Final Forensics fr
Nawrocki and Colleagues 3 Phases of Fluvial Transport of a Body
1. Body moved from initial point of insertion by current 2. Body bloats and rises to surface (usually torso more so than long bones) 3. Movement of individual bones
Healing Fracture
1. Body tries to close wound and primary callus forms to prevent infection 2. Body attempts to stabilize bone with collagen matrix 3. Bone attempts to remodel
3 Interpretations of Injury
1. Defence 2. Proactive 3. Self-inflicted
3 Periods of Forensic Anthropology
1. Formative 2. Consolidation 3. Modern
Carnivores can produce 3 types of secondary injury
1. Fracture lines 2. Splintering 3. Depressed fractures
Problems with cranial suture method (2)
1. Genetic variation 2. Must have entire skull to analyze
Scientific measurements and potential types of errors involved
1. Gross Errors- Caused by less than careful attention to task at hand 2. Systemic Errors- Repeated with use of a particular instrument 3. Random Error- No pattern, no consistency
What are the four elements that must be present to have a fire?
1. Heat/energy source 2. Oxygen source 3. Fuel 4. Chain reaction
Confirmation Test
A single test that specifically identifies a substance
Crystalline Solid
A solid in which the constituent atoms have a regular arrangement.
People with type A blood have _____ antigen and the ___ antibody
A, B
who can AB+ give blood to?
AB+
Who can receive type A+ blood?
AB+, A+
Who can type B- give blood to?
AB+, AB-, B-, B+
A person showed clotting in the A and B column but not the Rh. What is their blood type?
AB-
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (The stages in which a drug moves through the body)
ADME stands for
1959 - 1st case of _____ recorded in the Congo
AIDS
GC-MS
Acronym for gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
GC-MS
Acronym of Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry
Problems with the OJ Simpson case
Alleging contamination Mislabeled packaging DNA left in a trunk of a vehicle Accusations of planted evidence (Furman)
Allele
Alternate forms of a gene
Arson
An incendiary fire lit with the into to illegally destroy a structure or evidence that may lay with it, or to cover up another crime.
methemoglobin
An oxidized form of hemoglobin.
ACE - V
Analysis, comparison, evaluation, & verification. Used when comparing prints/looking for match.
Depressants
Cannabinoids are classified as..
Stimulant
Cocaine is classified as...
Stimulants, examples
Cocaine, crack, methamphetamines
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
GHB/Roofie
Depressant - accompanied by sexual assault - drug is odorless and colorless Effects - dizzy, unconcious, nausea, no memory
Immiscible
Describes materials that do not mix. "When shaken, two in miscible liquids will separate to their original volumes. "
Comminuted Fracture
Does not fuse properly
What is the goal of generating forensic evidence from the gathered information?
Establishing material facts before or at trial i. That is the forensic part of forensic evidence. The intent is to get to the evidence part. All of this carefully gathered information is generated to meet the goal of establishing material facts at or before trial, not to demonstrate the latest technological advances or most recent methodologies.
principle of handwriting analysis
Every persons handwriting is unique, much like fingerprints
What is considered court approved information that is used to determine a defendant's guilt or innocence?
Evidence
All combustion reactions are (exothermic or endothermic?)
Exothermic
3 types of Post-Mortem Examination
External, Internal, toxicology
Dry Extraction
Extraction uses a solvent to dissolve and remove the compound of interest
True or false: Deuterium has the greatest number of protons of all the isotopes of hydrogen.
False (# of protons are the in isotopes)
True or False: Facial reconstruction is the first step in identifying an individual based on their skull.
False; it is one of the last resorts
1937 - Dr. B ______ established the first blood bank
Fantus
Bloat Stage
Front of the body swells, tongue may protrude, fluid comes out and there is a terrible smell
Accelerants
Fuels that are easily vapourised, support combustion and are highly exothermic. They burn easily and the heat they give off vapourises the solid material in the room causing them to become involved in the fire. Often leave residues behind even if burned.
Krphoscoliosis
Fused ribs
Bipartite Patella
Fusion because patella started in 2 pieces
Confirmation Tests
GC and MS Infrared Spectrophotometry
1984 - Robert _____ identified the virus causing AIDS, which was ___
Gallo, HIV
Gas Chromatography
Gas flowing through a coated tube separates compounds by their size, weight and chemical reactivity with the coating of the tube or column
Gas chromatography
Gas flowing through a coated tube separates compounds by their size, weight, and chemical reactivity with the coating of the cube or column
Preferred analysis methods for explosive residue
HPLC TLC Mass Spec IR GC not used as the need to heat the explosives may cause problems.
Medulla
Hair core that is not present
To pursue the forensic sciences, one should:
Have a solid foundation in math and science.
HPLC
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Schedule 2 Drugs
High potential for abuse, accepted medical use with restrictions, psychological and physical dependence (EX: opium, cocaine) penalties 0-20yrs/ $1 million
Toxicokinetics
How drugs and poisons move through the body
Coroner
-Elected -No medical knowledge/training necessary -Can hold "Coroner Inquest" and take sworn testimony
Crime Scene Survey
-Prepare an initial reconstruction -Note any temporary evidence -Note entry/exits that require attention -Access scene for personnel, precautions, and equipment needed.
"Blanching"
-Pressing a finger against discolored skin turns it white, then color returns -Color will not return after 4-5 hours after livor mortis due to clotting.
Adipocere
-Yellow/beige waxy appearance -Hydrogenation of body fats into fatty acids -Occurs when a body has been in a wet/moist environment
Gunshot residue
-collection kit -use of tape to dab skin/clothes for particles -high-tech microscope to analyze components of the particles
types of medulla
-continuous -intermittent -fragmented -absent
advantages of hair toxicology
-easy to collect and store -is externally available -drug history -must be taken from different locations on body
Loop
-ridge lines that enter from one side of the pattern and curve around to exit from the same side of the pattern. Radial loop-opens towards the thumb Ulnar Loop-opens towards the pinky
Arch
-ridge lines that enter the print from one side and flow out the other side
Whorl
-ridge patterns that are generally rounded or circular and have two deltas.
3 Race Model
1. African 2. Asian 3. Caucasian
RH negative
If u don't have the antigen there will be no clumping
Clandestine Drug Laboratoreis
Illicit location that manufactures controlled substances
Woven bone
Immature, healing, pathological
Primary perimeter
Immediate grave area
Latent prints
Impressions left by friction ridge skin on a surface such as glass, door, requires enhancement
Proactive Injury
Injuries that are sustained by actively being the aggressor
Self-Inflicted Injury
Injuries that occur within a victim's reach (usually less painful areas)
LSD
Is chemically derived from ergot alkaloids found in a fungus that grows on grain.
Analysis of fire residues
Isolate accelerant either through extraction or direct capture. Determine the nature of the residue usually through GCMS (FTIR can also be used)
LD50
Lethal dose that will kill half of a population
Carnivores: Furrows
Like scoring but much deeper scratches
What are mechanical fires?
Many types of machines can overheat either through misuse or incorrect placement.
Bite Mark
Mark made by teeth either alone or in combination with other mouthparts
Formation
Mature osteoblasts
Hair & Fiber Evidence
May be transferred from a suspect to a victim and vice versa. Can be examined to identify their origin, such as human or animal. Can also be tested for DNA if roots in tact.
MD5
Message Digest 5 most common algorithm widely used in email messages common in DF
Types of fires
Natural Accidental Deliberate (incendiary fire)
What are the 3 possible types of fires?
Natural, accidental, deliberate/incendiary
facts
Negroid hair- kinky w/dense pigments; Caucasian hair- generally straight/wavy w/fine pigments; Kids hair- finer than adults, can't est gender
______ kill and digest bacteria
Neutrophils
Biological functions of a skeleton
Nutrition, development, and bone growth
A person showed clotting in the Rh column but not the A or B. What is their blood type?
O+
Hanging
Occurs when body is suspended by neck using flexible cordage
Alkaloid
One of the class of bitter tasting, basic organic compounds with nitrogen containing rings, which are normally obtained from plants. They often have powerful affects on living things. Example: Morphine and cocaine
The testimony of a forensic scientist is considered what type of evidence?
Opinion
Fracture Complications: Infection
Osteomyelitis: blood starts to het infected and transfers to the bone; cloca forms and puss comes out of bone
Alternate light source, laser/luminescent nanoparticles
Other methods of print development?
Compact bone
Outside of long bones etc - hard outer layer
Methemoglobin
Oxidized form of hemoglobin. The antidote to cyanide poisoning.
PDQ
Paint data query holds all colors from car manufacturers
Linear Fracture
Parellel to long-axis of bone
shaft
Part of hair that sticks out
The process by which forensic science methods and data are evaluated is called:
Peer review.
What is the difference between peri and post mortem trauma?
Peri-mortem trauma is still dealing with wet bone while post is dealing with dry bone
Purpose of documentation
Permanently record condition of the crime scene and it's physical evidence. *most time-consuming activity at the scene*
What is crucial to forensic evidence?
Physical Evidence
Paint Evidence
Physical and chemical analysis of paint can indicate it's class or what type of paint it is.
Trace Evidence
Physical evidence that is found at a crime scene in small but measurable amounts
Powder dusting, Magnetic brush, Small Particle Reagent (SPR), and Mikrosil
Physical methods of print development?
What are at least two examples of what can determine a fire as arson?
Presence of an accelerant, elimination of natural or accidental causes of a fire, fire trails, multiple points of origin
Firearm Injury: Perforating
Presence of both entrance and exit wounds
Photography
Provides a permanent visual record of the scene Records the original scene and all areas related to it Records how is originally appeared Used in court
chevron
Rabbit
Depression fractures are likely to produce _______________ fractures
Radiating
Which bone rolls over which? Ulna or radius
Radius rolls - ulna is the place holder and ndoesnt attach to the thumb
Genes
Segment of DNA that contains information to produce a protein
head hair
Shows little diameter variation
Direct evidence of trauma
Skeletal alterations
The __________ produces the greatest number of traits when assessing ancestry.
Skull
Putrefaction
Soft tissue rapidly disappears; corpse wax is formed and body begins to collapse
Extraction
Step one of DNA Fingerprinting - take DNA out of cells
Amplification
Step two of DNA Fingerprinting - Make copies of DNA
hair shape-round
Straight: Asian, white
Excavating mass graves uses the _____________ method
Stratigraphic
Dactyloscopy
Study of fingerprint identification.
Botanical examinations
Study of various plant structure, such as roots, stems, branches, leaves, fruits, or flower, that may be used to determine time and season of death as well as possible prior location of remains
Mechanical functions of a skeleton
Support, protection, and body movement
Club Drugs
Synthetic drugs that are often used at nightclubs, bars, and raves. (EX: ecstasy)
Mass Spectrometry
Technique based on the detection of vaporized molecules and their ionized fragments. The detection and display of the spectra are based on the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions.
Tetrahydricannabinol (THC)
The active ingredient in Marijuana
Forensic Evidence
The application of "science to criminal and civil laws" that are enforced by police agencies in a Criminal Justice system.
Physical Property
The behavior of a substance without alteration of the substance's composition through a chemical reaction.
Refraction
The bending of light wave as it passes from one medium to another.
What is the origin of an explosion called?
The bomb seat (point of origin)
Firearms: Caliber
The diameter of a bullet and/or barrel of a handgun or rifle
Wavelength
The distance between crests of adjacent waves.
Stage
The flat plate where the slides are placed for observation
Drug Dependence
Two types: physical and psychological
Elimination of alcohol or toxins
Two ways: oxidation and excretion
12%
Type B
48%
Type O
Facial Reconstruction: Geraimov (1927)
Used the anatomical method or manual reconstruction to sculpt muscles, glands and cartilage
Fine Focus
Used to fine tune or focus on the specimen.
VTA
Vapour trace analyser A specialised GC optimised for explosives. Uses headspace analysis, where explosive residue vapours are intoduced into a collector and the polar residues are isolated and chromatographed.
Who was the first scientist to research and analyze blood spatter patterns?
Victor Balthazard
How is an expert's qualification to testify established?
Voir Dire i. "Voir Dire is the process by which attorneys select, or perhaps more appropriately reject, certain jurors to hear a case." − It also refers to the process by which expert witnesses are questioned about their backgrounds and qualifications before being allowed to present their opinion testimony in court.
Who discovered the structure of DNA?
Watson & Crick
1910, Chicago
When was the first US crime solved with fingerprints?
1892, Argentina
When was the first crime solved with fingerprints?
_____ bone marrow is found more in adults and _______ bone marrow is found more in children
Yellow; red
The Microscope
a universal symbol of science, represents the ability to explore the world below the limits of our perception,
What are Y-shaped proteins secreted by WBCs that attach to antigens and destroy them?
antibodies
toxicological samples
blood, stomach contents, bile, brain matter, liver, vitreous humor
2500 BC - Egyptians used __________ to try and cure diseases
bloodletting
Where is blood made?
bone marrow
Peroxidase
breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen
types of ways to cut barrel
broaching, swaging, hammer forging, and electro-chemical etching
test; evidence; shape; density
by comparing the ______ and _________ patterns, the examiner may find enough similarity in _______ and __________ upon which to base an opinion as to the distance from which the shot was fired
What are the tarsals?
calcaneous, talus, navicular, cuboid, lateral cuneform, intermediate cuneform, medial cuneform
hair shape
can be straight (round), curly (oval), or kinky (crescent moon) it depends on the cross-section
fiber evidence
can be used to connect the suspect to victim or scene (class evidence)
environmental factors
can destroy DNA evidence
Gastrointestinal Contents
can determine location of deceased during last meal, can determine what final meal was, can uncover partially digested/dissolved pills
Internet service providers
can investigate their employees for abuse but not their customers except for emergency situations
ameboid movement
can move
Cast off pattern
caused by a repeated beating or stabbing - will find blood everywhere
During a cast-off pattern, where do we normally find round blood spatter droplets?
ceiling (then drip to the floor)
Pyrolysis gas chromatography is used for
characterizing paint binders
Rayon fibers
chemically altered cellulose; soft, lustrous, versatile
Under a microscope, how can you tell if fresh blood is from a mammal?
circular, unnucleated
Blood typing is considered what type of evidence?
class
Appendicular Skeleton
clavicle, scapula, arms, hands, os coxa, legs, feet
Stage Clips
clips on the stage used to hold the slide in place
why is it difficult to individualize a fiber to a single source?
clothes are mass produced
Bloodstain patterns can help to evaluate the _____ of statements provided by the witness, victim, or a suspect.
credibility
swipe
dragging bloody hair across floor
Random Access memory (RAM)
dynamic or temporary computer storage; RAM is volatile and data is normally lost when power is Off
Coroner
elected, has no medical training, can be a pathologists but doesn't have to be, can take sworn testimony
Electrons are found in
electron orbitals
CODIS is
electronic database of DNA profiles that can identify suspects. DNA profiles from individuals convicted of certain crimes
Beta particles are identical to ______.
electrons
Hard Disk Drive
is the primary storage device of a computer used for storing digital information (data)
The most important physical property of paint in a forensic comparison is ______.
layer structure
Ocular Lens
lens that you look through at the top of the microscope
verbal reports
less structured attorneys cannot be forced to release verbal reports addresses the areas of the investigation yet to be completed
Before packaging blood stained material, what does a forensic scientist need to do?
let air dry them refrigerate/freeze and wrap or roll in paper for transport
good sources of handwriting exemplars
letters diaries greeting cards personal notes
A(n) _______ spectrum shows distinct frequencies or wavelengths of light.
line
What are lines drawn to determine where the source of blood is?
lines of convergence
Single evidence from
list each piece on separate page good for transferring individual item
Multi evidence form
lists multiple items of evidence associated with a case
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
lists your professional experience
Objective Lenses
magnifying lenses that typically range from 4x to 100x on a compound microscope
two classes of fibers determined by forensic scientists
natural and manufactured
range of fire estimation
need range and direction of fire
distant gunshots
no detectable residue reaches victim circular or elliptical defect wound had marginal abrasion or contusion ring and maybe a gray ring from combustion products, oils and such
undetermined
no rational classification can be determined; physical exam finds no mechanism of death, absence of meaningful findings in toxicological exam
class characteristics
number of lands and grooves, Land Impression Width and Groove Impression Width, caliber, direction of twist
Scientific working group on digital evidence
offers guidelines and best practices for examining evidence in the field and laboratory
slightly-rounded tip
old cut
class; consistent; lands; grooves; twist
once a manufacturer chooses a rifling process, the ______ characteristics of the weapon's barrel will remain ________; each will have the same number of ______ and _______, with the same approximate width and direction of ______
who is Frank Abagnale, Jr.?
one of the most famous forgers and famous con artist
who is Frank W. Abagnale JR.
one of the worlds most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure document. successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorny, a college professor, and a pediatrician. movie catch me if you can
Follicle
organ from which hair grows (DNA)
Gunshot Wound
originates from a projectile fired from a firearm; creates stippling and a stellate pattern
Activation
osteoclast precursors
Resorption
osteoclasts mature
steps to visualize scales
paint clear nail polish on slide, when almost dry pull off & observe imprints made
What is the liquid portion of blood?
plasma
proportions of components of blood
plasma red blood cells platelets white blood cells
Blood typing identifies the ______ or ______ of particular proteins in a cell
presence, absence
DNA from hair
root has nuclear DNA- if forcibly removed folicular tissue w/DNA & attached skin; hair shaft- maternal (mito.) DNA
distribution; distance
the _____________ of gunpowder particles and other discharge residues around a bullet hole permits an assessment of the __________ from which a handgun or rifle was fired
trajectory is figured using
the height of the shooter and the distance of the shooter and the angle (Pythagorean Theorem)
bigger the drop
the higher the blood fell from the ...
comparison microscope
the single most important tool to a firearms examiner
lands
the surfaces of the original bore remaining between the grooves
forensics
the use or application of scientific knowledge to a point of law , especially as it applies to the investigation of crime
evidence tape
to seal all computer ports or openings and evidence bags , includes cables
transverse plane?
top/bottom (inferior and superior)
passive drops
trail of circular drops
1795 - First blood ______ peformed
transfusion
counterfeit detector
used by law enforcement agencies, banks, casinos, and some retail stores verifies the density, size, infrared marks, ink and magnetic features.
