Define the following terms

Locard exchange principle

whenever objects come in contact with each other, there is a cross-transfer/exchange of evidence

CSI Effect

tendency of the public to believe that every crime scene will yield forensic evidence and their unrealistic expectations that a prosecutor’s case should always be bolstered and supported by forensic evidence

The Frye Standard

Scientific evidence is allowed into the courtroom if it is generally accepted by the relevant scientific community. The jury decides if it can be used

The Daubert Ruling

The judge decides if the evidence can be entered into the trial. Admissibility is determined by if the technique can be tested, peer reviewed, follows standards, has widespread acceptable, and an acceptable rate of error

Forensic Science

the study and application of science to connect a violation of law to a specific criminal, criminal act, or behavior and victim

Data

Information gathers during an experiment

Scientific Method

A process using logical steps to find answers to questions

Hypothesis

Educated guess

Miranda Rights

You have the right to remain silent, anything you……

Observations

Information gained through our senses

Courtroom Stakeholders: Summarize the duties of the following

Defense

Reviews cases for potential trial issues, prepares case, makes evidentiary challenges based on case law

Forensic Scientist

Collects, processes, and interprets evidence, prepares reports, testifies to jury about evidence as an expert witness

Judge

Researches case law, reviews motions, monitors the trial

Prosecutor

Reviews cases for potential trial issues, prepares case, defends evidentiary challenges based on case law

Police/Investigator

Manages the crime scene, oversees evidence collection, writes warrants, makes arrests

Explain the following Amendments

4th

regulates evidence collection and provides guidelines to search and seizure

5th

prohibits self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and mandates due process of law

6th

provides the rights to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, a defense attorney, arraignment, and to face witnesses

7th

provides the right to a trial by peers and a definite & final verdict

Careers: Summarize the duties of the following careers

Crime Scene Investigator

Specially trained personnel who retrieve evidence and have all the proper tools and supplies for proper collection and packaging of evidence at their disposal.

Criminalist

Works primarily with the physical evidence to analyze, identify, and interpret items that may help solve a crime.

Forensic Anthropologist

Strong background in anatomy, biology, and bones. Studies the human skeleton system mainly to help identify deceased remains that are skeletonized.

Forensic Psychologist

Studies of mental processes and behavior as it pertains to civil and criminal matters.

Criminologist

Studies the psychology and behavior of criminals

Forensic Pathologist/Medical Examiner

Perform autopsies and determines the cause of death

Forensic Serologist

Studies DNA, blood types, and heredity and applies them to evidence

 Coroner

 Typically transport corpses from the crime scene to the morgue; some aid in the death investigations

Explain the following legal terms

admissible

Acceptable as evidence in court. Obtained lawfully

Arraignment

a formal reading of a criminal charging document in the presence of the defendant to inform the defendant of the charges against him or her

Plea bargain

an agreement there the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor drops more serious charges to avoid the cost and time of a trial

Due process

everyone must be treated the same

Double jeopardy

a person who is found innocent of a crime cannot be put on trial again for that same crime

Search warrant

a judicial order that authorizes law enforcement agencies to conduct a search of a location/person and to seize any evidence of a criminal offense