Forensics Unit 3 Study guide

Unit 3. (CH2) Objectives

This unit is largely about the classification of evidence into its different types.

A. What you want to understand:

1. The value of indirect and direct evidence in a court of law.

2. That eyewitness accounts have limitations.

3. What physical evidence can and cannot prove in court.

4. That the forensic scientist’s main goal is to find a unique source for the evidence.

B. What you should be able to do:

1. Explain the difference between indirect and direct evidence.

2. Describe what is meant by physical evidence and give examples.

3. Distinguish individual evidence from class evidence.

4. Determine the significance of class evidence.

5. Identify chemical and physical properties of substances and use these to establish linkage.

Part I: Terminology to know. Define each term based upon and in the context of the slides given. Number each

for full credit! (10pts)

1. Evidence

2. Testimonial evidence (& synonyms)

3. Physical evidence (& synonyms)

4. Composite sketch

5. Subjective

6. Objective

7. Physical property (of a substance)

8. Chemical property (of a substance)

9. Permanent evidence (& examples)

10. Transient evidence (& examples)

11. Conditional evidence (& examples)

12. Indirect evidence (& examples)

13. Circumstantial evidence (& examples)

14. Pattern evidence (& examples)

15. Associative evidence (& examples)

16. Evidence of biological nature (& examples)

17. Evidence of chemical nature (& examples)

18. Evidence of physical nature (& examples)

19. Individual evidence

20. Class evidence

21. Questioned sample

22. Known sample

Part II: Concepts to know: Answer each prompt in a complete statement. Number each for full credit!

(10pts)

1. Differentiate between testimonial evidence and physical evidence.

Testimonial Physical

2. In your personal experience (Generate Eye Witness Testimony), how reliable is eye witness testimony

(EWT)?

Know factors that impact the reliability of EWT and determine if or how these increase or decrease reliability.

3. Describe two ways EWT reliability can decrease.

4. Describe two ways EWT reliability can increase.

5. What role do composite sketches play in EWT?

6. List 2 stats associated with EWT.

7. What is the mission, role, and impact of the Innocence Project?

a. Mission

b. Role

c. Impact

8. In the final analysis...

a. Why is EWT good or useful?

b. Why is EWT bad or manipulative?

2

9. Though lawyers must rely on EWT as studies show juries are largely impacted by these...

...forensic scientists are more interested in ___________ ____________.

10. EWT is limited and subjective. What does good forensic science rely upon?

11. Physical evidence value or its relevance is based on its ability to contribute to or the overturning of

convictions. What are the five ways it does this?

12. What is the major task of the forensic scientist?

13. What are the three underlying philosophies, assumptions concerning evidence at play?

14. Describe how the link between suspects, evidence, and crimes is done.

15. Describe how a forensic scientist uses individual evidence to determine the source of evidence.

16. Describe how a forensic scientist uses class evidence to determine the most likely source of

evidence.

Part III: Study Guide WS. 10pts

⃝ Complete #1 on the Study Guide WS. Staple this worksheet to the back of your study guide.

⃝ Complete #2 on the Study Guide WS. Be clear how this is different than testimony. List 20 of them.

Explore the various classifications of Physical Evidence. Define each type. You don’t need to write anything for

this.

⃝ Review probative, material, hearsay, and inadmissible evidence from CH1.

⃝ List 6 types of inadmissible evidence.

⃝ Compare this process to the scientific method. (Using Q v K)

This is the end of what will need to go on your study guide. Just complete the Study Guide WS.

⃝ Complete #3. Read Case Study 2.1 and answer the 2 questions on the Study Guide WS.

⃝ Complete #4. Read Case Study 2.2 and answer the 2 questions on the Study Guide WS.

⃝ Complete #5 on the Study Guide WS comparing and contrasting Class vs. Individual Evidence.

⃝ Complete #6. Read through Activity 2.1: Read the activity and follow the directions on your own.

⃝ Complete #7. Activity 2.2, on the Study Guide WS.

⃝ Read and consider Case Study 2.3