Henry system
used over 100 years and assigns 20-character stirng of letter and number to a persons fingerprints
comparison microscope
used to compare crime-scene tool marks with test impressions made with the suspect tool
Chromatography
used to separate dyes for comparative analysis
PCR technique
used with small amounts of DNA and need copies for testing... DNA is heated and cooled iwth enzymes to make copies of desired fragment by RFLP testing can e performed
essential that forensics examiners use procedures, methods ,
utilities that prevent data alteration when possible
Classification of natural fibers
vegetable or cellulose animal or protien mineral
Do veins or arteries have valves?
veins
What type of blood vessel carries blood towards the heart?
veins
computer may be part of an incident or crime such as
was the victim or target used to commit a crime fruit of a crime (copyright) repository of info( stored)
they have no nucleus
why cant red blood cells be used for DNA testing?
it is a universal donor
why is type O blood always low in blood banks?
What needs to be measured to approximate a point of origin?
width, length
What pattern: object moving through blood that has not completely dried and moves, removes, or alters it?
wipe
sheep fiber
wool
internal examination
y-shaped incision, removal and weight of organs, cranium examination, lungs, heart malformations/trauma, stomach contents.
Adipocere
yellow/beige waxy appearance that occurs when a body has been in a wet/moist environment. skin separation occurs in 5-6 (body), 8-10 (hands), floating occurs in 8-10 for warm water, 2-3 weeks for cold
3 rules for obtaining forensics hash
you can't predict the value no two has values can be the same if the file changes the values change
Skeletally, TB affects...
The lower vertebrae, top of femur and knees
What makes up the sternum?
The manubirum, sternal body, and xiphoid process
Wound Bevelling: Inward
The outer hole of bone's surface is smaller than the inner hole
Know and understand Locard's Principle
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
Refractive index
The ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a given medium.
Refractive Index
The ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a given space.
hashish
The resin from marijuana that has been isolated from the plant material
Dispersion
The separation of light into its component wavelengths.
Firearms: Jacket
The thin medal coating of the bullet which reduces the deformation and fragmentation of the projectile during passage through the body
Why is the presence of trace elements useful?
They provide "invisible" markers that may establish source of material or additional points for comparison
4. How do fire extinguishers work in general?
They work by eliminating elements of a fire.
What is blast pressure?
This pressure compresses the gases and the surrounding air. Will shatter anything that gets in its way. The damage decreases with distance as the wave loses power.
"Father of forensic anthropology"
Thomas Dwight
Typical Forensic Questioned Documents
Threatening notes, ransom notes, suicide notes, and altered checks
Impression Evidence
Three forms of this evidence are shoeprints & tire tracks, bite marks, and tool marks.
Fingerprint Evidence
Three types of patterns: arches, loops, and whorls. Unique ridge characteristics in these are used to identify a suspect or victim.
Manual
Throat is squeezed by human hands
True or False: You are unlikely to get TB if you have leprosy
True
Double Helix
Two coiled DNA strands
Forensic Drug Analysis
Two parts: screening and confirmation
Laminated Glass
Two sheets of ordinary glass bonded together with a layer of plastic.
Laminated glass
Two sheets of ordinary glass bonded together with a plastic film.
The Automated Fingerprint Identification System
- a computer system for storing and retrieving fingerprints (began early 1970's)
Hallucinogens def
- affect perception, thinking, self awareness, and emotions - flashbacks may occur long after the drugs wear off
types of fiber
---natural -animal -plants -excrement -mineral ---Man made -regenerated -synthetic
Medical Examiner
-Required to be an M.D. -Specialization in pathology -Usually board-certified -Will make determinations using all available information
Rigor Mortis
-Stiffening or contraction of muscle mass. -Estimation of TOD is not always used and highly debated.
Dr. Henry Faulds
-published letter in 1880 in Nature
1000 years ago to China
How far back do fingerprints date back to?
Mycobacterium TB
Human to human
Which bone does not articulate with the rest of the skeleton?
Hyoid
antigen
If u have the antibody for RH u don't have the
clandestine drug laboratories
Illicit location that manufactures controlled substances
Fibrous
Immovable joints held together by ligaments
Depressants
Opiates are classified as...
Palms of hands, soles of feet, bite marks, lip prints, retina patterns, biometrics (details), toes
Other patterns on the body that can be used for personal identification?
Rough Sketches
Initial sketch conducted at scene: - shows items of physical evidence - objects are located by distance measurements from 2 FIXED POINTS - proportions and measurements should be ACCURATE - Sketch shows a compass heading designating north
Types of high explosives
Initiating high explosives Non-initiating high explosives
Blunt Force Trauma
Injuries caused by non-sharpened object
Defence Injury
Injuries that occur while trying to ward off assailant
Trauma
Injury caused to living tissue by an outside force
Chemical Method
Involves analyzing the chemical makeup of certain structures of the skeleton
Fracture edges of peri-mortem fractures are ____________ with splintering
Irregular
What composes the os coxa?
Ischium, Iilium, pubis fused together
Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from.. ?
Just the mother
VanUrk Color Test
LSD (blue-purple)
The chain-of-custody form includes ALL EXCEPT:
Lab results
Spondylosis
Lamina does not fuse
1901 - K. _______ discovered A, B, O blood groups
Landsteiner
Legal Standard
Laws and regulations a social member of society must abide by
Schedule 5 Drugs
Low abuse potential, medical use in US, lowest potential for dependence (EX: certain opiate drug mixtures that contain nonnarcotic medicinal ingredients) penalties 0-1yr/ $100,000
Pubic symphysis method
Male/female comparison pictures
Tooth Mark
Mark left by tooth
Controlled Drugs
Material whose possession is controlled by law.
Lamellar Bone
Mature, remodelled woven bone
Videotaping
May or may not occur Provides a clear look at the crime scene Puts everything in context Should NOT be: narrated, show personnel, or show equipment.
Spectrophotometry
Measurements of the absorption of electromagnetic radiation of a substance at different wavelengths of the spectrum.
BFT: Bone Bruise
Micro fractures only seen in radiographs or MRI's
What is the most important tool for locating and comparing paint specimens
Microscope
Saggital plane bisects what?
Midline (divides left and right)
mtDna stands for
Mitochondrial DNA
Microcrystalline test
More specific than color but not definitive Chemical reagent is added creates a crystalline percipitate - size and shape are unique to each drug Quick
Camel hair
Most common hair used in brushes
Surface
Most important factor to developing a print?
What are the important things about a point of origin?
Most likely place to discover physical evidence, accelerant, devices such as timers, trace evidence
Accidental
Must be no intent to cause harm or death through gross negligence
Admissibility of photography in court
Must be relevant Must not appeal to emotions Must be clear and representative of the scene
Soil found on suspect must
NOT be removed
Opiates
Narcotics are classified as part of which group of drugs?
Spina Bifida
Neural arches at the back of sacrum do not fuse together
3 Effects of Bullets on Bone
1. A wound is formed through the bone 2. Fracture lines radiate out from point of impact 3. Bone is fractured so bad it explodes
Bone remodelling process (4 steps)
1. Activation 2. Resorption 3. Reversal 4. Formation
Fractures to the face occur in which 3 areas?
1. Alveolar ridge 2. Malar eminences 3. Nasofrontal processes
What two things are bone joints classified by?
1. Amount of movement 2. Type of tissue connecting them
Manner of Death
1. Homicide 2. Suicide 3. Accidental 4. Natural 5. Undetermined
4 different manners of death
1. Homicide 2. Suicide 3. Accidental 4. Natural
Problems with surface of ilium method (1)
1. Inter-intra observer error
3 Types of Populations
1. Local (immediate area of cemetery) 2. Contributing (individuals who ended up in cemetery) 3. Analyzed (subset of contributing population)
Limitations to Reconstruction (3)
1. Not completely accurate 2. Too much artistic influence can change result 3. Mixed individuals means an inability to apply the tissue depth method
Factors that affect cycle of bone growth (3)
1. Physical activity level 2. Genetics 3. Response to loading from gains in body weight
4 Comparative Identification Conclusions
1. Positive ID 2. Possible ID 3. Insufficient Evidence 4. Exclusion
3 Wound Shapes
1. Round/oval 2. Keyhole 3. Irregular
Bullet profiles (3)
1. Sharp 2. Blunt 3. Hollow-point
2 ideal locations for determining sex
1. Skull 2. Pelvis
How many lumbar vertebrae are there?
5
cyanomethemoglobin
A complex of cyanide and methemoglobin; used to treat cyanide posioning
Colorimetric testing
A device used to characterize color using a spectrometer. Used to test for the presence of metals.
Birefringence
A difference in the two indices of refraction exhibited by most crystalline materials.
Solubility
A measure of how much a given substance will dissolve in a liquid.
What can accidental fires arise from?
A number of different sources, such as a simple malfunction, and they may sometimes be difficult to distinguish from deliberate fires.
Microcrystalline tests
A reaction between the compound of interest and chemical reagent that results in the formation of uniform crystals that can be observed with the microscope
What is an endothermic reaction?
A reaction that requires the input of energy for the reaction to take place ex: melting ice
Ibuprofen
A synthetic compound used widely as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug.
Opiates
A term for the class of narcotic drugs derived from the opium plant, including morphine and codeine. heroin is produced from morphine
Phase
A uniform body of matter; different phases are separated by definite visible boundaries.
Phase
A uniform substance separated from other substances by definite visible boundaries.
Visible Bands of DNA form?
A unique pattern
The fuel must be a what before it will burn?
A vapor
A person showed clotting in the A and Rh column but not the B. What is their blood type?
A+
Electrophoresis
An electrical current moves through a substance causing molecules to sort by size.
Low order explosions
An explosion that occurs at less than optimum efficiency.
High order explosions
An explosion that occurs at or near its maxium theoretical detonation velocity.
______ are cell-surface proteins, like nametags
Antigens
Physical Evidence
Any material items that are preset at the crime scene or on the victims.
Poison
Any substance taken in sufficient quantity to cause adverse reaction or death
Occipitalization
Assimilation of the atlas by the occipital
Fragmentation effects
Bomb casing shatters and pieces propelles away from bomb seat with great force. Bomb maker can intentionally include shrapnell such as nails or other pieces of metal that will cause fragmentation damage. The blast wave may fragment objects and propel them.
The point of origin is also known as what?
Bomb seat
Wound Evidence
Can often be matched to weapons or tool marks on the weapon. Investigators may also be able to determine the weapon's size, shape, and length.
_____ supply cells with nutrients
Capillaries
Frayed root
Cat
What are weather-related fires?
Caused by weather conditions such as lightning or forest fires.
Interracial line up
Chance of picking right suspect goes down
Wastage
Chips of bone
What is the tail bone called?
Coccyx
Clyde Collins Snow
Codified 10 protocol for gathering information about decomposed bodies/skeletons
How is DNA used as evidence?
Collected from a crime scene can either link a suspect to the evidence or eliminate a suspect, similar to the use of fingerprints.
Emmission spectroscopy
Collects and measures various light energies given off by atom
Photographic Superimposition
Comparison of live photo to skeletal remains found by examining the teeth and skull
Electrocoat primer
Corrosion resistance (black- gray)
Ways to detect counterfeit currency
Counterfeit detection pen, counterfeit detector
Mycobacterium Bovis
Cow to human
Evidence Triangle
Crime scene, Suspect, and Victim *there have been over 350 "no body" murder trials in the U.S.*
State Labs
DPS has 13 across Texas Headquarters in Austin Provide support for smaller labs
Quality of impressions
Depends on the object making the impression and the surface conditions.
Duties of the First Responder consist of which of the following?
Detain any witnesses, protect the crime scene, and document any changes or alterations to the crime scene.
BFT: Vertical Fracture
Due to compressive forces which split the bone along its long axis
Electrical fires
Electrical appliances, wires, components and connections give of sparks or overheat causing a fire.
Autopsy
Examination of a body post-mortem
Explosive Evidence
Examination of these can determine the chemical composition to identify the type used and its origin.
DNA profiling
Examine an individual's DNA sequence to develop a DNA fingerprint
Polydactyly
Extra finger located next to fifth finger
Counterfeiting
False documents or items copied for the purpose of deception
Who is usually first at a crime scene?
First responders - usually police officers
Facial Reconstruction: Kollman and Buchly (1899)
First scientific reconstruction of the face of a Palaeolithic women in France
Compression Fracture
Force acted directly upon the bone from a falling object
G to C
Guanine to Cytosine
What are some examples of trace evidence, and where can they be found?
Hair and fibers, fingerprints and shoe prints, soils, blood, documents, etc. can be found anywhere at a fire scene.
Ecstasy, def
Hallucinogen - Club Drub-mind-altering and creates euphoria and happiness and relaxation
What are the metacarpals
Hand bones - 1 to 5, starting below the thumb
What is in the middle of an osteon
Haversian canal
What is a high-order explosion?
Occurs at or near its maximum theoretical detonation velocity
Secondary perimeter
Where any associated evidence is located
Sir William Herschel
Who was the first European to use fingerprints as an identification method?
35%
Whorl %
TWGDAM (The Working Group for DNA Analytical Methods)
Wrote the standards for DNA analysis that are part of a national crime laboratory accreditation program
Age categories for Adults
Young adult: 18-29 Middle adult: 30-45 Older adult: 45+
yarn
a continuous strand of fibers or filaments either twisted or not
digital hash
a unique vale (digital fingerprint) that is created by a mathematical formula that translates the data in a file into a unique hexadecimal code used to determine if whether data in the file had changed, modified or tampered with
Reversal
Pre-osteoblasts
Plagiocephalia
Premature closure of the sutures only from one side
Spalling
The destruction of a surface (such as concrete or plaster) due to heat.
Weight
The force with which gravity attracts a body.
postmortem redistribution
The redistribution of drugs in the body that occurs after death
Forensic Entomology
The study of insects and their relation to a criminal investigation.
Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC)
The use of a solvent that travels through a porous medium to separate compounds based on their chemical affinity with the solvent and the medium
Anthroposcopy
The visual inspection of the human body for the purpose of identifying qualitative traits (i.e., x-ray)
Carbon Monoxide
Toxic gas that is formed in combustion. This gas binds to hemoglobin more tightly than blood and prevents the blood from carrying oxygen. Levels above 60% in the blood are fatal.
