final exam forensic
FRE 401
"Relevance" is defined as that which has "any the tendency to make the existence of any fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action more probable or less probable than it would be without the evidence"
Which of the following is an example of class characteristic?
1. Color of a fiber 2. Diameter of a fiber 3. Chemical composition of a fiber 4. Cross sectional shape of a fiber
Which of the following are a part of the AAFS Code of Ethics?
1. Conduct must not contradict the academy's purposes 2. Do not misrepresent education or experience 3. Do not misrepresent data 4. Do not issue public statements on academy's behalf
Which type of photographs should be taken at a crime scene? Choose all that apply.
1. Including a scale 2. Without a scale 3. A perspective view 4. Midrange view
The following information is necessary to obtain an accurate PMI estimate from insect evidence:
1. Weather data 2. Specimens collected from the body 3. Specimens collected from soil and areas surrounding the body 4. Collection of adult flies and beetles
When should eye protection be worn?
1. When handling chemicals 2. When handling biological materials 3. When handling radioactive materials
How many years of school does it typically take to become a forensic pathologist or medical examiner?
14
Approximately how many forensic science laboratories are there in the US?
400
What is the chain of custody?
A list of all people who came into possession of an item of evidence
what is it like When a firearm is fired?
A mini explosion
What could be the outcome if a negative control is not done?
A person could be falsely accused.
What is Quality Control?
A set of processes and procedures put in place in a laboratory to be followed by personnel so that a desired level of quality can be achieved
What is Quality Assurance
A set of processes that can evaluate a laboratory and its personnel to determine if they are achieving or maintaining a given level of quality
What organization has come up with a Code of Ethics used in most crime laboratories?
AAFS
Which forensic organization accredits crime laboratories?
ASCLD-Lab
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors - Lab Accrediting Board (ASCLD/LAB )
Accredits crime laboratories
American Board of Criminalists (ABC)
Accredits forensic scientists
What stage of decomposition is after bloat?
Active decay
Post mortem
After death
What is body cooling after death?
Algor Mortis
FRE 402
All relevant evidence is admissible, except as otherwise provided by the Constitution of the US, by act of Congress, by these rules, or by other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court pursuant to statutory authority. Evidence which is not relevant is not admissible
FRE 403
Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its NOT probative; meaning the value of the evidence is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence
What is the main reason why human and animal bones are different?
Animals walk on 4 legs
Which means "before death"?
Antemortem
What is the least common fingerprint pattern?
Arch
Cold Search
Assumes that perpetrator has fled scene
Hot Search
Assumes that perpetrator is still in vicinity of crime scene
Peri mortem
At or near the time of death
Ante mortem
Before death
The West "Brothers" was the end to which of the following...
Bertillonage
What is the difference between Bio and Geo Taphonomy?
Bio examines the body changes from decomposition and geo examines the environmental effects from decomposition
What is the first insect that arrives to decomposing remains?
Blow fly
What does a clinical pathologist use to study disease?
Bodily fluid
Which type of evidence does criminalistics NOT include?
Bones
A wet bloody shirt should be packaged in what type of container?
Brown, paper bag
What document authenticates the evidence and tracks the item from the time of collect to the court room?
Chain of custody
What is the first thing done when analyzing a firearm?
Checked for safety
Types of bias
Cognitive bias Contextual bias Confirmation bias
What is the most common method of simultaneously compare impression evidence?
Comparison microscope
Which of the following is NOT a type of bias?
Complex
I am having an issue with Top Hat. What do I do?
Contact Top Hat technical support: [email protected] or 1-888-663-5491
Which of the following does NOT effect the transfer of evidence?
Contamination of the transferred material
The __ structure is affected when serial numbers are stamped in metal.
Crystal
What happened and what was the outcome of the Daubert case?
Daubert took Bendectin (an antiemetic during pregnancy) Baby born with birth defects Daubert sues Merrill Dow for toxic tort. Way to Determine Scientific Validity, Testability, Peer Review, Error Rates, General Acceptance
What is analyzed in printed documents, i.e. copier, computer printer, typewriter
Defects
What is included in a pathology report?
Demographic Information Circumstantial Summary Microscopic Examination External and Internal Examination
Name a federal organization that has a forensic laboratory
Department of Justice Department of Treasury Department of Interior US Postal Service Department of Homeland Security
First Officer on scene should do what
Detain potential suspects Render medical assistance to those in need Refrain from destroying, altering, and/or adding any evidence at the scene Prevent others from destroying, altering, and/or adding any evidence at the scene
Which is least likely done by a firearms examiner?
