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Forensic Science Study Guide

Chapter 1: Forensic Science and Observation

Key Terms

• Analytical Skill: The ability to examine data and circumstances, enabling forensic scientists to derive conclusions based on evidence.

• Deductive Reasoning: A process of logical reasoning where conclusions follow from established facts or premises.

• Eyewitness: A person who sees an event, particularly a crime, which can provide firsthand testimony in investigations.

• Fact: A statement or assertion that can be objectively verified as true.

• Forensic Science: The application of scientific methods to aid in resolving legal matters through examination and analysis of evidence.

• Hypothesis: A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

• Logical: Pertaining to clear, sound reasoning and the principles of valid inference.

• Observation: The act of gathering information through the senses, often occurring subconsciously.

• Opinion: A subjective statement that reflects personal beliefs or interpretations, which may differ from fact.

• Perception: The interpretation of sensory input which can be influenced by preconceived notions or biases.

Key Concepts

• Purpose of Forensic Science: Applying scientific methods for investigating crimes and resolving legal matters through analysis and interpretation of evidence.

• Role and Responsibilities of a Forensic Scientist: Collection, analysis, interpretation of physical evidence, and effective communication of results, potentially providing expert testimony in court.

• Observation vs. Perception: Observation is collecting data using senses; perception involves interpreting that data, which can lead to inaccuracies.

• Fact vs. Opinion in Eyewitness Testimony: Fact is objectively verified; opinion reflects personal views, leading to potential misinterpretation in testimonies.

• Improving Observation Skills: Techniques include surveying surroundings systematically and documenting findings thoroughly.

• Effective Eyewitness Interview Techniques: Separate witnesses immediately, avoid leading questions, and check for consistent responses signaling truthfulness.

Chapter 2: Crime Scene Investigation & Evidence Collection

Key Terms

• Chain of Custody: The process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence from collection to court presentation.

• Circumstantial Evidence: Evidence suggesting a fact but not directly proving it, requiring inference.

• Class Evidence: Evidence sharing common characteristics but lacking unique elements linking it to a specific individual.

• Crime-Scene Investigation: The systematic process of collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence from a crime scene.

• Datum Point: A reference point in mapping a crime scene used to triangulate evidence locations.

• Direct Evidence: Links a suspect directly to a crime through firsthand observation or evidence.

• First Responder: The first officer or emergency services member at a crime scene, responsible for securing the area.

• Individual Evidence: Evidence that can be uniquely traced back to a specific source, such as DNA.

• Paper Bindle: A packaging method made of paper to secure evidence and prevent contamination.

• Primary Crime Scene: The location where the crime occurred.

• Reliable Evidence: Evidence that is trustworthy based on scientific validation.

• Secondary Crime Scene: Any location other than the primary crime scene where related evidence may be found.

• Subdatum Point: A secondary reference point that helps in mapping elements of a crime scene.

• Trace Evidence: Small materials transferred during a crime that provide crucial links.

• Triangulation: A method of locating evidence using two fixed points for spatial reference.

• Valid Evidence: Evidence that meets legal standards and can be admitted in court based on reliability and relevance.

Key Concepts

• Goals of Crime Scene Investigation: Accurately reconstruct events of a crime through relevant evidence.

• Roles of Crime Scene Professionals:

  • Police Officers: Ensure scene safety.

  • Crime Scene Investigators: Document and collect evidence.

  • District Attorneys: Evaluate evidence for prosecution needs.

  • Medical Examiners: Determine cause of death.

  • Detectives: Collect witness statements and search for evidence.

  • Lab Technicians: Analyze physical evidence.

• Locard’s Principle of Exchange: Individuals leave traces in their environment; foundational for trace evidence analysis.

• Types of Evidence: Direct evidence provides proof; circumstantial evidence implies conclusions based on inference.

• Seven Steps of Crime Scene Investigation:

  1. Securing the Scene

2. Separating Witnesses

3. Scanning the Scene

4. Seeing the Scene

5. Sketching the Scene

6. Searching for Evidence

7. Securing and Collecting Evidence

• Securing a Crime Scene: Ensure safety and restrict access to authorized personnel to maintain integrity.

• Documenting a Crime Scene: Use photographs, sketches, and notes for accurate detail capture.

• Collecting and Packaging Trace Evidence: Use appropriate techniques to prevent contamination with careful tools and methods.

• Analyzing Evidence: evidence analysis, crime scene reconstruction and legal proccedings

• Staged Crime Scene Identification: Identify inconsistencies in evidence, witness statements, and motives suggesting falsifying.

• Advances in Technology: Includes digital forensics, surveillance systems, drones for aerial documentation, and 3D modeling.