True or False: Ancestry is not suited for sub-adults
True
role of computer forensics professional is to
gather evidence to prove that suspect committed a crime or violated a company policy
paper comparisons
general appearance weight color water marks fiber identification additives, fillers, and pigments such as optical brightness, clay, CaCo3, blue and violet dyes
external examination
general condition of body; sex, weight, tattoos, teeth, age, any abnormalities or deformities; condition of clothing, classification of injuries, trace evidence collection(bags on hands)
DNA contains...
genetic info
Thermal decomposition
gently heating to break down the fiber to the basic monomers
marrow cavity
hollow portion of bone
imbricate
human
the root
human root looks different based on if forcibly removed or telgon & fallen out
Kastle-Meyer presumptive test for blood
hydrogen peroxide + oxidized phenolphthalein + reduced iron + reaction turns pink - reaction stays colorless reduced means gains electrons oxidized means loses electrons
y shaped
antibodies have a _____________ structure
tool; marked surface
any contact between the _____ and the _________ _______ may alter the mark or otherwise compromise the evidence
What is it called when an artery is damaged and the blood spurts or gushes from the wound in large volume pulses?
arterial gush
What type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?
arteries
blackened/frayed tip
burnt
Minutiae
characteristics of ridge patterns.
evidence collected during an autopsy
clothing, sexual assault kit, swabs of DNA/saliva, blood, projectiles, hair, fingernail scrapings
Two characteristics to study soil
color and texture
Computer generated records are
considered authentic if the program that created the output is functioning correctly
fibers
considered class evidence; have probative value; common trace evidence at CS; chara based on physical/chemical properties
Peripheral
device connected to computer to expand its capabilities and output
heterozygous
different forms of genes
pathogens
disease causing agents (foreign substances)
natural
disease, chronic drug/alcohol abuse, longtime exposure to toxins
Chain of Custody standards
document each route item takes from the time you find it until the case is closed or to court ensure integrity , authenticity , and admissibility
preserve evidence and document it
documentation may include written , electronic , photographic , video and audio records
petal
dog
DNA is _______________ stranded.
double
hammer-forged barrel
drilling to larger diameter and is slipped onto the desired (already grooved) piece. it is then hammer together
places
employee work areas employee residences
antibody
even though they have the y shape in common, each _________________ is specific to an antigen you need a match for both - each _______________ is specific, the active site or binding site at the tips of the y have a specific shape that will fit the specific antigen
Reflected (vertical) illumination
from above, specimen is opaque
Transmitted illumination
from below, specimen is transparent
swaging
the diameter is drilled out to smaller diameter then is a riffling button is inserted and carves the desired grooves and cold-working (hardening materials) allows for cheaper materials
term gauge
the diameter of the shotgun barrel is expressed by the _______ _______
shotguns; test firing
the firing distances involving _________ must again be related to _____ _________
documenting evidence function
identifies the evidence who handles the evidence lists the dates and times
Clearcoat
improves gloss, durability, and appearance
DNA profiling from WBCs is what type of evidence?
individual
1987 - scientist began developing blood screening test for ________ _______
infectious diseases
medulla
inside layer running down center of cortex (lead)
medulla
insider (core) layer of hair, goes down the center of the cortex; types: intermittent, fragmented, continuous, stacked, & absent
Role of compter forensic specialist
instruct the interviewer what type of questions to ask AND what the answers should be
Asphyxia
interference with the intake of oxygen; petechiae
eDiscovery
involves the identification , preserve , examination of electronic digital evidence pursuant to civil proceedings
A line spectrum of an element (is, is not) characteristic of the element.
is
The number of protons (is, is not) always equal to the number of electrons in orbit around the nucleus of an atom.
is not
Hallucinogens, examples
marijuana, PCP, LSD
Where are antigens found?
membrane (of RBCs)
MAC times
metadata that specifies dates and times that a file was created , modified and accessed: created Modified Accessed
What can be identified through neuron activation
metals, drugs, paint, soil, gunpowder residue, and hair
accidental
must be no intent to cause harm or death through gross negligence. overdose, unintentional lethal combination of drugs
Computer investigations must:
must comply with laws/regulations agencies policies/ company Maintain Chain of Custody Standards
loops
must have delta and ridges that enter leave on same side 60% of peopel have loops
person
people (internal vs. external)
Document Examiner
performs scientific analyses of handwriting and other features of questioned documents, qualified as a form of expert testimony by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1999
blood
peroxidase
Chromosomes
pieces of genetic material
The 2 most important components of dried paint from the criminalist POV are the _______ and the _______.
pigments, binder
Investigation report
prepared by the person conducting the crime scene
technical or scientific witness
provided facts found in investigation does not offer conclusions prepares testimony
Punishment for counterfeiting
punishable with up to 15 years in prison, counterfeit U.S. currency is investigated by the U.S. Secret Service
what to look for when looking at letter form
shape, curves, angle/ slant, proportional size, use and appearances of connecting line, and correctness
tented arch
similar to plain arch but has spike in center
petechiae
small hemorrhaging caused by blood escaping burst capillaries and settling in the tissue
polyester, arcylic, nylon
smell- burning plastic/acid, ignites- catches fire fast & put itself out, bubbles/sizzles/melts, residue- ash is hard
what to look for when looking at line form
smoothness, darkness of the lines going upwards or downwards
1935 - Mayo clinic developed a method to _____ _____ for transfusions
store blood
graphologist
studies the personality of the writer eased on handwriting samples. not accepted as science in courts
examination
technical review that makes the evidence visible and suitable for analysis
higher; smaller
the ________ the gauge number, the ________ the barrel's diameter
___________ is ideal for collecting a body with soft tissue still attached.
A body bag
How is blood from a cut vein different from a cut artery?
A vein will flow slower with darker blood whereas an artery is a faster gush of brighter blood
Compound Microscope
A compound microscope uses two lenses to magnify smaller particles such as insect larvae found on a decomposing body or tree
Physical State
A condition or stage in the form of matter; a solid, liquid, or gas.
Photon
A discrete particle of electromagnetic radiation.
Solid
A state of matter in which molecules are held closely together by strong attractive forces.
Liquid
A state of matter in which the attractive forces are strong enough to allow molecules to be in contact with one another but too weak to hold them rigidly in place.
Gas (Vapor)
A state of matter in which the attractive forces between molecules are small enough to permit them to move with complete freedom.
Gas (vapor)
A state of matter in which the attractive forces between molecules are weak enough to permit them to move with complete freedom.
Solid
A state of matter in which the molecules are held closely together in a rigid state.
Cocaine
A stimulant that comes from the leaf of the coca plant, grown almost exclusively on the Amazon slopes of the Andes.
cutting agents
A substance added to an illicit drug to reduce the concentration
Analyte
A substance being analyzed.
thermolabile
A substance that breaks at elevated temperatures
Depressants
A substance that slows down, or depresses, the functions of the central nervous system (EX: Alcohol)
Stimulants
A substance that speeds up, or stimulates, the central nervous system. (EX: Amphetamines)
Anabolic Steroids
A synthetic steroid hormone that resembles the testosterone in promoting the growth of muscle. Such hormones are used medicinally to treat some forms of weight loss and by some athletes and others to enhance physical performance.
unburned; burned; grains
the presence of scattered specks of __________ and partially _________ powder ______ without any accompanying soot is often observed at distances up to 25 inches (and occasionally as far as 36 inches)
biggest challenge in handwriting analysis
the quality of the exemplar obtained for comparison
Coarse Focus
the rough focus knob on the microscope which is used to move the objective lenses toward or away from the specimen
Computer (digital) forensics process
the scientific identification , preservation , examination , analysis and presentation of digital evidence in legal matters
ammunition components
unfired cartridges, fired cartridge cases and shotgun shells, fired projectiles
proportional size
upper and lower case letter sizes, overall letter size
blood typing
using the antigens on your red blood cells to find blood type (antigen is protein on red blood cells)
satin weave
weaves that creates long floats; satin is an example
lay witness
what he or she knows or observed only
Cause of Death
what is the action that initiates the serious of events ending in death, may include contributing factors if death is prolonged. usually the medical reason someone dies
They have a nucleus
why are white blood cells used for DNA testing?
Stab
wound deeper than it is long
cannabiboids
A term applied to marijuana and parts of the plant Cannabis sativa in which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active
Post-Mortem Examination
-Determination of Cause of Death done by performing an autopsy. -Information gathered in the autopsy will also be used to determine the Manner of Death -Records and photographs from post-mortem exam will be used during court proceedings. -Careful examination of body, wounds, patterns, toxicology.
Natural
-Disease -Chronic drug/alcohol abuse -Longtime exposure to toxins
Layers of skin
-Epidermis(top layer of skin) -Dermis (lower layer)
Amphetamine
A large class of drugs that creates an excitatory condition, wakefulness and euphoria. Includes: methamphetamines,
True Poison
A poison that requires a very small amount to produce adverse effects or death
Forensic Pathology
-Examination of a body -Cause and Manner of Death
Polypharmacy
A mixture of drugs
Toxicogenomics
A persons genetic factors that effect the efficacy of a drug or poison in their system
Sublimation
A physical change from the solid state directly into the gaseous state.
Weight
A property of matter that depends on both the mass of a substance and the effects of gravity on that mass.
Chemical property
A property that describes the behavior of a substance when it combined with another substance.
Physical property
A property that describes the behavior of a substance without reference to any other substance.
Intensive property
A property that is not dependent on size of an object.
Antibody
A protein produced by a body's immune system that tags a molecule in order to destroy it.
Enzyme
A protein that acts as a catalyst in a living organism.
Hall's 4 Uses of Plants
1. Can be used to determine factors surrounding death 2. Can determine whether body has been moved 3. The amount of time since death 4. The time of year death occurred
Identification process for loose teeth (3)
1. Class 2. Side 3. Location in mouth
Methodologies for adult age estimation (5)
1. Cranial suture closure 2. Pubic symphysis 3. Sternal rib end 4. Auricular surface of ilium 5. Dentition
4 mass grave elements
1. Criminal intent 2. Bodies in haphazard formation 3. 2 or more individuals 4. Not due to natural disaster
2 Categories of Saws
1. Crosscut 2. Rip
2 indicators of fluvial movement
1. Damage 2. Modifications
Problems with dental method (2)
1. Depends on diet and environment 2. Cannot be used as comparison between populations
Purposes of DNA profiling:
1. Determine Identity (match tissue samples) 2. Establish Paternity
2 methods for sub-adult age estimation
1. Epiphyseal fusion (none, non-union, partial union, or complete union) 2. Dental development
4 phases of testimony for a forensic anthropologist
1. Establishing qualifications 2. Direct examination 3. Cross-examination 4. Possible re-direct examination
4 Types of Bone Changes
1. Formation 2. Destruction 3. Both formation and destruction 4. Active/healed lesions
Scientific Method and what does it involve (steps)
1. Formulate a question worthy of investigation 2. Form hypothesis 3. Analyze the evidence 4. Results 5. Know guilty person, arrest suspect
4 Stages the body goes through during normal decomposition
1. Fresh 2. Bloat 3. Putrefaction 4. Putrid dry remains
3 Tests to Determine Admissibility
1. Frye Test (1923) 2. Federal Rules of Evidence 702 3. Daubert Criteria
2 Sub-Categories of Probable ID
1. General tendency 2. Certainty
What are the four nitrogen bases?
A - Adenine G - Guanine C - Cytosine T- Thymine
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
ANFO
Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil Low explosive
Stimulants
Amphetamines are classified as...
Laser
An acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; light that has all its waves pulsating in unison.
Teratogen
An agent that can cause birth defects in the embryo or fetus. Examples: Alcohol and Thalidomide.
Acetaminophen
An analgesic drug used to treat headaches, arthritis, etc. and often reduce fever , often as an alternative to aspirin. Proprietary names include Tylenol.
Mass Spectrometry
An analytical chemistry technique that can identify the amount and type of chemicals present by measuring mass-to-charge ratio and abundance of gas-phase ions
liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
An analytical instrument that combines a liquid chromatography with a mass spectrometer as the detect; analogous to GC-MS
type of evidence
Class
Match Terminology
DNA bands match and suspect is still suspect but if bands don´t match suspect is eliminated
12. How is a detonation defined? Why do some explosives detonate, whereas others do nto?
Detonation - An instantaneous combustion. Some explosions combust much slower than one that detonates.
Classes of Drugs
Narcotics, Hallucinogens, Depressants, Stimulants, Anabolic Steroids,
Mass Fatality Incidents may be caused by...
Natural hazards, human-related hazards and pro-active hazards
BFT: Toddlers Fracture
Oblique/spiral fracture where ends do not separate
When forensic data follows the scientific method, it should be:
Obtainable by anyone, able to be reproduced to compare results, and falsifiable.
Vitreous Humor
Ocular fluid that is used as a sample for postmortem toxicology testing.
1922 - P. ______ established the first blood donor service
Oliver
Liver Mortis
Discolouration of the body after death due to gravitational settling of blood
2-D Impressions
Documented using photography. Can also be dusted with fingerprint powder to be photographed or lifted with tape.
True or False: There are several osteological indicators for ears and therefore they are included accurately in a facial reconstruction.
False
True or False: When fired, bullets spin along the axis perpendicular to the ground, toward the target
False; they spin along the long-axis
What jurisdiction do the FRE apply to?
Federal
Public Crime Labs
Federal State Local
point of origin
Finding area of convergence to give angle of impact to give point of origin
1. What is the fire tetrahedron? How is it important in explaining the elements necessary to have a fire?
Fire tetrahedron - depicts the 4 elements that must be present to have a fire: a source of heat energy, a fuel, a source of oxygen, and a chain reaction between the fuel and oxygen. It is important because it describes all necessary things for a fire.
6. What is a flash point?
Flash point - Lowest temperature that will allow a liquid to produce a flammable vapor
Investigation of fire scenes
Focus on point of origin and points of entry and exit as these are the points an arsonist has most likely been and therefore will most likely hold trace evidence. Fabrics (carpets, curtains etc.) that may have accelerant on them should be collected. Any sample should be collected in an airtight container to avoid evapouration of volatile substances.
Fracture Complications: Limb shortening
Fracture did not set properly
Fracture Complications: Pseudoarthosis
Fracture pieces do not unify and body decides to create new joint instead
What causes the difference between a fuel burning or exploding?
The nature of the fuel and how close the oxygen and fuel are to each other during the reaction.
Compound Fracture
Open fracture where skin is open can lead to infection
Minutiae
Points where the ridge structure changes, small characteristics/details, friction ridges
Algor Mortis
Process in which a body continually adjusts to equalize with the environmental temperature.
1. First officer on the scene 2. Secure the crime scene 3. Crime scene survey 4. Crime scene documentation 5. Searching the crime scene 6 Collection of physical evidence
Processing the crime scene (6 steps)
Synthetic fibers
Rayon, Nylon, Acetate, Acrylic, Spandex, Polyester
Excavation
Removal of dirt within or immediately around the burial pit
RFLP method
Restriction fragment length polymorphism. DNA is cut into pieces, enzymes cut specific DNA sequences, DNA ends up as diff. length pieces which can separate with gel and each persons pattern of fragments is different
Suicide
Result of an individual taking his/her own life with lethal intention. Must be able to show that act was done alone and without outside help. Must be intentional.
Endorphins
Reward the central reward circuit and causes a release of dopamine
Arch Fingerprints
Ridges enter on one side and exit on the other side. Two different groups: Plain Tented
Chromatography
Separating and identifying different components of a mixture as the basis for a test
Extraction
Separation of a compound of interest from the rest of the solution.
extractions/ liquid extraction
Separation of the compound of interest from the rest of the samples
Primer surfacer
Smooth and hide seams or imperfections
Interbellum consolidation
Standardization results in more reliable sources
What is direct evidence?
Statements of an eye witness in court
What is a low-order explosion?
Takes place at less than optimal efficiency (may happen due to being old, out-of-date or improperly used)
Chromatography
The collective term for a family of laboratory techniques for the separation of mixtures. It involves passing a mixture which contains the analyte through a stationary phase, which separates it from other molecules in the mixture and allows it to be isolated.
carrier gas
The mobile phase in gas chromatography (GC)
Nucleotides
Unit containing a sugar molecule (deoxyribose), phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing base
what federal agency is in charge of investigating counterfeit US currency
US secret service
What are introns?
Uncoded DNA > 98.5 %
infrared spectroscopy
Use of the absorption of infrared radiation to produce a chemical fingerprint of a substances; also referred to as IR spectroscopy
Who bears the burden of proof in a criminal proceeding?
The prosecutor
New paleopathology
The study of complete populations versus case studies
Toxicokinetics/ pharmacokinetics
The study of how genetic factors influence toxicology and drug effectiveness
Demography
The study of people in a general concept versus one individual
Taphonomy
The study of the accumulation and modification of osteological assemblages from a site formation perspective
toxicogenetics/ pharmacogenetics
The study of the genetic influences on the responses of organisms to toxins.
Histology
The study of the microstructure of bones and teeth
Ridgeology
The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge structures and their use for personal identification
Metabolism
The sum of all chemical processes occurring in an organism. Metabolites are organic molecules involved in the process of metabolism; they can form more complex molecules, or they may result from the degradation of compounds.
Flash point
The temperature required to convert sufficient amounts of fuel, to support combustion, to the vapour state. The lowest temperature that will allow a liquid to produce a flammable vapour. Even if a fuel reached its flash point an ignition source is still needed. The flash point will allow for combustion but not sustain it.
Celsius scale
The temperature scale that defines the melting point of ice at 0 degrees and the boiling point of water as 100 degrees, with 100 equal divisions or degrees between.
Fahrenheit scale
The temperature scale that defines the melting point of ice at 32 degrees and the boiling point of water as 212 degrees, 180 equal divisions or degrees between.
Celsius Scale
The temperature scale using the melting point of ice as 0 degrees and the boiling point of water as 100 degrees, with 100 equal divisions or degrees between.
Fahrenheit Scale
The temperature scale using the melting point of ice as 32 degrees and the boiling point of water as 212 degrees, with 180 equal divisions or degrees between.
Crack
The texts tallied freebase version of crack. Regular use can cause anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, paranoia, and mental deterioration.
Explain individual evidence.
Things that can be traced back to an individual person such as a finger print, blood samples, DNA.
Explain class evidence.