Determine is someone recently fired a weapon
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Develop standards that make sure things work; ensure quality, safety and efficiency
American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS)
Developed a code of ethics followed by most forensic science laboratories and scientists
Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC)
Develops and endorses a forensic science consensus documentary standards and guidelines, and to ensure that a sufficient scientific basis exists for each discipline.
Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
Develops and to maintains standards and to administer an accreditation program that recognizes and distinguishes high-quality undergraduate and graduate forensic science programs
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)
Develops technical standards for a range of materials, products, systems and services
What happened and what was the outcome of the Frye case?
Difficult to determine when a scientific technique crosses over from experimental to reliable. Became law in U.S. Federal courts from 1923 to 1976.
Which of the following departments within the U.S. government does NOT administer a forensic laboratory?
Education
Which FRE specifies the type of testimony acceptable from a lay witness?
FRE 701
A car used in a bank robbery leaks motor oil from the crankcase. Oil found at the crime scene can be traced to car used.
False
A forensic scientist in a crime lab must be a sworn officer
False
A forensic scientist's job is to help persuade the jury.
False
A publicly funded lab receives their funding by charging for their services
False
A questioned document examiner can determine the age of the writer.
False
A single human hair can be matched to a particular person even if the root is not present
False
A single textile fiber can be traced to a particular pair of blue jeans.
False
All forensic scientists who work in a crime lab are required to be certified by the American Society of Crime Lab directors
False
Bite marks are analyzed on dead people only.
False
Facial reconstruction can be used to positively identify an individual.
False
Fingerprint analysis is done before handwriting examination.
False
If one fingerprint is laid down onto another, it is possible to separate them
False
If you identify a piece of evidence that also indicates you have individualized the evidence.
False
It is usually possible to determine the time since death of a body within 15 minutes
False
Polygraphs are commonly used in criminal cases.
False
You can determine the age of a person within 5 years by examining hairs on the head
False
Which is worst a false positive or a false negative?
False Positive
Name an age range term common for grouping age of remains. For example, 0-3 year is infant.
Fetal Infant Child Adolescent Young adult Adult old adult
Which type of evidence can be individualized?
Fiber
Which of the following are you NOT likely to see within a full service crime lab?
Forensic Psychology
What does forensic mean, "literally"?
Forum
Put the stages of decomposition in the correct order.
Fresh Bloat Active decay Advance decay Dry/ remains
What are the 2 types of Taphonomy?
Geotaphonomy and Biotaphonomy
What do document examiners do most of the time?
Handwritting analysis
Which is the correct order to process a crime scene?
I. Collect Evidence II. Photograph Evidence III. Preliminary Survey IV. Reconstruction of the Scene
FRE 702
If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the Trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, by a witness; qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise
What is the first question a forensic anthropologist needs to answer?
If the material is bone
FRE 701
If the witness is not testifying as an expert, the witness' testimony in the form of opinions or inferences is limited to those opinions or inferences which are (a) rationally based on the perception of the witness, and (b) helpful to a clear understanding of the witness' testimony or the determination of fact in issue, and (c) not based on scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge within the scope of Rule 702.
the mark is created from above/perpendicular to the surface
Impressions
6th Amendment
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed
Contextual Bias
Influenced by clues surrounding the topic be not the content itself
What is an example of an erasure?
Ink bleaching
What are the ethical issues that forensic scientists deal with?
Laboratory Analytical Procedures Professional Credentials Reporting and Interpretation
Striations formed on the bullet are made from what interior part of the firearm?
Land
What type of fingerprints need to be developed?
Latent prints
What level is not sufficient for identification?
Level 1
What is Locard's principle?
Locard's exchange principle holds that the perpetrator of a crime will bring something into the crime scene and leave with something from it, and that both can be used as forensic evidence.
What is the most common friction ridge pattern?
Loop
What is a microtome used for?
Make thin slices of tissue
Which of the following is considered a public forensic lab in Indianapolis?
Marion County Forensic Services Agency
What was the first field that did forensics?
Medicine
What tool is used to make thin cross sections of tissue?
Microtome
Maggots (nymphs) grow by ____, which produces a new __.
Molting; instar
Why are forensic anthropology cases rare?
Most people that die are recovered soon after death
Why are forensic anthropology cases rare?
Most people that die are recovered soon after death.
Trace evidence is transferred from a surface to a shoe
Negative impression
Which develop method works best on porous surfaces, such as paper?
Ninhydrin
How do we see invisible fingerprints?
Ninhydrin, black powders, and Superglue fuming
5th Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury
Testimony is an example of which type of evidence?
Non-physical evidence
If the crime scene is the suspect's residence, how important are his fingerprints on the front door knob?
