals involved with the incident.

criminalists

Reconstructing the circumstances of a crime scene is a team effort that may include the help of law enforcement personnel, medical examiners, and [BLANK].

objectivity

To avoid letting personal beliefs or biases affect the conclusions reached through observations, crime-scene reconstruction teams must practice [BLANK].

False

True or False: Expectations or biases can have a positive effect on the process of reconstruction by leading to correct analysis or interpretation of the information provided by the evidence.

False

True or False: Members of the crime-scene reconstruction team should design the examination and theory formation process to prove a theory or hypothesis that they believe to be true.

inductive; deductive

[BLANK] reasoning is being used when a given fact or finding leads to a conclusion that is probable but not definitive. [BLANK] reasoning is being used when a given fact or finding leads to a definitive conclusion.

circumstantial evidence

Inductive reasoning is used to analyze [BLANK] that provides a lead but no definite conclusion.

falsifiability

Another way to avoid bias is to test the [BLANK] of all theories of how a crime occurred and all plausible alternatives against the evidene.

bifurcation

The inherent fallacy of [BLANK] exists when investigators or attorneys try to apply a simple “yes or no” answer to a complex question.

False

True or False: Generalizing about aspects of evidence is always helpful to an investigation.

false linkage

When a link is prematurely assumed between two or more objects of evidence, this is the fallacy [BLANK].

True

True or False: The biggest limitation to crime-scene reconstruction is the fact that what is left behind at a crime scene is often much less than is needed to create a full timeline of events that occurred in the past.

physical evidence

[BLANK] left behind at the crime scene is helpful in reconstruction to support or contradict accounts given by witnesses and/or suspects.

direct physical evidence

The analysis of [BLANK] employs deductive reasoning and provides a definite conclusion or direction.

testimonial evidence

Eyewitness accounts, called [BLANK] are sometimes highly subjective and heavily biased because people may lie or misinterpret the facts.

reenactment

The re-creation of events at a crime scene, called a [BLANK], may be performed by live personnel, mannequins, or computer-generated models.

chain of custody

For an item of physical evidence to be used in a reconstruction, it must have a confirmed and intact [BLANK].

True

True or False: Each item of evidence should first be analyzed and tested separate from all other evidence to avoid false linkage of evidence.

False

True or False: The kinds of evidence that may be found at a crime scene are few, and similar categories or types of crime-scene evidence have to be studied with similar techniques and considerations.

theories

Once all evidence has been evaluated, the reconstruction team must bring together all the evidence and information to form plausible [BLANK].

True

True or False: The beginning and end of the sequence of events at a crime scene are usually obvious to the investigators and may suggest what events occurred in between.

event timeline

A(n) [BLANK] created for the reconstruction defines each event that occurred at a crime scene in various probable orders within a known or estimated time frame.