Things that can be traced back to many people such as a tire tread or foot print.
psilocin
a substituted tryptamine alkaloid and a serotonergic psychedelic substance
"Defense wounds"
-Forearms -Fingers -Palms -Back of hands -Lower extremities -Lack of defense wounds is also important
Collection of DNA
- avoid contamination - preserve carefully
Stimulants def
- stimulate central nervous system - increase energy and alertness while decreasing appetite
Basic DNA Facts:
- stores genetic information - tightly coiled to form chromosomes - 4 nitrogen bases
diamond petal
dog (coarse hair)
DNA stands for
deoxyribonucleic acid
RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism)
-Isolation- fragments are cut from the sequence of bases by a restriction enzyme -Cutting- The enzyme find its combination, bonds at the end and dissolve through the DNA at tge other -Sorting- fragments are load into a gel and run - Analyzing-
3 Types of Prints
-Latent- invisible to the eye -Visible -easily seen by unaided eye -Plastic- molded print
Classification of the Crime Scene
-Location -Size of Area -Type of Crime -Physical Location
Undetermined
-No rational classification can be determined. -Physical exam finds no mechanism of death, absence of meaningful findings in toxicological exam
Nehemial Grew
first documented person to describe ridge patterns on hands and feet- published detailed drawings of finger and palm patterns
two major characteristics of the cortex
-melanin: pigment granules that give hair it's color -cortical fusi: air spaces, usually found near the root but may be found throughout the hair shaft
Digital & Multimedia Evidence Forensic Science discipline comprised of the following:
image analysis video analysis audio analysis Computer Forensics
Real image
image seen with naked eye
star-shaped tear
in cases where the weapon is held in contact with or less than one inch from the target, a ____________ _____ (stellate) pattern around the bullet hole entrance, surrounded by a rim of a smokeless deposit of vaporous lead is usually present
3 Goals of Taphonomy
1. Determine which factors cause the destruction 2. Understand selective transport of remains 3. Discriminate human from non-human modification
polymers
long chains of repeating chemical units; made of monomers joined together & have diff properties- can be distinguished from one another
Two types of osseous tissue
1. Woven 2. Lamellar
kary mullis
1985 developed PCR procedure
double loop whorls
2 loops combined into one
workplace drug testing
A branch of toxicology focused on analysis of employee samples
Periodic table
A chart of all the known elements arranged in a systematic fashion.
Cadaveric Spasm
-Stiffening of hands/arms immediately -Not the same as rigor mortis -May find weapon clutched in hand of deceased.
Geologists will compare the _____ of soil
mineral content
Naturally occurring crystals commonly founding found in soils are ______.
minerals
fur fibers
mink, rabbit, beaver, and muskrat
three; bullet wipe
more than _____ feet will usually not deposit any powder residues, and the only visual indication is a dark ring around the hole, known as a ________ _____
Nylon
most durable man-made fibers; extremely lightweight
nylon
most durable of man-made fibers; extremely lightweight
Polyester fibers
most widely used man-made fiber
polyester
most widely used man-made fiber
collecting evidence in Private sector
much easier vs. criminal environment often workplace legal constrains
class evidence
narrows down to a group of people, not a single individual (RED BLOOD CELLS - NO NUCLEUS)
data base for linking firearms crimes in different jurisdictions
national integrated ballistic information network (NIBIN)
Types of fibers and fabrics
natural - animal, vegetable, or inorganic artificial - synthesized or created from altered natural sources
phenolphthalein
normally colorless, pink if positive in testing for hemoglobin in blood
determination of range of fire from gunshot residue pattern requires
original powder pattern firearm used to fire pattern ammunition from same lot and weather conditions
individual characteristics
random, accidental characteristics imparted to a surface during manufacturing and as a result of use and abuse; they form a reproducible pattern that is unique to that surface
probe
single strand of nucleic acid that has been made so sequence lines up with certain DNA sequence: can be labeled with radioactive meterial
Impact wounds with high speed and velocity will typically have what size of blood spatter?
small
Define trace evidence.
small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene
rayon
smell- burning leaves, ignites- burns readily w/flickering flame, not easily extinguished, residue- powdery ash
cotton
smell- burning leaves, ignites- steady flame, extinguished by blowing, residue- powdery ash
Chemical tests
solubility and decomposition
counterfeit detection pen
special pen containing iodine to turn fake bills a blue-black color caused by a chemical reaction with starch in wood- pulp based paper real currency is fiber-based
SIDS
sudden infant death syndrome; anyone under the age of 18
What pattern: transfer of blood onto a surface not already contaminated with blood?
swipe
gases; barrel; cartridge case; breech face
the expanding _______ generated by the burning gunpowder propel the bullet forward through the _______, simultaneously pushing the spent _________ _____ back against the _______ _____
terminal velocity
the greatest velocity a falling object reaches
magazine
the mechanism in a semi-automatic firearm that holds the unfired cartridges
damage; wear
the shape and pattern of such imperfections are further modified by _________ and _____ during the life of the tool
cartridge case comparison
the shape of the firing pin will be impressed into the relatively soft metal of the primer on the cartridge case
Resolution
the shortest distance between two separate points in a microscope's field of view that can still be distinguished as distinct entities.
hair analysis
two matching hair are ID w/comparison microscope; most common analyzed- head & pubic
mescaline
A hallucinogen found in cactus buttons
Amorphous Solid
A solid in which the constituent atoms or molecules are arranged in random or disordered positions; there is no regular order in amorphous solids.
volume of distribution
An equation that relates dose of a drug to blood concentration
Duquenois-Levine Test
An established screening test for the presence of marijuana.
individual characteristics
microscopic imperfections in the form of nicks, burs, and cuts are randomly placed in the bore of the firearm during the various manufacturing process
What is the first cervial vertebrae called?
Atlas - identified by transverse foramen
Ante-mortem
Before death
Direct ignition
Direct application of a spark or flame source to the fuel.
What is DMORT and what do they do?
Disaster Mortuary Operational Response team - assists in the analysis of mass disasters
Pathology =
Disease
Mikrosil
Done on an irregular surface
Trepanning Theories: Douglas Guthrie
Done to let out evil spirits
LD50
Dose of poison that kill 50% of the population
Designer Drug
Drug synthesized with particular pharmaceutical characteristics, designed for abuse and evasion of drug laws
ESDA
Electrostatic Detection Apparatus, used to visualize indented writing
Elimination samples are taken to:
Eliminate individuals who have entered the scene as first responders.
9. To determine that a fire is arson, what must a fire scene investigator be able to do?
Eliminate that it was not a natural or accidental fire
What are exons?
Encoded DNA < 1.5%
Oblique, displaced Fracture
Ends of fracture are not united on a diagonal
What factors affect DNA evidence?
Environmental (heat, sunlight, moisture, bacteria, and mold) Not all DNA evidence is usable.
Testimonial Evidence
Eyewitness accounts of a crime
Arriving at the scene
FIRST thing you do: Observe
What are the most familiar combustion reactions?
Fires and explosions
Primary TB
First time having it
Synovial
Freely moveable
Bomb seat
Origin of explosion
Steroids (?)
Original treatment for hypogonadism?
Mechanism of Death
Physiological change or variation in body's inner working that causes cessation of life
This principle is associated with processing crime scenes and is often summarized as "every contact leaves a trace?"
Locard's Exchange Principle
Sharp Force Trauma
Production of cuts or impact scars
Post-Primary TB
Re-infected
What must admissible evidence be?
Reliable and Relevant i. Admissible evidence must be reliable and relevant to the case at hand, and for scientific analysis, the court must be assured that the methods used are scientifically acceptable and reliable
Stratigraphic Method
Remains are recovered in reverse order of deposition
Spiral Fracture
Result of a twisting force
1940 - Landsteiner discovered the _____ protein
Rh
Three types of evidence
Testimonial Physical Trace
Heroin def
Most common opiate - created by reacting morphine with acetyl chloride - analgelsic
Avulsion Fracture
Muscles attach and not able to be maintained so bone will rip off from rest of bone
In order to obtain dental records for identification purposes, you must already have the victim's _________.
Name
Root
Lies below the epidermis
What is headspace?
Vapor above the matrix
Cyanoacrylate (super glue)
Vaporizes with fumes on a nonporous, solid surface
Arsenic
What poison is tasteless odorless and lethal in small doses?
Lochard's Exchange Principle
When 2 objects come into contact with each other, a cross transfer of materials occurs. Greater the contact (violence), the greater transfer of material
Wolff's Law
Under normal conditions, a healthy person's bone adapts to the loads placed upon it
Infrared Spectrophotometry ( IR Spectroscopy)
Using the absorption of infrared radiation to produce a chemical fingerprint of a substance.
What is the clumping of RBCs?
agglutination
curve
are letters printed, cursive or both? are there any fancy curves?
angle/slant
are letters slanted to the left, right, or variable?
If a tool is being examined, the tool must be
collected
shape
consistency of height and width ratio, any missing parts?
Yarn
continuous strand of fibers and filaments that may be twisted together
button rifling
creates smoother rifling grooves
Typical Counterfeit Items
currency, bonds, coins, postage stamps
DNA stands for...
deocyribonuscleic acid
Veins carry ______ blood
deoxygenated
Toxicology
detecting and isolating drugs or poisons to determine their effect on people Mainly deal with alcohol because that is the most widely consumed drug in the western world
Post-Mortem Examination
determination of cause of death done by performing an autopsy
medullary index
determined by measuring the diameter of the medulla & dividing it in diameter of hair
class characteristics
determined in the design phase prior to the manufacture; they are intentional and in the control of man
professional conduct
determines your credibility
juan vucetich
developed method for classifying fingerprints
sir edward henry
developed new classification system
how do you find the caliber?
diameter of the bullet
Malthus Orfila
Wrote famous book on Drugs and Poisons "Father of Toxicology"
What is paint composed of
a binder, pigments, and other additives
blend
a fabric made of two or more different types of fiber
follicle
a tiny cup-shaped pit buried deep in the fat of the scalp
heme
acts as enzyme called peroxidase
The ______ layer provides corrosion resistant for the automobile.
electrocoat
what is ESDA? what does it do?
electrostatic detection apparatus used to visualize intended writing
employers are interested in
enforcing the company policy , not seeking out and prosecuting employee therefore interested in protecting their assets
hair evidence is useful in
est scope of the CS; placing perpetrator at the scene; connecting suspect w/weapon; support witness statements; connect CS areas
American society of crime laboratory directors (ASCLD)
establishes accreditation standards for crime laboratories
locus (plural loci)
exact location on DNA molecule of gene or area of interest
barium; antimony
examiners measure the amount of _______ and _________ on the relevant portion of the suspect's hands, such as the thumb web, the back of the hand, and the palm
spines on blood droplet
extensions (connected to main drop) when blood hits an uneven porous surface
counterfeiting
false documents or items copied for the purpose of deception. federal felony punishable for up to 15 years in prison
dark colored nonporous surface
fluorescent powder
coronal plane
front and back (posterior/inferior)
Why does blood maintain its round shape?
gravity, cohesion
what is rifling?
grooves inside the barrel to stabilize the shot and make the bullet go straight
multiserial
hair from a rabbit
cystolithic (bear-claw shaped) hairs
hairs on the surface of a leaf/ finer clothing
typically found encountered in forensic QD analysis
handwriting typewriting/typescripts commercial printing paper ink
Expert Witness
has opinions based on observations or documents
cortex
inner layer (wood)
cortex
is made up of spindle-shaped cortical cell that are aligned parallel to the length of the hair, giving the hair it's shape
alec jeffreys
isolated DNA markers and called ¨DNA fingerprints¨
bullets may be
lead, lead alloy, semi-jacketed, full metal jacketed,
radial loop
loop opens to left or radius bone
goat fiber
mohair and cashmere
canaliculi
networl of trails off the osteocytes
wipe
object moves through blood
Burning identification
observation of how a fiber burns, the odor, color of flame, color of smoke, and the appearance of the residue
cuticle
outside covering of hair; made form overlapping scales that point towards the tip (differ btw animals & named for appearance): coronal, spinous, & imbricate , thin colorless & protects cortex
Arteries carry ______ blood
oxygenated
stippling
particles of gunpowder burned into skin
A proton imparts the nucleus of an atom with a _____ charge.
positive
antibodies
proteins that attach to and destroy antigens
Each atom of the same element always has the same number of _____ in its nucleus.
protons
first manufactured fiber
rayon
linear/straight tip
recently cut, blunt/scissor cut
monomers
repeating molecular units of polymers
buildup of carbon dioxide
results in kidney failure and death
Small secondary droplets around the main drop of blood are called what?
satellites
genetic code
sequence letters on DNA strand
The study of blood applied to crime is referred to as what?
serology
Plain weave
simplest and most common weave pattern warp and weft yarns pass under each other alternately design resembles a checkboard
examples of questioned documents
threatening notes, ransom notes, suicide notes, altered checks.
What is another name for platelets?
thrombocytes
what types of things are in propellants
stabilizers, flash suppressants, deterrents and opacifiers
glass, light metals
standard powder brush
treated wood
standard powder brush
codes of professional conduct or responsibility
standards that you are compelled to adhere
elisa
tests for human blood
caliber
the diameter of the gun barrel
True or False: A continuous spectrum consists of a blending of colors._______
true
morphology; fired; handled; near
they may also characterize the ______________ of particles containing these elements to determine whether or not a person has ________, __________ a weapon, or was _____ a discharged firearm
Comparison Microscope
two compound microscopes combined into one unit, consists of two independent objective lenses joined together by an optical bridge to a common eyepiece lens, the objects under investigation are observed side-by-side that is equally divided in both parts
genes
unit of heredity
smooth
unlike rifled firearms, a shotgun has a _______ barrel
What is plasma made of?
water, waste, nutrients, protein
examination plan
what to expect when testisfying guide you in ur testimony
smooth edges
when a droplet hits glass it has
Digital Forensics Lab
where u conduct ur forensic examination store and process evidence store forensic lab equipment, hardware and software
Crime Scene Reconstruction
-Initial leads to the formation of Hypotheses -Hypotheses are tested by additional analyses -Disproved hypotheses are thrown out, leaving a reconstruction theory
Sharp Force Trauma
-Occur with weapons that have sharpened edges -Tissue is sliced, not torn or crushed -Generally bloody scenes -Location of wounds are important -"Defense wounds"
Decomposition
-Once decomposition occurs, all preceding methods of TOD estimation can no longer be used. -Two main functions of decomposition 1. Autolysis 2. Putrefaction
medulla index for animals is usually greater than
1/2
medulla index for human hair is generally less than
1/3
Depressants
A drug that lowers neurotransmission levels which is to depress or reduce arousal or stimulant in various areas of the brain.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
A form of mass spectrometry used to detect inorganic materials and metals
inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
A form of mass spectrometry used to detect inorganic materials and metals
Element
A fundamental particle of matter that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Element
A fundamental particle of matter; an element cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
A group of that establishes national and international standard practices fr procedures and analyses
What is a high explosion?
A high explosive has a detonation rate above 3,280 fps. ex: detonator cap, dynamite
Cannabis
A tall annual hemp plant native to Central Asia from which marijuana is harvested; also refers to the harvested product.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
A technique for making many copies of a defined segment of a DNA molecule.
The corpse wax is also referred to as...
Adipocere
3D image, wide field of view (low mag.), large working distance (distance between specimen and objective lens), offers both vertical and transmitted illumination
Advantages of Stereoscopic Microscope
Post-mortem
After death
Preliminary Scene Examination
Aids investigator Establish the perpetrator's entrance and exit Determine if its a primary or secondary crime scene. Identify evidence that can be damaged Initial walk through
Depressants, examples
Alcohol, Barbiturates, Anti-psychotics, Anti-anxiety,
How many base pairs are there?
Approximately 3 billion
5%
Arch %
Narcotics
Are Analgesics; substances affecting the central nervous system to relieve pain.
Carnivores: Punctures
Area of bone that has collapsed under the force of carnivore teeth
Screening area
Area to assess for small, tiny pieces of evidence
Postmortem Redistribution
Concentration changes in a drug that occur after death as the drug is redistributed throughout the body.
Tool Mark Features to Analyze
Dimensions of the impression Ridges or striation patterns Defects, such as nicks and chips Paint chips or metal shards left on a tool
Fire causes
Direct ignition Electrical fires Weather-related fires Mechanical fires
Cause of Death
Disease or injury that initiates events
Carnivores: Pits
Do not penetrate through cortical surface of bone
What not to do at a crime scene
Don't touch evidence because it ALTERS IT FOREVER.
How do you handle a grease fire?
Don't use water, smother the fire with something, usually a lid or a larger pan.
Radiography and microscope analysis to determine the difference and limit wrong conclusions was developed by who?
Donald Ortner
Magnetic brush
Done on a smooth, nonporous surface
Designer Drug
Drugs that synthesized with particular pharmacological characteristics, designed for abuse and evasion of specific drug laws.
Non-destructive methods used in QD ink Analysis
ESDA, Microspectrophotometer, Magnifying glass, cameras, cameras, microscope, alternate lightsource, digital image enhancement software
Scaphocephalia
Earlier ossification of the sagittal suture
All of the following matches of court decisions and their criteria are correct EXCEPT:
Kumho Tire v. Carmichael - types of evidence
Why estimate age?
Looking for a specific person, trauma, life expectancy, or cultural information
What type of fingerprint is the most common?
Loop
Solutions
Mixtures in which one substance is dissolved in another.
One pair is from ___, one pair is from ___
Mom & Dad
Peri-mortem
Moment of death
Antecedent Period
More animal remain analysis with isolated fragments
Stages of Trauma: Ante-Mortem
Shows signs of healing
Toxicology
The study of poisons
regenerated fiber
fibers manufactured from natural raw materials and commonly include rayon, acetate, and triacetate
biggest challenge in handwriting analysis
finding a high quality sample of the exemplar obtained for comparison
composition of fingerprints
fingerprints are oil, sweat and other residue left behind
marsh test
first and most famous color-based test for arsenic
digital evidence
information stores or transmitted in binary form that may be relied in court
Hemoglobin is an ____ containing protein
iron
Paint can be individualized to a single source only when they can have a sufficiently detailed _____.
layer structure
2nd priority at the scene of a crime
- Preservation of the crime scene Taping off a perimeter
DNA Profiling
- To ID potential suspect - To match organ donors - To ID crime and causality victims - To exonerate individuals
Livor Mortis
-Pooling and settling of blood within the blood vessels
A to T
Adenine to Thymine
Acetaldehyde
Alcohol produces____________ as it is metabolized in the liver
____________ statistics can help calculate probabilities in identification
Bayesian
Auricular surface of ilium method
Comparison of auricular surface (well-preserved) using specific age ranges
Dillie-Koppianyi
Barbiturates (violet-blue)
Dillie-Koppianyi Color Test
Barbiturates (violet-blue)
What type of joint is the glenohumeral joint?