Not important and not collected
Plan of Action
Obtain a search warrant Discuss search with involved personnel before arriving at scene Establish a command station, for communication and decision making, away form the scene but within the secured perimeter Make personnel task assignments before arriving at scene May be assigned multiple responsibilities Communication is necessary for smooth, successful crime scene processing
A fingerprint made from oil on a bumper would be an example of which type of print?
Patent
What is the best bone to determine sex of the individual?
Pelvic bone
The Code
Personal and professional conduct must not contradict the academy's interests and purposes Do not misrepresent education, training, experience, or area of expertise Do not misrepresent data used for the basis of an expert opinion Do not issue public statements on behalf of the academy
What device are you using today?
Phone
Trace evidence is transferred from a shoe to a surface
Positive impression
Bias
Preference for or against a person, thing, group, idea or behavior Base upon our own experiences; can't just turn off Scientific methods are designed to prevent or reduce bias Forensic science has an increased possibility for bias due to the professionals involved
FRE 104a
Preliminary questions concerning the qualifications of a person to be a witness, the existence of a privilege, or the admissibility of evidence shall be determined by the cour
Where were fingerprints first used in the US?
Prisons
Which bone is most likely use to determine age?
Pubic symphysis
Which bone is most likely used to determine age?
Pubic symphysis
What are the two grouped stages of decomposition?
Putrefaction and Autolysis
set of processes to evaluate a lab & its personnel to see if quality is being achieved & maintained
Quality Assurance
set of processes/procedures put in place to be followed to achieve a certain level of quality
Quality Control
An impression involves a donor and a:
Recipient
Which of the following is an example of class evidence?
Red nylon fiber from the carpet at the crime scene
What is the most important task of the first responder to a crime scene?
Render medical assistance
What is used is comparison of ante and post mortem dental records?
Restorations Tooth Pulp Space between teeth
Final Survey
Review all aspects of the search A final walk-through of the scene by at least two people is a must Crime scene can be released after the final survey Document the time and date of release, to whom and by whom the scene was released
What type of firearm doesn't expel cartridge casings?
Revolver
In the early stages of PMI, what is used to aid the pathologist in a PMI determination?
Rigor mortis Livor mortis Algor mortis
Confirmation Bias
Search for and use only information that supports a belief or hypothesis
What evidence is considered unknown?
Semen stain on the sofa
In Daubert v. Merrill Dow, what do both the plaintiff and the defendant used to assess if Bendectin contributed to birth defects?
Statistics
Which is a private forensic laboratory in Indianapolis?
Strand Laboratories
the mark is created along/parallel to the surface
Striation
What is the first thing that should be done at a crime scene where impression evidence is found?
Take photos and video of the impression/scene
Cognitive Bias
Tend to think a certain way which leads to judgement and decision making
What are blind tests?
Tests in which information about the test is kept hidden from the participant
Which has the largest effect on determining PMI?
The environmental temperature of remains
Could a bullet fired from a rifled weapon be individualized to by a cartridge found at a crime scene?
The evidence can be individualized by a test based on pattern matching.
FRE 703
The facts or data in the particular case upon which an expert bases an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the hearing. If of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inference upon the subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence.
4th Amendment
The right of the people to be secure in the persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures
Which of the following is true of forensic scientists who work in a crime lab? (Choose the most correct answer.)
They are considered to be expert witnesses when testifying in court.
Which can be individualized?
Tire Tread
What is the purpose of facial reconstruction?
To use through media so hopefully someone recognizes the individual
Name a branch of forensic science
Toxicology
A burglar bites into a piece of cheese while ransacking a house. The bitemark in the cheese can be matched to the burglar's teeth
True
An accurate post-mortem interval (time since death) by examination of insect populations that have invaded the body
True
Direction (N) needs to be included on a crime scene sketch.
True
If I answer a Top Hat question incorrectly, I will have the opportunity to attempt the question again when my instructor opens the questions for re-submission one week prior to each exam.
True
If the numbering doesn't match the evidence, the evidence would not be allowed in the courtroom.
True
If you have a mixture of blood from two different people, you are able to distinguish two DNA profiles.
True
Indiana State Police is considered a public lab
True
Is DNA evidence is included in criminalistics?
True
One can find seminal fluid or blood stains with a "black light"
True
When an item is individualized it is put into a group of one.
True
What type of laboratory would perform analysis of specialized evidence, such as entomology?
University Forensic Laboratory
Which laboratory would likely perform forensic entomology testing?
University forensic laboratory
Which of the following is a requested writing exemplar?
Witnessed writing sample
Which of the following is a privately funded laboratory?
Wolfe Forensic Engineering
Do you think ABC Certification should be required for all analysts? (Opinion)
Yes
Unknown or Questioned evidence means...
You don't know the source (origin) of the evidence
crime-scene investigation include
crime committed, location, items used, people involved
seard methods
grid, line, zone, spiral