Forensic Science Exam 1,questions and answers, A+ content

Forensic Science Exam 1,questions and answers, A+ content forensic science -application of science to matters of law -applies the knowledge of technology of science to definition and enforcement of laws (not a branch of law enforcement) 3 ways to assist police investigations 1. confessions 2. eyewitness accounts 3. evaluation of physical evidence (free of bias) job of forensic science in courtroom -to analyze physical evidence -give expert testimony (satisfy judge that he/she has skill or knowledge that will aid in determining truth) -express opinions as to their findings evidence collection technicians collect evidence from crime scene -only relevant if properly collected and preserved 2 matters of law s - homocide, sexual assault, burglary 2. disputes between individuals- wrongful death, family law, patents toxicology analysis of bodily specimens and other material for chemicals (drugs, poisons, metals) DNA analysis or profiling comparing DNA samples from different locations to determine probability of math (could take 30 days or longer) forensic pathology identification of deceased -time/cause/manner of death -pathologist performs autopsies forensic anthropology identification and examination of human remains -may reveal sex, race, age @ death, presence of skeletal injuries forensic scientists -knowledge in laboratory science -good communication/oral skills -attention to detail forensic entomology study of insects in relation to an investigation -can estimate time of death -determine if body has been moved -first reported use was in 1235 in Asia forensic odontology use characteristics/alignment/structure of teeth to identify -bite mark analysis dentition development and arrangement of teeth Locards Exchange Principles states that when two objects come in contact with one another, materials are exchanged between them year of first forensic science test 1775, detected arsenic in a corpse basic crime scene rules -treat scene as if crime is still occurring -first obtain medical attention -law enforcement agents should never do anything to alter scene -every person who enters has potential to ruin evidence objects used to secure crime scene -crime scene log -notes -evidence log -sketch -photographs -video/audio recording common types of evidence -body fluids -impressions -fingerprints -arson/bomb evidence -hair -trace evidence -drugs -unknown samples -weapons trace evidence very small ex. fingerprints, DNA, hair fiber evidence collection kit -flashlight -magnifying glass -forceps (to pick up small objects) -swabs -scalpels exceptions to 4th amendment -consent search -plain view doctrine -open field -emergency exception evidence that can't be shipped bombs, ammunition categories of evidence -biological/physiological -chemical -impressions -non-specific -trace evidence -associative evidence examples of biological/physiological evidence -blood -semen -saliva -other body fluids examples of chemical evidence -narcotic -prescription drugs -powder associated with firearms examples of impression evidence -fingerprints -footprints -tire marks examples of non-specific evidence -photography -dye marks associative evidence links two separate entities -class characteristics (large group of individuals) -individual characteristics (individual person) individuals characteristics properties of evidence that can be connected to a common source with a high degree of probability -not with absolute certainty class characteristics unfortunately, often impossible to relate physical evidence to a common source with a high degree of certainty -properties can be connected to group, helpful with exclusion ex. blood group system, if suspect is type B but you find type A, not suspect IAFIS contains records of more than 70 millions suspects -Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System CODIS Combined DNA Index System NDIS National DNA Index System -one step above CODIS NIBIN National Integrated Ballistics Information Networks -guns of other firearms SICAR Shoe print imaging coroner person that decides if further investigation is needed to find cause of death medical examiner assists law enforcement agencies by providing evidence though forensic science and oversees work