Ball in socket - connects scapula with humeris
Crosscut Saws
Designed to cut across the grain of material being worked
Marijuana def
Canabis Sative plant - contains the chemical THC which produces effects - highest concentration of it is found in the hashish which is a resin on the plant
3-D Impressions
Can be documented using photography as well as by casting, which involves using dental stone or similar substances to preserve the dimensional characteristics of the print.
Beard hair
Coarse and have blunt tips
Scott Color Test
Cocaine (blue, clear pink (w/ HCl)
Effects of LSD
Creates mood change, unexpected laughing or crying, hallucinations, visual/auditory disruption
3 areas of crime scene investigations
Crime scene Investigation Criminal Investigation Forensic Science
Rip Saws
Designed to cut along the grain of material being worked
Improper procedure at the crime scene can easily...
DISCREDIT FORENSIC EVIDENCE IN COURT ROOM
1985 - Development of ______ test to screen for diseases such as HIV
ELISA
Effects of Crack
Euphoria but fades quickly, after 15 seconds therefore creates extreme addiction - hard to overcome
External Examination
General condition of body
Moral Standard
Generally accepted customs of conduct in a given society
Fuel
In most cases must be a vapour to combust. Energy may be needed to change the fuel into the vapour state.
BFT: Bow Fracture
Infraction caused by compression along long axis of bone
Crime Scene Management
Initial response Documentation Processing Recording Equipment
Mechanical fires
Machines overheat either through misuse or incorrect placement causing a fire.
Where is DNA found?
Nucleus
Y-Chromosome
Only in males
Transverse Fracture
Perpendicular to long-axis of bone
What is used to make copies of DNA?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
What are the objectives of crime scene investigation?
Recognize, preserve, and collect
Chemical Property
The behavior of a substance when it reacts or combines with another substance.
Refraction
The bending of a light wave caused by a change in its velocity.
Forensic Botony
The discipline concerned with the medicolegal value of plants found in association with human remains
Exclusion
The genotype comparison shows profile differences that can only be explained by the two samples originating from different sources.
X-ray
The high energy, short wavelength form of electromagnetic radiation.
Osteology
The study of bones
Data(Diaster ) Recovery
Traditional methods to recover data that was deleted by mistake , power surge or crash
Illuminator
a light source mounted under the stage
What makes up DNA
sugar (deoxyribose) phosphate molecules rungs that form the middle of the molecule are made up of nucleotides or nitrogen bases (Adenine - Thymine ; Guanine - Cytosine)
chamber
the area of the firearm that holds the cartridge during the firing process
Polymers
what synthetic fibers are made of long chains of repeating chemical units
broken tip
fragmented ends
Sketching; Triangulation; Baseline; Polar Coordinates
(Crime Scene Documentation) -Goal is to record exact position of all evidence to aid in reconstruction -Rough sketches can be refined into final sketches -3 techniques of measurement are used: _____, _____, _____.
Videotaping
(Crime Scene Documentation) -Introduce with case #, date, location -Begin with surroundings (include entrance/exits) Tape evidence (wide angle, close up_ *Do not narrate the video or discuss contents *Do not edit original video
Narcotics def
- addictive, sleep inducing drugs that act as central nervous system depressants and suppress pain - highly addictive
Depressants def
- depress the CNS - relieve anxiety and produce sleep
angle of impact
- how blood droplet hits the ground - As the angle gets smaller and smaller the droplet gets more elongated
DNA as Individual Evidence
- identify a single person - trace evidence
Toxicological Samples
-Blood -Stomach contents -Bile -Brain matter -Liver -Vitreous humor
When is rigor mortis complete?
8-12 hours after death
Sublimation
A change of state from a solid directly into a gas.
Narcotics
A drug that induces sleep and depresses vital body functions such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate (EX: heroin)
Density
A physical property of matter that is equivalent to the mass per unit volume of a substance.
The Microspectrophotometer
"marriage" of a compound light microscope and spectrophotometer, examine specimen under relatively high magnification and plot an absorption spectrum for it
AFIS
(Automated Fingerprint Identification System) countrywide, scan and search fingerprints, maintained by FBI (IAFIS)
cartridge case
(determining type weapon) type of firing pin, location of firing pin, type of breech face marks, extractor and ejector mark placement
correctness
(dotted i and crossed t) are I's dotted to the left, right, or centered? are the dots on the I's circles? are T's crossed in the top, middle or bottom? is there a loop on the T stem?
Kastle meyers
- Tested for blood - tested for hem in hemoglobin in red blood cells - Get a pink color when blood had hemoglobin - Doesn't tell u if its human blood or not - PINK MEANS POSITIVE - FOR HEMOGLOBIN - NO PINK MEANS NEGATIVE - FOR HEMOGLOBIN
white blood cells and immunity
- WBCs fight antigens - when an antigen enters the body, WBCs recognize it, collect in the infected area, and engulf and destroy it - some WBCs are phagocytic = able to engulf antigens - some WBCs produce antibodies
immune response
- When a substance is recognized as "foreign", the immune system responds by producing antibodies (proteins) that bind to the foreign substance (antigen) and inactivate it - EX: getting the wrong blood type - antigen antibody reaction
Ways to Preserve DNA carefully
- air dry samples - if wet, store in freezer
antigens
- anything that enters your body that your body recognizes as a foreign substance (antigens could be pathogens = disease causing agents) - determines a persons blood type EXAMPLES - wrong blood type - organ transplant - allergy
Effects of Ecstasy
- creates sense of empathy and insightfulness Increases body temperature, nausea and anxiety Often leads to seizures, muscle breakdown, kidney and liver failure, serious damage to your brain that controls memory
red blood cells
- disk shaped - NO NUCLEUS (cant be used in DNA profiling) - no DNA - made in bone marrow - contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen to cells and carbon dioxide away from cells
white blood cells
- larger than red blood cells - HAVE A NUCLEUS (can be used in DNA profiling) - can move (ameboid movement) - made in bone marrow - WE HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF WBCs - 5 different kinds of white blood cells >>>>neutrophils >>>>monocytes >>>>lymphocytes >>>>eosinophils >>>>basophils
receiving blood
- look at antibodies a person has antigen a= u have antibodies against b - u don't want b or ab antigen b= u have antibodies against a - u don't want a or ab antigen ab= u have no antibodies - can get anyone's blood - universal recipient no antigens= antibodies against a and b - only want o - universal donor
read the blood test
- look for agglutination to tell blood-type - ANTIGEN ON RED BLOOD CELLS DETERMINE BLOOD TYPE
plasma
- mostly water and proteins - liquid - antibodies are found here - MAKES UP MOST OF THE BLOOD
hemoglobin
- protein - contains iron (HEM portion - gives blood type) - has pigment (gives RBCs their red color) - carries oxygen
collecting blood
- separate blood samples - blood must be thoroughly dry - keep sample out of sunlight - refrigerate or freeze if lab wont test for a while - if blood is already dry it is scrapped up and sent for testing
Ways to avoid contamination of DNA
- wear gloves, avoid sneezing or coughing Don't leave your DNA behind
Searching the Crime Scene
-After scene documentation, a more thorough search of the scene is completed -Systematic search ensures no piece of physical evidence is missed
Securing the Crime Scene
-Anyone entering the crime scene will deposit and remove evidence -Secure the scene with physical barriers -One officer assigned to prevent entrance of unwanted personnel -Log kept of disturbances to scene
Forensic Science
-Application of science to criminal matters -Science applied to the law
Livor Mortis (Lividity)
-Begins about 30 minutes after death -Blood- no longer circulating-changes from bright red to purple due to loss of oxygen -Parts of the body remaining in contact with objects will remain white. -"Blanching"
Different types of Cause of Death
-Blunt Force Trauma -Sharp Force Trauma -Asphyxiation -Gunshot Wound to Head -Heroin Toxicity -Undetermined -Atherosclerosis
Gastrointestinal Contents
-Can determine location of deceased during last meal -Can determine what the final meal was
Evidence collected during autopsy
-Clothing -Sexual Assault Kit -Fingernail scrapings/cuttings -GSR swabs -Swabs -Blood -Vitreal fluid -Head/Pubic hair combings -Projectiles
Time of Death
-Estimation/Approximation -Never exact -Based on the interpretation of various post-mortem features and characteristics due to physical and chemical changes -Environmental considerations -Insect and animal activity -Gives investigators a general idea of how long the deceased has been dead. -gives investigators an idea if the deceased was moved after death.
3 Basic steps of Post-Mortem Examination
-External Examination -Internal Examination -Toxicology
Fingerprint Principles
-Fingerprints are immutable-do not change over time. -Fingerprints are unique-ridge characteristics are unique-even in twins -Fingerprints have general characteristic ridge patterns that permit them to be systematically classified.
Collection of Physical Evidence
-Liquid or volatile evidence placed in airtight containers -Biological evidence placed in non-airtight container and allowed to dry -Each item packaged serparately
Collection of Physical Evidence
-One individual designated as evidence collector -Temporary, fragile, or easily lost evidence should be collected first -Evidence placed i nprimary and secondary containers -Liquid or volatile evidence placed in airtight containers -Biological evidence placed in non-airtight container and allowed to dry -Each item packaged serparately
SIDS
-Sudden Infant Death Syndrome -Anyone under the age of 18
Bodies in Water
-Swelling in hands- 3-4- -Skin separation- 5-6 days (body), 8-10 days (hands, fingernails) -Floating- 8-10 days warm water 2-3 weeks cold water.
Internal Examination
-Y -shaped incision -Removal and weighing of internal organs -Cranium examination More on pg. 27
hair as evidence
-abundant (very common) -time will not change it -easily lost -mostly class evidence -used most often for sexual assault and violent assault
Bertillonage
-created by Alphonse Bertillon (1879) -Based on 243 measurements -Accurate but cumbersome -Replaced by fingerprinting
Sir Edward Henry
-developed classification system (each finger is awarded points for a whorl)
Sir Francis Galton
-first serious study of fingerprints 1892 -wrote first book about it
Fingerprint formation
-formed by fourth month of pregnancy -found on hairless parts of body -Sweat gland secrete sweat (water and oil)
Sir William Herschel
-identified prisoner using fingerprints
from hair, one can determine
-if human or animal -race (sometimes) -origin of the location on body -if forcibly removed -treated with chemicals -drugs have been ingested
What can markings come from or depend on for the casing and bullet?
-lands and grooves -diameter -alterations to the weapon -material used -machine/hand rifled -amount of use for a weapon(alters individualization) -firing pin -ejector marks -marks from clip -manufacturing marks -fingerprints
Types of Minutiae
-ridge ending -island/short ridge -bridge -eye/enclosure/lake -delta -bifurcation/fork -dot -spur -double bifurcation -trifurcation
3 ways to collect trace evidence
-visual inspection -tape lift -vacuuming
What can ballistics tell us?
-whos gun -distance from the shooter -if someone fired a gun recently or was near a weapon -caliber -if a weapon has been used in multiple crimes -type of bullet(hollow point, regular) -where the shot came from
What are the steps to determine a deliberate fire?
1. All possible natural and accidental causes of the fire must be eliminated 2. Determine whether the fire is arson (A fire can be set deliberately but without malicious intent)
Types of Sharp Force Trauma (4)
1. Angled penetration 2. Penetration parellel to grain 3. Intercostal penetration 4. Penetration perpendicular to grain
History of Paleopathology - 4 Periods
1. Antecedent 2. Genesis 3. Interbellum consolidation 4. New paleopathology
Fire Damage to Bone: Steps (Heat Added)
1. Bone starts as a yellow-brown colour 2. Darker yellow 3. Dark grey 4. White (calcium salts) and light weight 5. Cracking/warping/distortion/shrinkage
2 Aspects of shotgun wounds
1. Direction of fire 2. Range of fire
If radiographs are available, which 4 features are used to obtain identification?
1. Ethmoid 2. Maxillae 3. Sphenoid 4. Mastoid process
3 types of bone joints
1. Fibrous 2. Cartilaginous 3. Synovial
4 Factors that a dental exam includes
1. Gathering information on at least 5 characteristics of teeth 2. Assessing for fillings, dentures, crowns, etc. 3. Any pathological conditions like caries 4. Malocclusions, spacing, type of bite noted
3 Forms of Strangulation
1. Hanging 2. Ligature 3. Manual
Two types of techniques forensic botanists use for PMI
1. Individual 2. Comparative
Order of Decomposition
1. Intestines, stomach, digestive organs, heart, blood, circulatory 2. Air passages and lungs 3. Kidneys and bladder 4. Brain and nervous 5. Skeletal muscles 6. Connective tissue
3 Categories of Wound Bevelling
1. Inward 2. Outward 3. Reverse
What are the two major steps of analyzing a fire scene residue?
1. Isolate the accelerant from the matrix of charred or unburned material 2. Determine the nature of the accelerant residue
Types of Bullet Composition (2)
1. Lead/steel 2. Those designed to explode pellets
Haskel et al's 3 Factors Assessed with Insects
1. Life stages can be used for PMI 2. Geographic location of death can be assessed 3. Personal habits can be determinable
3 Reasons why mapping remains is essential
1. Scattered bones may indicate carnivore activity 2. Establishes a relationship between body elements and physical items 3. Establishes the credibility of the forensic worker
3 Types of LeFort Fractures
1. Separation of alveolar from rest of face 2. Separation of mid face from rest of cranium 3. Entire face separated from brain case
3 Factors to Determine Ancestry through Teeth
1. Shovel-shaped incisors 2. Cusp 7 3. Bushman canine
4 Limitations of Photographic Superimposition
1. Skull or X-ray of skull must be available 2. Photographic plane must be the same 3. Sizes of images must be equal 4. Must both be of good quality
3 Levels of Certainty
1. Speculation 2. Possible 3. Probable
Estimating Adult Age with Teeth (4)
1. Staining 2. Plaque 3. Openings at tip of roots 4. Pulp stones
3 Types of Marks that Saws Leave on Bone
1. Superficial false start scratches 2. False start kerfs 3. Sectioned bone cuts
3 kinds of fibrous joints
1. Syndemosis 2. Sutural 3. Gomphosis
5 Daubert Criteria
1. Whether theory can be tested 2. Whether science has been offered for peer review 3. Whether error rate is acceptable 4. Whether method is widely accepted 5. Whether opinion is relevant to issue
immune response steps
1. recognize antigen 2. produce antibodies to deactivate antigen 3. produce memory cells so you don't get the same disease twice
To develop an idea of the soil variation within the crime scene area standard/reference soil should be collected at various intervals within a(n) ______ foot radius of the crime scene.
100
How far should one go to collect soil samples
100-yard radius
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
How many bones are in the human body?
206
How many chromosomes does each person have?
46 chromosomes
How many cervical vertebrae are there?
7
dyes
7,000 formulations; chromatogrpahy is used to separate dyes for comparative analysis; fabric accepts dye is used to ID & compare samples
People with type AB blood have what antigen(s)?
A and B
Mass
A constant property of matter that reflects the amount of material present.
Mass
A constant property that refers to the amount of matter an object contains.
Concentric Fracture
A crack in a glass that forms a rough circle around the point of impact.
Concentric fracture
A crack in a glass that forms a rough circle around the point of impact.
Caffeine
A crystalline compound that is found especially in tea and coffee plants and is a stimulant of the central nervous system
CODIS (Combined DNA Information System)
A data base of DNA profiles of individuals convicted of sex crimes and other violent crime
Tandem Mass Spectrometers (LC-MS^n)
A detection system with more than one mass spectrometer in a series. (n refers to the number of MS units)
tandem mass spectrometery
A detection system with more than one mass spectrometer in series
X-ray
A high-energy, short-wavelength form of electromagnetic radiation.
Heroin
A highly addictive analgesic drug derived from morphine, often used illicitly as a narcotic producing euphoria.
Cyanide
A highly toxic chemical, especially in the form of gas (hydorgen cyanide)
Opiates
A large class of drugs distinguished by their ability to caused euphoria and relieve pain. Includes: Oxycodone, Fentanyl, morphine, heroin
Screening Test
A preliminary test used to reduce the number of possible identities of an unknown substance
Intensive Property
A property that is not dependent on the size of an object
Typically the first thing the CSI will do is:
A scene survey or walk-thru
Amorphous solid
A solid in which the constituent atoms or molecules are arranged in random or disorder positions.
Liquid
A state of matter in which the attractive forces between molecules are in contact with one another but are not rigidly held in place.
Hallucinogens
A substance that induces changes in normal thought processes, perceptions, and moods (EX: marijuana)
Who is the universal recipient?
AB+
Cranioschisis
Absence of the vault of the skull
Ways to find remains
Accidentally, erosion, personal digging, dogs, field walking, or ground penetrating radar
Stimulants
Act on the nervous system to make the user feel better and increase their energy alertness while suppressing appetite and fatigue.
_________ is easier on a younger person while ____________ is easier on an older person
Aging; sexing
Matter
All things of substance; matter is composed of atoms or molecules.
