Forensic Evidence & Crime Scene Concepts (Video Notes)

Flashcards covering types of evidence, key legal standards, notable contributors, lab sections, CSI effects, and step-by-step crime scene processing from the provided lecture notes.

What is Direct evidence and what are examples of it?

Direct evidence consists of firsthand observations such as eyewitness testimony, video, and confessions.

What is Circumstantial evidence and give examples?

Indirect evidence that requires inference; examples include DNA on a mask and gunshot residue (GSR).

What is Physical evidence?

Nonliving materials such as tool marks, glass, and firearms.

What is Biological evidence?

Evidence from living sources, such as blood, saliva, and hair with root.

What is Class evidence?

Evidence that narrows to a group, e.g., ABO blood type or shoe size.

What is Individual evidence?

Evidence that is unique to a single source, such as a DNA profile or a fingerprint.

Name common problems with eyewitness identification.

Stress, poor viewing conditions, memory decay, and bias.

What is the Innocence Project and when was it founded?

An organization founded in 1992 that uses DNA testing to free wrongfully convicted individuals.

What is Chain of Custody?

A written record of handling evidence to ensure its integrity.

What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

“Every contact leaves a trace.”

Which lab section handles Fibers?

Trace evidence unit.

Which lab section handles Blood for drugs?

Toxicology.

Which lab section handles Blood for identity?

DNA unit.

Which lab section handles Fingerprints?

Latent print unit.

Which lab section handles Crash cause analysis?

Forensic engineering.

Who is Edmond Locard and what is his contribution?

Founded the first crime laboratory and formulated the exchange principle.

What did Alec Jeffreys contribute to forensic science and when?

DNA fingerprinting, developed in 1984.

What did Francis Galton contribute to forensics?

Concepts of fingerprint uniqueness and classification.

What did Alphonse Bertillon contribute to forensics?

Anthropometry (Bertillon system) and mugshots.

What did Kary Mullis contribute to forensic science?

Invention of PCR for DNA amplification.

What is the role of the FBI in forensic science?

National crime laboratory presence; CODIS and AFIS systems.

What does the AAFS stand for and what is its role?

American Academy of Forensic Sciences; sets professional standards, research, and training.

What is Frye v. US (1923) known for?

General acceptance test for admissibility of new scientific evidence.

What does the FRE (1975) govern?

Rules of admissibility of expert evidence in court.

What is Daubert v. Merrell Dow (1993) about?

Judges act as gatekeepers for scientific evidence with reliability factors.

What is the CSI Effect?

TV portrayal of forensic science that influences jurors to expect fast, certain results.

What is a problem associated with the CSI Effect?

Can lead to unwarranted acquittals or skepticism without solid evidence.

What is a key perceived benefit of the CSI Effect?

Increased juror interest in physical evidence.

How should Biological evidence be collected and packaged?

Swab or air-dry the sample and place it in a paper bag.

How should Fibers, Soil, and Glass be collected and packaged?

Collected with forceps, placed in bindles, then stored in rigid containers.

How should Tools and Weapons be packaged?

Placed in rigid boxes to protect surfaces and evidence integrity.

How should Arson evidence be stored?

In airtight cans or jars to retain accelerants.

What is Crime Scene Step 1 in processing?

Secure the scene: ensure safety, establish a perimeter, and maintain a log.

What is Crime Scene Step 2 in processing?

Preserve life, then preserve evidence.

What is Crime Scene Step 3 in processing?

Survey and plan: assign roles and determine search patterns.

What is Crime Scene Step 4 in processing?

Documentation: notes, photographs, and sketches.

What is Crime Scene Step 5 in processing?

Search: use spiral, line, grid, or zone searches.

What is Crime Scene Step 6 in processing?

Collect and package evidence: label, seal, and maintain custody.

What is Crime Scene Step 7 in processing?

Latent processing: collect latent prints and impressions.

What is Crime Scene Step 8 in processing?

Final walkthrough and release of the scene.