EMIT
An enzyme immunoassay test to detect particular types of metabolites in the body fluids, commonly used for screening drug use.
Low explosive
An explosive that produces a pressure wave with velocities less than 3280 ft/sec Oxygen physically mixed with fuel so goes at slower rate. Pushes rather than shatters. Can be easily set off with a flame, spark or chemical (ie. acid)
High explosive
An explosive that produces a pressure wave with velocities more than 3280 ft/sec. Designed to shatter and destroy. Require severe shock to detonate - blasting cap or primary/initiating explosive. Initial explosive creates a strong shock wave that shatters the chemical bonds that hold molecules of fuel and oxygen together, after detonation this shock travels from molecule to molecule picking up velocity along the way and resulting in an almost instantaneous detonation.
What is arson and an arsonist?
Arson - A deliberately set fire Arsonist - a person who deliberately sets a fire
Min. 12
Australia standard of points of identification
What is the second cervical vertebrae called?
Axis/dems - allows rotation of the head
People with type B blood have the __ antigen and the __ antibody
B, A
A person showed clotting in the B column but nothing else. What is their blood type?
B-
Why did assessing ancestry work much better in the past?
Because there was little migration and clear separation of race
why do we have red blood cells?
Because they have hemoglobin that carries oxygen to cells and carried carbon dioxide away from the cells
When must documentation on found items be done?
Before it is collected i. Documentation of the found items must be done before any evidence can be moved or collected; this marks the birth of the item as evidence and the beginning of chain-of-custody procedures.
Greenstick Fracture
Bending of bone instead of full breakage
Spiral Search
Best for small areas 1-2 people Problems: - difficult to move in this pattern - Physical barriers may pose problem - May destroy evidence on the way into spiral position
Wound Bevelling: Reverse
Bevelling is in the opposite direction of entrance
Inductively coupled plasma
Binders absorb infrared radiation to yield a spectrum that is characteristic to that spectrum
How do you determine the minimum number of individuals?
By separating all elements and looking at whatever is in abundance
Difference between CSIors and forensic scientists
CSI- police officers assigned to a crime scene unit Maintain chain of custody evidence Forensic Scientists- Have science training and education Furnish training to CSIors Analyze evidence in labs and testify in court their findings
Paper Chromatography
Can be used to separate the components of inks, dyes, plant compounds, make-up, and many other substances.
Dust & Dirt Evidence
Can reveal where a person has traveled and may be picked up at a crime scene or left behind. Investigators examine the samples for chemical composition, pollen, plants, and other organic matter to link to the crime scene.
Process of videotaping at a scene
Case intro: case number, date/time/location, videographer Video surroundings: outside of the scene (roads/entrance) Orientation of scene: 360 view without jumping form evidence to evidence Victims viewpoint
forensic pathology
Cause and manner of death; examination of a body, additional medical history info, psychological history, drug use, witness statements
Mineralization
Caused by groundwater leaching through skeletal elements and depositing various salts into the bone matrix
The purpose of proficiency testing through forensic science organizations is to provide _____ for forensic scientists.
Certification
How can you tell a vertebrae is cervical, thoracic, or lumbar?
Cervial - transverse foramen; Thoracic: holes for rib articulation;lumbar - larger as they get more caudal and no rib articulation
Ballistics Evidence
Characteristics of ammunition, firearms, and residue are examined to find matches between suspects and evidence found at a crime scene.
Adsorption methods
Charcoal or other synthetic materials are used to adsorb high levels of hydrocarbons onto their surface either passively (substance placed in container with accelerant and allowed to adsorb over time) or actively through adsorption-elution. Once adsorbed the accelerant is eluted off using a suitable solvent.
Examples of Questioned Documents
Checks, Certificates, Wills, Passports, Licenses, Diploma, Money, Letters, Contracts, Suicide Notes, Receipts, Lottery Tickets, Historical Documents, and Arts
Duquenois-Levine
Chemical color test used to confirm the presence of cannabinoids in plant material
Iodine fuming, Ninhydrin, Cyanoacrylate (super glue)
Chemical methods of print development?
What kind of evidence is forensic evidence considered?
Circumstantial i. Increasingly, circumstantial proof presented in criminal trials comes in the form of forensic evidence.
Give two examples of indirect evidence.
Circumstantial evidence that implies something such as fingerprints, blood, hair
Fibers
Class evidence, probativ value, common trace evidence
Blunt force applied to long bones results in __________,_________ fractures without fracture lines.
Complete, simple
Six Microscopes Useful for Forensic Analysis
Compound light, Comparison, Stereoscopic, Polarizing, Microspectrophotometer, Scanning Electron
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)
Computerized system capable of reading, classifying, matching, and storing fingerprints for criminal justice.
Interview vs. Interrogation
Conducted to obtain info from individual related to crime scene trying to get someone to confess
Whorl Fingerprints
Consists of circles, more than one loop, or a mixture of pattern types. Four different groups: Plain Double Loop Central Pocket Accidental
DNA
Contains genetic information found on the chromosomes located in the nucleus of our cells.
Familiar Poisons
Cyanide, strychnine, heavy metals (arsenic, lead)
Development of Latent Prints: Cyanoacrylate
Cyanoacrylate-super glue fumes react with water-form a hard white print
CRC
Cyclic redundancy check commonly used for transferring data to media not considered a forensic hashing algorithm
Electrophoresis
DNA pieces separated within an agarose gel or capillary tube
LeFort Fractures
Damage to the face; how much the maxilla is no longer attached to rest of face
individual evidence
Dan analysis to narrow down to one individual (WHITE BLOOD CELLS - NUCLEUS)
What are the five stages of crime scene reconstruction?
Data collection, conjecture, hypothesis formulation, testing, theory formulation a. Crime scene reconstruction is a systematic fact-gathering process (Figure 3.8) based on the scientific method. It involves a set of actions or stages: b. Data collection—All of the information and documentation obtained at the crime scene, from the victim or witnesses, is necessary for crime scene reconstruction. Data including the condition of the physical evidence, patterns and impressions, condition of the victim, etc., are reviewed, organized, and studied. • c. Conjecture—Before any detailed analysis of the evidence is accomplished, a possible explanation of what happened at the crime scene may be developed. It is not fixed or the only possible explanation at this point, as there may be several other possible explanations. • d. Hypothesis formulation—Additional accumulation of data is based on examination of the physical evidence and the continuing investigation. Scene examination and inspection of the physical evidence must be carried out. Interpretation of bloodstain and impression patterns, gunshot residue patterns, and fingerprint evidence, as well as analysis of trace evidence, will lead to formulation of a reconstruction hypothesis. e. Testing—Once a hypothesis has been developed, then additional testing or experimentation must be done to confirm or disprove the overall interpretation or specific aspects of the hypothesis. This stage includes comparison of samples collected at the scene with known standards, as well as chemical, microscopic, and other analyses and testing. Controlled testing or experimentation with regard to possible scenarios of physical activities must be done to corroborate the hypothesis. • f. Theory formulation—Additional information may be acquired during the investigation about the condition of the victim or suspect, the activities of the individuals involved, the accuracy of witness accounts, and other information about circumstances surrounding the event. When the hypothesis has been thoroughly tested and verified by analysis, the reconstruction theory can be formulated.
Autochthonous
Death is in the same place the body is found
Homicide
Death through reckless, intentional, or grossly negligent actions of another
1902 - A. ________ discovered AB blood type
Decastello
Mummification
Decay in dry conditions, both warm and cold, with strong air current leading to increased water loss
Putrefaction
Decomposition carried out by bacteria
The three types of reasoning used when interpreting a collection of evidence are:
Deductive, inductive, and deductive
SFT: Incisions
Defects that are longer than they are wide and result from forces applied across the surface of bone with an implement having a long, sharp edge
Problems with aging adult skeletons...
Degenerative rates are not constant across everyone and the term "adult" varies from culture to culture
PCR Step
Denaturation- separting the primers Annealing- attaching the primer Extention-adding the dNTP to the copy pair DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the development, functioning and reproduction that is in a double helix structure.
Dental method
Deterioration of teeth - molars best used
Manner of Death
Determined exclusively by the coroner
Probable Identification
Determining the identity of the remains by using a point-by-point comparison of multiple sources of ante and postmortem data
What is a critical step in determining the cause of a fire?
Determining the point of origin (where the fire starts)
What are the two major goals in a fire scene investigation?
Determining the type of fire (accidental, natural, incendiary) and if the fire was deliberately started, who did it
Why is chain of custody important?
Documentation of who controls the evidence from when an item becomes evidence. Helps to show that the evidence being offered has not been tampered with and is authentic.
Powder dusting
Done on a smooth, nonporous surface (plastic/metal)
Finished Sketches
Drawn to scale: everything reduced proportionately Distances marked must be accurate Must contain info from rough sketch May be prepared by hand or with templates
Schedule IV drugs
Drugs with a fairly low risk for abuse and addiction with many accepted medical uses. ( Valium)
Schedule II Drugs
Drugs with a high potential for abuse and addiction but some accepted medical uses. ( Morphine, cocaine methamphetamine)
Schedule III Drugs
Drugs with a lower potential for abuse and addiction and accepted medical use. ( anabolic steroids, codeine and barbiturates)
Schedule V Drugs
Drugs with almost no risk for abuse/ addiction and many medical uses. ( Codeine cough medicines)
The skeletal system consists of...
Dynamic living tissues which continually re-build and re-model itself and interact with all other organ systems
Intraracial line up
Easier to pick right suspect
What is the most common disadvantage of digital photography in terms of admissibility in court?
Easy image manipulation using Photoshop
Linkage of persons, scenes or objects is based on what?
Edmond Locards exchange principle
Effects of Amphetamines
Euphoria or well-being, no sense of appetite and no fatigue - used for weight loss and ADD medication
What does it mean for the evidence to be internally consistent?
Every finding must support the story for it to be valid.
Blast pressure
Explosion effect. Escaping gases from the blast exert hundreds of tonnes per square inch of pressure compressing the surrounding air and creating a wave that shatters anything in its path. The damage decreases as the wave loses power with distance from the bomb seat. This is known as the possitive phase. The wave creates a partial vacuum as it moves away from the bomb seat as the air has been displaced and when the blast wave dissapates the compressed air and gases rush back towards the bomb seat doing additional serious damage. This is known as the negative phase.
National Institute of High Standards and Technology (NIST)
Federal agency responsible fro setting, approving, and maintaining measurements and materials standards in the United States (formerly National Bureau of Standards)
Safety; Victim; Witnesses; crime scene; changes
First Officer on the Scene -_____ is the primary concern. -Assist the ____ -Search for and arrest ____ -Detain and separate ____ -Protect the ______ -Note any ____ made to the scene
Osteoblasts
Form bone
Mitochondrial DNA
Found in the mitochondrion and is inherited only from other. it can be found in skeletal remains
What are fragmentation effects?
Fragmentation effects from a bomb can occur in several ways. First, the bomb casing can shatter and the pieces may be propelled. Second, the bomber may wrap nails or other metals around the bomb that will cause fragmentation damage. Finally, the blast may break up objects in its way that may also fragment and be propelled.
Tarsal Coalition
Fused tarsals in places it should not be
What does GC stand for, and what is it used for?
Gas chromatography is almost universally employed in crime labs for the analysis of fire scene accelerant residues
Cleft/Notch results from
Hacking actions in which vertical dynamic force is applied
Barbiturates
Highly addictive withdrawal is difficult and dangerous. Most are prescribed to reduce anxiety and help the user sleep; poses no problems in small amounts.
A facial reconstruction method that uses sets of statistical tissue depths with 21 landmarks.
His' 1895 Tissue Depth Method
Paint identification is used mostly in what type of crime?
Hit-and-run
Latent Prints
Impressions left by friction ridge skin on a surface, such as a tool handle, glass, door, etc.
James Watson and Francis Crick
In 1953 discovered the configuration of the DNA molecule. What is interesting about this fact is that Rosalind Franklin had as much to do with the discovery as the other three gentlemen with her work with X-ray crystallography.
Ray White
In 1980 describes first polymorphic RFLP marker
The advantages of digital imaging include which of the following?
Instant access i. Instant access , Integration, No film Processing
Detonation
Instantaneous combustion
Asphyxia
Interference with the intake of Oxygen
Positive Identification
Involves the use of antemortem information that is so unique that when an exact match is made with postmortem data, the remains are determined to be associated with one person
Codeine
Is commercially prepared from morphine and is often found in Otc drugs in Canada
Forensic Anthropology
Is primarily concerned with the recovery, examination, and identification of human skeletal remains.
Atoms differing only in the number of neutrons present in their nuclei are called _____.
Isotopes
10. Why is finding the point of origin of a fire so important in determining the cause of the fire?
It can determine if the fire was natural, accidental, or deliberate/incendiary.
Why is blood typing used at crime scenes?
It can narrow down a list of suspects and eliminate suspects and is cheap.
Human Genome
It contains 23 pairs of chromosomes
Nuclear DNA
It is found in the constitutes 23 pair of chromosomes inherited from both parents and each cell contains only one nuclei
Neuron activation is useful because
It provides a highly sensitive and nondestructive analysis
Who is considered the trier-of-fact?
Judge and jury i. a person, or group of persons, who determines facts in a legal proceeding, usually a trial.
Who discovered 3/4 blood types and the Rh protein?
Karl Landsteiner
What chemical test is used to determine if stains are in fact blood?
Kastle Meyer
The phrase, "every contact leaves a trace," is the concept behind:
Locard's exchange principle
60%
Loop %
Flame point
Lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapor to sustain a continuous fire
________ fight foreign substances from germs
Lymphocytes
Trepanning Theories: Dr. Pruniers
Made for drinking cups
Duquenois-Levine Color Test
Marijuana (purple)
Alcohol
Most widely used drug in the western world Travels to the brain and supresses control of thoughts and muscles
General procedure of photographing
Multiple angles: photograph rooms from each corner, bodies from all angles 2 sets of pictures: before/after evidence is marked Start from outside in beginning with an exterior view and work towards entrance
What is the volmer
Nasal septum
NIDA
National Institute of Drug Abuse
What is the universal donor?
O-
Radiating Fracture Lines
Originate from site of impact and move outward in any direction
Gunshot Wound
Originates from a projectile fired from a firearm
cuticle
Outside covering (paint)
3-4 types of photographs
Overall: 360 view Up close: Focus is on specific objects of interest in RELATION to scene (ex: gun in a victims hand) Evidence view: detailed view of evidence; more detailed Mid Range: object of interest in relation to the rest of the scene
Glass Evidence
Particles found at various crime scenes will be analyzed to determine its properties, such as color, tint, thickness, density, chemical composition, and refractive index.
Private Crime Labs
Performs "niche" forensics Provide independent analysis for investigations (for defendants) Provide back ups for public labs Provide drug/paternity tests
Points of similarity/identification
Points where minutiae on two different prints match
Who responds to a crime scene?
Police, crime scene investigators, medical examiners, detectives, specialists, possibly district attorney
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Pre-programmed computer storage and commands; ROM is normally nonvolatile , usually associated with computer circuitry , media , peripherals and mobile devices
Indications of arson
Presence of an accelerant Elimination or accidental or natural causes Fire trails - pouring of accelerant causes uneven intense burn along trail. Multiple points of origin.
Firearm injury: Penetrating
Presence of an entrance wound but no exit wound
1st priority at the scene of a crime
Preservation of life of the officer and others. -security of officer safety and to secure offender Preservation of the victim
The classification of the crime scene labels the site of the original or first criminal activity as what?
Primary crime scene i. This classification of the crime scene labels the site of the original or first criminal activity as the primary crime scene and any subsequent crime scenes as secondary crime scenes.
wet chemical procedures
Procedure that involve solvents, extractions, etc.; not instruments
Wet Chemical Procedures
Procedures that involve solvents, extractions, ect. not instrumental
Note Taking
Provides a written record of all of the crime scene activities Includes: -notification info -arrival info -scene description -victim description -crime scene team *most necessary*
Physical Dependence
Psychological need for a drug brought about by its regular use and characterized by withdrawal sickness when administration of the drug abruptly stops
Bloody fingerprints
Put a time on the crime, enhanced with peroxidase which doesn't interfere with blood type/etc
Mummification is an alternate of _________________.
Putrefaction
Spade shaped root
Rabbit
A good example of a fixed point for sketching a crime scene would be?
Recorded utility poles i. This fixed nature is used for subsequent reconstruction. Good fixed points can be building corners, in-ground survey markers, large trees, or recorded utility poles ii. All three techniques identify two starting, fixed points, and all subsequent measurements of the crime scene are in relation to those points. The locations of these fixed points are known or can be precisely determined
Effects of Narcotics
Relieve pain, produces sleep, euphoria feeling, sedative and depresses vital body function
Fingerprint pattern
Remains unchanged for the life of an individual; however the print itself may change due to permanent scars and disease.
BFT: Torus Fracture
Result of compressive force that causes outward buckling of the cortex around the circumference of the bone
Underfunding in Crime Labs
Result: Labs can't analyze all material Equipment isn't cutting edge which increases error Over 80% of the labs are understaffed leading to burnout and sloppy work
Core, ending/starting ridges, forks, deltas, dots/islands, enclosures, bridges, crossovers, hook, eye
Ridge characteristics (examples)
Loop Fingerprints
Ridges enter on one side and exit on the same side. Four different groups: L - Radial R - Ulnar L - Ulnar R - Radial
Federal rules of evidence (FRE)
Rules created by the US supreme Court that govern how evidence can be used in both civil and criminal cases
STR (Short Tandem Repeats)
STR's are locations (loci) on the chromosome that contain short sequences of 3 to 7 bases that repeat themselves with the DNA molecule. This method's advantages include a higher discrimination than RFLP, less time, smaller sample size, and less susceptible to degradation.
List the carpals
Scaphoid, lunate, triqutrea, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate
Carnivores: Scoring
Scratches along the cortical surface of bone
SHA-1
Secure Hash Algorithm version 1 a new hashing algorithm common in DF
Autolysis
Self-digestion by body cells enzymes
Physical Extraction
Separating a compound by physical size
What is one way that bias can be limited?
Sequential masking
Sternal rib end method
Shape and depth of auricular surface
Solvent extraction
Simple, sensitive, can be used with a wide range of accellerants. Small quantity of solvent added to sample, poured off, filtered and evapourated to a small volume leaving behind the accelerant residue which can then be analysed with GC.
The axial skeleton consists of...
Skull, hyoid bone, vertebral column, and rib cage
Cartilaginous
Slightly moveable joints held together by cartilage
Effects of Depressants
Slows the central nervous system
Trace Evidence
Small amount left at crime scene Found in saliva, blood, semen, skin, hair, roots, urine (nuclear DNA)
PCP (Phencyclidine)
Sold as an intravenous anesthetic, but dropped because of side effects including sensitivity to pain etc.
Mechanism of an explosion
Solid and/or liquid fuels combine with oxygen to form gaseous products as well as other products which at converted to gases from the heat of combustion. These very hot gases expand rapidly away from the bomb seat causing blast pressure, fragmentation and/or thermal/heat effects.
Firearms: Pellets
Solid balls made of lead and sometimes steel
Crack, def
Solid form of cocaine - created by mixing it with baking soda and water Smoke crack - gets to brain the fastest
Disadvantages of solvent extraction
Solvent will also dissolve unwanted pyrolisis products, matrix materials and other substances which may interfer with the analysis. Some of the volatile components of the accelerant residues may be evapourated off with the solvent.
Steam distillation
Some of the accelleration residue is put in distillation aparatus with water which is then boiled and distilled. Residues that are immiscible with water form a layer on top of the distilled water. This method is not very sensitive, is the most complicated method and large quantities of matrix are needed. It can also be problematic if the accelerant contains water-soluable residues.
Cutting Agents
Something added to a illicit drug to reduce its concetration
What is evidence?
Something that tends to establish or disprove a fact. Includes documents, testimony and other objects.
File Slack
Space between the logical end of the file and the end of the last allocation unit for that file
What is spalling?
Spalling is the destruction of a surface due to heat or other factors.
Bloody fingerprints
Special situation development methods?
Pyrolysis gas chromatography
Specimens are heated to high temps so they can decompose into gaseous products. Then put through a chromatograph
Crime scene search patterns
Spiral Strip or Lane Grid search Zone Point to point
alkaloids
Substance formed by in the plant tissues and in the bodies of animals. Morphine and codeine are alkaloids of opium
depressants
Substance that depress the central nervous system and cause symptoms such as slowed heart rate and breathing
Solvent
Substance that does the dissolving
Solute
Substance that is dissolved
precursors
Substances that can be converted into an abused substances
Stress Fracture
Substancial motion over repeated time
Cranial suture method
Sutures fuse at predicted rates which help estimate age
Anabolic Steroids
Synthetic compounds, chemically related to the male sex hormone testosterone, that are used to promote muscle growth (EX: Synthetic testosterone)
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Systematic chemical name for aspirin ( synthetic compound used medicinally to relieve mild or chronic pain and to reduce fever and inflammation.
Marquis Color Test
Tests for heroin, morphine, opium derivatives (purple) amphetamines (Orange-brown)
Confirmatory Tests
Tests that specifically identified one substance.
Immunoassays
Tests using antibodies that react with a drug or substance that recognizes the antibody
Match
The DNA profile appears the same. Lab will determine the frequency.
Psychological Dependence
The conditioned use of a drug cause by underlying emotional needs
What is CODIS?
The electronic database of DNA profiles
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The entire range of radiation energy from the most energetic cosmic rays to the least energetic radio waves.
Wound Bevelling: Outward
The inner hole of bone's surface is smaller than the outer hole
16. What characteristics of fuel and oxygen give rise to a high explosion?
The more oxygen and fuel, the greater the high explosion.
What is direct ignition?
The most basic of all the causes of fire. It involves direct application of a spark or flame source to the fuel.
Karyotype
The number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.
Frequency
The number of waves that pass a given point per unit of time.
Physical state
The physical form taken by matter: solid, liquid, or gas.
Smoke
The result of incomplete combustion. A combination of carbon particles (soot), unburned and partially burned gases.
Ethics
The rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class, group, culture, or human action
Putrid Dry Remains
The skin is no longer present; bones start to decay
Paleopathy
The study and application of methods and techniques for investigating diseases and related conditions from skeletal and soft tissue remains
Ignition temperature
The temperature necessary to excite fuel and oxygen molecules to chemical reaction. Varies with the type of fuel. Once this temperature is reached a fire can continue on a self-sustaining basis until one of the four elements is eliminated.
thin layer chromatography (TLC)
The use of a solvent that travels through a porous medium to separate compounds based on their chemical affinity with the solvent and the medium
18. How are explosive residues collected? Where is the most important place to look?
They are collected with a vapor trace analyzer (VTA) or similar detector. They are isolated from the matrix in which they are found. The most important place to look is the point of origin.
TLC
Thin Layer Chromatography
One of the biggest challenges for the crime scene investigator is:
To determine what evidence is pertinent and what evidence is extraneous.
Why is Scientific Method important?
To provide a safety net to ensure that outcome of an investigation is not tainted by human emotions, biases.
Shoe Print Features to Analyze
Tread patterns, size, and depth Wear patterns caused by the way a person walks Material defects or damage Other trace materials, such as soil, tar, rocks, and paint
What are the three techniques for obtaining measurements for the crime scene sketch?
Triangulation, base line, and polar coordinates
True or False: Assessing how far the nose projects in a facial reconstruction is difficult.
True
True or False: Fracturing of the hyoid bone is the main osteological consequence of death by strangulation
True
True or False: In fluvial transport, the cranium is more likely to move a longer distance then the flatter bones
True
True or False: The upper broader cells in frontal sinuses which are called scalloping are unique to one individual person
True
True or False: You must sex a skeleton before you age it
True
Heterozygous
Two alleles are different
Homozygous
Two alleles are the same
Compounds
Two or more elements that are chemically combined.
Mixture
Two or more substances that are mixed together, but not chemically combined.
Adsorption-elution
Two tubes of charcoal or other synthetic material are inserted partway into the airtight sample container through holes in the top. Air is pumped through one of the tubes into the container which flows out of the other tube sweeping the vapour with it. This process upsets the liquid-vapour equilibrium and as such more substance vapourises. This continues until there is no more accelerant in the container, it is all trapped in the outlet tube.
42%
Type A
3%
Type AB
Bite Mark Features to Analyze
Type of bite mark (human or animal) Characteristics of the teeth (position, evidence of dental work, wear patterns, etc.) Color of area to estimate how long ago the bite occurred (old or recent bite) Swab for body fluids for DNA tests
Plain arch, tented arch
Types of arches:
Radial loop, ulnar loop, double loop, accidental loop
Types of loops:
Plain whorl, central pocket whorl
Types of whorles:
Zone/Sector Search
Used for large areas (football field), areas with a lot of evidence (shuttle crash), areas where evidence is at different levels (blood spatter). Format: divide area into zones or sectors and assign each person a sector. Horizontal and Vertical levels
Katamine
Used legitimately as an animal tranquilizer, is a powerful hallucinogen. Sometimes called the club drug.
Gas Chromatography
Used to determine the chemical composition of unknown substances.
Thin-Layer Chromatography
Uses thin plastic or glass trays to identify the composition of pigments, chemicals, and other unknown substances.
Liquid/Liquid Extraction
Using a liquid to dissolve another liquid substance and remove it from a mixture
Locating the point of origin
V-pattern - If point of origin is near a wall or corner smoke damage will be V shaped. Soot and smoke staining - Soot first then burning Material distortion, wood charring and spalling - Indicate high intensity, high heat. Low burning - Arson fires started in low place to allow for safe point of exit.
Headspace methods
Vapour above sample matrix. Equilibrium level of vapour depends on pressure and temperature. Sampled with gas-tight syringe and injected into GC.
Solid-phase micro extraction
Variation of adsorption method. Fused silica fibre coated with adsorbent is inserted into heated sample container. After adsorption is complete fibre is inserted directly into the inlet of the GC where the high heat of the injector zone rapidly elutes the acellerant into the mobile phase. This method is extrememly sensitive and removes the need for the separation step.
The ____________ of a projectile has the greatest effect on its wounding power
Velocity
Ankylosis
Vertebrae fused together
Initiating high explosives
Very powerful and very sensitive. The slightest shock or spark can cause detonation. Eg. Pure nitroglycerine and mercury fulminate
Lead
What heavy metal causes a blue line along the gums?
What is an explosive train and what are the types?
When one explosion is used to set off another. Low explosive trains and high explosive trains. Low - Usually two-step, example: pipe bomb wherein a fuse made of black powder is used to detonate smokeless powder inside the pipe. High - The final explosive is usually a secondary explosive, there may be more than just two explosives, exaple: detonator may be a blasting cap
When are the facts of the case determined?
When the forensic lab processes all collected evidence.
Human Chimera
When two separate embryos merge into one.
Europe 17th-18th centuries
Where did America get fingerprint methods from?
Incomplete combustion
Where there is insufficient oxygen to completely combust the fuel then there is incomplete combustion and smoke is formed.
Sir Francis Galton, 1892
Who wrote a book called "Fingerprints" and when?
class characteristics; size; shape
a careful examination of the impression can reveal important _____ _______________, such as the _____ and _______ of the tool
Spectra
a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order
firearms identification
a discipline of forensic science dedicated to the examination and comparative analysis of firearms and ammunition components, with a primary concern of determining if a bullet, cartridge case, or other ammunition component was fired by a particular firearm
Comparison Microscope
a version of the compound microscope that magnifies two different samples at the same time, side by side, and can even overlay one image over another
blanching
a white discoloration of the skin that occurs when the body remains in contact with an object while livor mortis occurs
The standard guideline for determining the judicial admissibility of scientific examination stemmed from which court ruling?
a. Frye v. United States i. Those jurisdictions following the "Frye standard (Frye v. United States) require that new methods be generally acceptable to a significant proportion of the scientific discipline to which they belong.
What must the court be assured about the methods in scientific analysis? Select one or more:
a. Scientifically acceptable, reliable i. Admissible evidence must be reliable and relevant to the case at hand, and for scientific analysis, the court must be assured that the methods used are scientifically acceptable and reliable.
The rules of evidence are exclusionary. Explain what this means.
a. a law that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial. b. This set of evidentiary rules is basically exclusionary in nature; that is, these rules serve to filter out information presented by either side that may be irrelevant to the factual and legal issues at hand or that violate long-standing prohibitions such as those against the admissibility of hearsay or substantially prejudicial information. c. The system of rules that constitutes the law of evidence controlling the flow of information in civil and criminal litigation is exclusionary. d. A rule of evidence that excludes or suppresses evidence obtained in violation of a defendant's constitutional rights.
Basecoat
actual color of car
Decomposition
all preceding methods of Time of death can no longer be used. 2 main functions: autolysis & putrefaction
direction of blood
always moving where the drop gets more and more narrow
____ are Y-shaped proteins that attack foreign cells
antibodies
What happens during an antigen-antibody response?
antibodies (WBC's known as B lymphocytes) fight foreign substances
When a foreign material enters your body, your immune system launches an attack called an ______ _______ _________
antigen-antibody response
trace evidence
any small pieces of material, naturally occurring or man made
clotting blood
any time something foreign enters your body, platelets are involved in ______________________
The proton and electron (are, are not) of appropriate equal mass.
are not
darkness of the lines going upward and downward
are the pressures equal when applied to upward or downward strokes
500 BC - Greeks distinguished between _____ and _____
arteries, veins
projected (arterial gush)
artery was severed - peak in blood spatter - no more peak means the heart isnt pumping anymore
cartridge case individual characteristics
as a result of the firing process, the cartridge case receives unique markings that enable it to be related back to a specific firearm
firing hand; detection
as a result, traces of the residues are often deposited on the _________ _____ of the shooter, and their __________ can provide valuable information as to whether or not an individual has recently fired a weapon
individual characteristics
as the bullet travels down the bore, it is engraved not only with the rifling but it is also marked by these imperfections in the form of a pattern of striations that is unique to that barrel
increases; decreases
as time since firing _________, the success of detection __________
mineral (rock) fibers
asbestos, rock wool, fiberglass are all fibers made from rock
Modified Griess Testing
assists the examiner in visualizing burned and partially burned gunpowder particle patterns
Sodium Rhodizonate Testing
assists the examiner in visualizing soot and vaporous lead residues
The total number of protons and neutrons present in a nucleus is known as the _____.
atomic mass
AFIS
automatic pattern recognition increase match rate form 1.5% to 20-25%
What is the most commonly examined paint
automobile
ediscovery specialists should
avoid changing the data and verifying the has values
Do arteries carry blood to or away from the heart?
away
Pyrolysis gas chromatography is a particularly valuable technique for characterizing paint's (binder, pigments).
binder
bullet; cartridge case
both the ________ and ________ ______ are marked by contact with the metal surfaces of the weapon during loading and firing
universal donor
can be given to anyone (O)
blood type
can only include or exclude a certain group of people
universal recipient
can receive anything (TYPE AB)
Parfocal
can rotate objectives on revolving nosepiece
Cellulose acetate
cellulose that is chemically altered to create an entirely new compound not found in nature
Griess; Sodium Rhodizonate
chemical tests, such as the ______ test and _________ ____________ Test, may be needed to detect residues that are not visible
rayon
chemically-altered cellulose; soft, lustrous, versatile- synthetic
DNA is found in..
chromosomes located in nucleus of cells
When examining paint, the examiner looks for
color layers and sequence
presumptive testing
color testing & microcrystalline testing
Codis stands for
combined DNA index system
Typescript Comparisons
comparisons of machine generated documents, photocopier, printer, and typewriter, examination of accidental markings and characteristics due to some defect
transcript comparisons
comparisons of machine-generated documents photocopier, printer, fax machine, and typewriter examination of accidental markings and characteristics due to some defect
Chain of custody form should
completed for every piece of evidence that is collected
things
computer , media , electronic devices internet corporate network or service provider
Central processing Unit (CPU)
computer chip that calculates or carries out the commands or instructions of the operating system and computer programs
forensic anthropology
concerned with the recovery, examination and identification of human skeletal remains. may be able to determine sex, gender age, race and skeletal injury
Subadult age estimation is ___________ based whereas adult age estimation is ____________ based
developmental; degenerative
hair development
develops from follicle where actively growing cells die/harden chemically continue to divide & push upwards out of the skin
void (shadowing)
devoid of spatter (person was in front of wall during injury)
Oral Deposition
differs from trial testimony only you and attorney captures ur knowledge about the case opposing attorney previews your anticipated testimoeny
should not use formal checklist
do not include in final report attorneys can oppose it , like if u don't check off a box
smoothness
do the letters flow? are the letters shaky and erratic?
destructive methods used in QD ink analysis
electrostatic detection apparatus thin layer chromatography (TLC) high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC)
metadata
embedded data that defines or describes another piece of data ex. title , subject , location , comments
rifling
engraving in the inner surface of a barrel with spiral grooves
phagocytic
engulf foreign substances to destroy it B and t lymphosites
Virtual image
enlarged image produced by lens
Hash values
ensure integrity of data
polymerases
enzymes that assembles new DNA strands when DNA is copying itself
What is another name for red blood cells?
erythrocytes
Network forensics
examination of networks( wired or wireless) with connected live devices , such as routers , switches , mobile ,
Deposition banks
examples of expert witness previous testimonies
Polarizing Microscope
exploits optical properties of materials, discovers details of structure and composition, identification and characterization, redirects the passage of light waves, gives vivid colors and intensity contrasts
Spandex fiber
extreme elastic properties
spandex
extremely elastic man-made fiber
fabric production
fabrics are made of individual threads that are knitted or woven together
(true/false) Type AB+ can donate to type A+.
false
(true/false) Type AB- can donate to type A+.
false
(true/false) Type B+ can donate to type O+.
false
True or False: Most soils have indistinguishable colors and textures.
false (distinguishable)
True or False: Each object collected at the crime scene that contains soil evidence must be individually wrapped in plastic, with the soil intact, and transmitted in the lab.
false (paper not plastic)
natural fibers
fibers found in nature; classified according to origin; vegetable/cellulose- plant; animal/protein- keratin, mineral- on PT, compounds; Ex: Silk, Cotton, Wool, Mohair, Cashmere; usually twisted and wild strands
What do WBCs do?
fight disease and produce antibodies
Henry Faulds wrote to Charles DArwin
fingerprints could be used to catch crimminals
class; individual
firearms identification involves the examination of both _______ and ____________ characteristics
Sir Francis Galton
fist classification system
Scanning Electron Microscope
focuses a beam of electrons through the specimen onto its surface, great depth of field and shows 3D image
protein (animal) fibers
found in nature made from animals: fur/hair like wool, silk
cellulose (plant) fibers
found in nature made from plants:cotton, rayon, cellulose acetate
Electromagnetic waves similar to X-rays but of a higher energy are ______.
gamma rays
Most soils are differentiated by
gross appearance
distinct
gun barrel markings are _______ to each gun
vacuolated
hair from species of dog
hair growth
hair goes through a cycle during growth from anagen, catagen, telogen, & exogen; length- 0.5 mm/day, 1 cm/mo
telogen
hair growth is ended; club shaped appearance
hair comparison
hair is class evidence but color, length, diameter, scale types, ect. can be used to narrow down suspects; dyed hair has color in cuticle/cortex; bleaching removes pigment & gives yellow tint; people in vary amt, diameter of hair
catagen
hair isn't growing but transitioning; hair follicle shrinks to 1/6 normal length; lower pt destroyed about 10-20 days
bleach
has sodium chlorate = false positive in testing for luminal
collecting evidence according to proper steps
helps ensure that the computer evidence is authentic
What protein found in RBCs allows them to carry oxygen?
hemoglobin
Narcotics, examples
heroin, codeine, methadone, oxycodone
ridges and furrow
hills and valleys of friction ridges
Aperature
hole in the stage through which the base light reaches the stage
homologous
identical genes
Blood-Alcohol Laws
initially recommended BAC of .15, but realized too high so dropped it to .08 (.08 = five times more likely to get into accident)
Blunt Force Trauma
injuries cause by non-sharpened object; can abrade tissue or can cause a contusion. (pipe, bat, crowbar etc)
cortex
inner layer of hair, made of kertain & imbedded w/paigment; main chara: corti fusi -air sacs & melanin; provides strength, color, & texture for hair
Silk fibers
insect fiber that is spun by a silkworm to make its cocoon; the fiber reflects light and has insulating properties
first case in the US involving questioned documents
kidnapping and murdering of charles lindbergh,s infant son. analysis of ransom note.
cut rifling
leaves good marks for identification
transfer pattern
leaving a print in blood
Controlled Substance Act (CSA)
legislation in the US that defines illegal drugs and classifies them by schedules
Warp
lengthwise yarn
warp
lengthwise yarn
Condenser Lens
lens mounted below or on the stage used to focus or condense the light onto the specimen
good sources of handwriting exemplars
letters, diaries, greeting cards, personal notes
ulna loops
loop opens toward right or ulna bone
What velocity produces the widest blood droplets?
low (blunt object)
Stereoscopic Microscope
lower magnifications than compound light, gives 3D image, right side up image, two monocular compound light microscopes with common objective lens
Which chemical test detects hemoglobin left behind by blood and luminesces?
luminol
how are man made fivers typically made?
machine made fibers were manufactured from raw materials from cotton or wool pulp
Knitted fabric
made by interlocking loops into a specific arrangement
synthetic (artificial) fibers
man-made fibers in a lab from burning of petroleum, coal, & gas; Ex: Rayon, Nylon, Acetate, Acrylic, Spandex, Polyester; usually straight strands
RH -
means the protein is absent
RH +
means the red blood cells have the protein
Schedule V
medical purpose low potential for abuse contains limited quantities of narcotics (robitussin, Tylenol with codeine)
Schedule IV
medical use low potential for abuse and risk of dependency (xanax, valium, sleeping pills, tranquilizers)
animal medulla
medulla for these species are greater than 1/2
human medulla
medulla for this species is usually less than 1/3
testing for identification
microscope observation, burning, thermal decomposition, chemical tests, density, refractive index, & fluorescence
first step in the forensic examination of fibers
microscopic comparison
cartridge case individual characteristics
microscopic imperfections are left on the breech face, extractor and ejector and in the chamber of the firearm during the various manufacturing processes
leather/vinyl
mikrosil
Factors affecting one's handwriting
mood or emotional state, age, speed, position of the writer, alcohol/ drugs, type of writing instrument
The technique of bombarding specimens with neutrons and measuring the resultant gamma rays emission is known as _____.
neutron activation analysis
A nuclear reactor is the source of _____.
neutrons
What is the most common type of WBC and your first line of defense when you get an infection?
neutrophils
plastic container
never put DNA (blood) in a _________________
paper/cardboard
ninhydrin
untreated wood
ninhydrin
Do RBCs have a nucleus?
no
Type O
no clumping anywhere
Schedule I
no medical use high potential for abuse (heroin, LSD, Peyote, MDMA "ecstasy", bath salts
Microspectrophotometer
non-destructive method used to detect minute differences in ink colors
Concentration categories
normal, therapeutic, toxic, lethal
Sharp Force Trauma
occurs with weapons that have sharpened edges, tissue is sliced not torn or crushed. knives, razor blade, box cutter. Location of wounds are important. Look for defensive wounds (fingers, palms, lower extremities)
recombinant DNA
opening of DNA helix and combining it with another strand
structure of the hair root
part below that's enclosed w/in hair follicle; skin that grows hair- dermal papillae (contains androgens- cause follicle to get smaller/finer in those predisposed to hair loss)
medicolegal death investigator
personnel from ME or Corner's officer who responds to a crime scene and coordinates efforts with police and crime scene personnel.
original evidence
physical items and the data objects that are associated with those items at the time of the seizure
melanin
pigment that gives hair its color; collectively known as the melanocytes
serial number restoration includes
polish area smooth, chemical etching dissolves damaged portions first electrochemical etching ultrasonic cavitation- high-frequency vibrations eliminate damaged portions first
Livor Mortis/Lividity
pooling and settling of blood within the blood vessels, blood is no longer flowing, usually appears as purple discoloration of skin. will appear cherry red is CO is inhaled. begins 30 minutes after death becomes fixed in position of the body
restoration of serial numbers
possible through chemical etching because the metal crystals in the stamped zone are placed under a permanent strain that extends a short distance beneath the original numbers
What do valves do?
prevent back flow of blood
Preserving the collected evidence using forensically sound techniques is the
primary goal
sit william J. herschel
prints don´t change overtime
Plastic prints (impressions)
prints left on a soft, receiving surface, no enhancement needed.
Algor Mortis
process in which a body continually adjusts to equalize with the environmental temperature. heat loss is dependent upon environmental factors, size of body, clothing etc. Temperature should be taken immediately through the ear canal. Record environmental temperature
lymphocytes
produce antibodies for immune system to fight off foreign substances (pathogens) to keep u safe B-CELLS = produce antibodies to attack foreign substances T-CELLS = attack foreign substances directly
human genome
project designed to determine order of bases on all 23 human chromosomes
Nucleus contains
protons and neutrons
Three important subatomic particles of the atom are the __________, ____________, and_________.
protons, neutrons, electrons
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
provide standards for laboratories Quality management system
Acrylic fibers
provide warmth from a lightweight, soft, and resilient fiber
document analysis
questioned documents and known documents are compared to detect any changes or obliterations
pectinate
rat
Goal of the crime scene investigation.
recognize, document and collect evidence
What can blood spatter be used for?
reconstructing a crime scene
hemoglobin
red blood cells have
suicide
result of an individual taking his/her own life with lethal intention; must be able to show that the act was done alone and without outside help; must be intentional
plain arch
ridges to one side and exit on the other side
rigid edges
rigid surfaces causes a drop to have
ethics
rules u internalize and use to measure your performance
hair cuticle (scales)
scales always point toward the tip of the hair. These scales differ between species of animals and are named based on their appearance
Autolysis
self digestion by body cell enzymes
Diaphysis of bone
shaft
plain weave
simplest & most common weave; resembles a checkerboard
arches
simplest types of fingerprints ridges enter on one side of print and exit on the other 5% of people have arches
smokeless powders may be
single, double or triple base
osteocytes
sit in bone
wet surface
small particle reagent (SPR)
silk
smell- burning hair, ignites- burn readily (not steady), not easily extinguished, residue- ash easily crumbled
wool
smell- burning hair, ignites- harder to ignite than silk, steady but difficult to keep burning, residue- ash easily crumbled
linen
smell- burning leaves, ignites- takes a while, closer to ash is more brittle, easily extinguished by blowing, residue- powdery ash
formatting
spacing between letters spacing between words spacing between lines placement of words on a line empty margins
what to look for when looking at formatting
spacing between letters, spacing between words, spacing between lines placement of words on a line, empty margins
Rigor Mortis
stiffening or contraction of muscle mass; begins 2-4 hours after death. Starts at the same time throughout the body, observed first in jaws and neck, may progress in head-to-foot direction. fight/trauma/shock may accelerate it. no two bodies are the same
near-contact gunshots
stippling and smudging are in a tight circle tear/char clothing/skin
Anabolic Steroids
synthetic to stimulate testosterone - two effects: 1. muscle growth 2. male traits
anthropometry (Alphonse Bertillion)
take body measurments and describe marks on surface of the body- only people over 20
colorimetric testing
testing in which a change or production of color is used to screen for compounds
friction ridges and purpose
textwed surface of skin and increase friction between skin surface and surfaces the contact
FISH
the Forensic Information System for Handwriting; computerized handwriting recognition database used for searching new threatening letters against previously submitted materials (maintained by the U.S. Secret Service)
grooves; accuracy
the ________ serve to guide a fired bullet through the barrel, imparting a rapid spin to insure __________
National Integrated Ballistics Information Network
the _________ __________ _________ ____________ _________ produces database files from bullets and cartridge cases retrieved from crime scenes or test fires from retrieved firearms, often linking a specific weapon to multiple crimes
muzzle; discharged shot
the __________ to target distances can be established by measuring the spread of the ____________ _____
defendant
the accused party , civil or criminal
trigger; firing pin; primer; powder
the act of pulling the ________ serves to release the weapon's ________ ____, causing it to strike the _______, which in turn ignites the ________
Magnigication
the act or process of enlarging the physical appearance or image of something
computerized imaging
the advent of __________ ________ technology has made possible the storage of bullet and cartridge case surface characteristics in a manner analogous to automated fingerprint files
powder-residue pattern
the approximate distance from which a handgun or rifle has been fired must be determined by means of a careful comparison of the ______________ ________ located on the victim's clothing or skin against test patterns made when the suspect weapon is fired at varying distances from a target
Field of view
the area of the specimen that can be seen after it is magnified. Gets smaller as the magnification is increased
broaching
the barrel is drilled close to the desired diameter then a gang broach goes through and cuts the grooves deeper and deeper to desired status
Rules of evidence
the best evidence in court is the original evidence must be shown to be authentic and trustworthy
cartridge case comparison
the cartridge case, in its rearward thrust, is impressed with the surface markings of the breech face
Chain of Custody (definition)
the chronological documentation of the movement , location and possession of evidence
RF Formula
the distance from the starting point to the TLC plate / the distance from the starting point to the solvent front
gunpowder; primer; shooter
the firing of a weapon not only propels residues toward the target, but _____________ and ________ residues are also blown back toward the __________
cartridge case comparison
the firing pin and breech face of a firearm offer a highly distinctive signature for individualization of cartridge cases
smaller the drops
the greater the force the ...
steel; drilling
the gun barrel is produced from a solid bar of ______ that has been hollowed out by __________
First case in the U.S. involving questioned documents
the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's infant son (Charles Lindbergh Jr.)
individual characteristics
the longitudinal striations on each must coincide
irregular; uniqueness
the manufacturing imperfections are left on the barrel's inner surface and are randomly ________ and serve to impact a ____________ to each barrel
extractor
the mechanism in a firearm by which a cartridge or a fired case is withdrawn from the chamber
ejector
the mechanism in a firearm that throws the cartridge or fired case from the firearm
archiving
the process of storing data in a manner that is suitable for long term availability and retrieval
forensic entomology
the study of insect and their relation to a criminal investigation, may be used to estimate time of death. observation of the development stages of maggots and arrival of insects. determinations are not always straight forward due to weather, location, drugs present etc.
time; living
the success of detection is relative to the _____ since firing on a _______ subject
forensic examiner
the ultimate decision for making a final comparison will be determined by the __________ __________ through traditional microscopic methods
Twill weave
the warp yarn is passed over one to three weft yarns before going under one makes a diagonal weave pattern Design resembles stair steps Denim is the most common example
what affects the velocity/speed of a bullet?
the weight of the bullet and size of the casing
Satin weave
the yarn interlacing is not uniform creates long floats interlacing weave passes over four or more yharns stain is the most obvious example
What makes up the leg?
tibia, fibia, femur and patella
Do veins carry blood to or away from the heart?
to
Hashing files at crime scene
to help ensure integrity and validity crime photos files moved form device , lab independent recording/documentation
Best evidence rules states
to prove the content , original document is required photographed , recorded etc.
The presence of _____ elements in materials provides useful "invisible" markers when comparing physical evidence.
trace
small quantities of elements are known as
trace elements
examination of firearm evidence
trace should be collected the casings should be processed for prints rifling characteristics class characteristics of firearm examiner must check to make sure it is safe to fire shoot bullets into bullet trap microscopic examination
written report
translate into verbal testimony limit to what you write , pay attention to detail
(true/false) 85% of the population has the Rh protein.
true
(true/false) Blood is a tissue.
true
(true/false) ELISA stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
true
(true/false) Type O- can donate to type AB+.
true
True or False: Emission spectroscopy can be used to identify the components of paint pigments.
true
True or False: Paint samples removed for examination must always include all of the paint layers .
true
principle of handwriting analysis
two writings are the product of one person if the similarities are unique and there are no fundamental un-explainable differences . every persons handwriting is unique
factors affecting ones handwriting variations
types of writing instruments mood or emotional state age speed position of the writer alcohol/drugs
maintain objectivity
unbiased opinions during your forensic investigations and examinations
Psychological Dependence
underlies all drug use - produce such a good feeling that you want to continue to get that feeling - fear of withdrawal symptoms of anxiety stop the user from not using them
Scanning Electron Microscope
uses beams of electrons rather than light to look at elements of tiny specimens such as gunpowder residue from bullets or ink from a ransom note
comparison mircoscope
uses two compound microscopes connected by an optical bridge
Schmorl's Nodes
vertebral disks drying and creating dents
gunpowder; smoke
when a firearm is discharged, unburned/partially burned particles of ___________ and ______ are propelled out of the barrel along with the bullet toward the target
blood congeals/solidifies
when blood leaves the body
microscopically; gunpowder particles
when garments or other evidence relevant to a shooting are received in the crime laboratory, the surfaces of all items are first examined _____________ for the presence of ____________ _________
exogen
when hair falls out follicle enter new anagen growth
when you're injured
when is the only time you want your blood to clot?
DNA cannot show
when suspect was at scene or for how long
Microscopic
(Size of Crime Scene) -Focuses on specific type of physical evidence
components of blood
- plasma - red blood cells - whole blood cells - platelets
The pattern of DNA =
"Fingerprint"
platelets
- cell fragments - involved in clotting - no nuclei
Fiberglass fiber
a manufactured inorganic fiber
acquisition
a process by which digital evidence is duplicated copied or imaged
How many types of crime scene evidence are there?
14
Compound Light Microscope
150x limits of magnification, light as a source of illumination, used on both living and preserved specimens.
When does rigor mortis disappear?
18-36 hours after death
james Watson, francis crick and rosalind franklin
1953 discovered shape of DNA molecule
RH factor
85% of human population has RH factor (protein) on their red blood cells
Min. 16
UK standard of points of identification
Anorexic
Appetite Supressent
What are arson dogs and the disadvantage of using them?
Arson dogs help sniff out trace evidence of hydrocarbon accelerants. Dogs have an extremely refined and sensitive sense of smell. A disadvantage to using them is that they don't know what they have located and cannot discriminate between a real accelerant and a hydrocarbon that is part of some object and was released by the fire.
Indirect evidence of trauma
Art, medical equipment, weapons, artifacts and written sources
The osteological paradox
Assumption that if a skeleton had no lesions, they were healthy
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom is called the ______.
Atomic Number
Ions
Atoms or molecules that have lost or gained one or more electrons and, thus, have a net positive or negative charge.
Fresh Stage
Heart stops, skin gets tight/grey, muscles relax, and bladder/bowels empty
Necessary Conditions for fire
Heat or energy source Fuel Oxygen source Chain reaction between the fuel and oxygen. All four elements must be present for a fire.
carboxyhemoglobin
Hemoglobin in which the oxygen has been replaced by carbon monoxide (CO)
Schedule 1 Drug
High potential for abuse, no current medical use in the US, lack safety for use as treatment. (EX: heroin, marijuana) penalties 0-20yrs/ $1 million
Effects of Cocaine
High productivity, euphoria and loss of appetite - stimulates pleasure center at base of brain Deaths due to cardiac and respiratory arrest
Ethical Standard
High standard of honesty and honor
15. What is the difference between a high explosive and a high-order explosion?
High-order explosion - Occurs at or near its maximum theoretical force, describes the efficiency of an explosive. High explosion - Produces a pressure wave with velocities greater than 3280 ft/sec.
Sternal Foramen
Holes present
Taking Notes
(Crime Scene Documentation) -Notification of personnel -Arrival Information -Scene Description (environment, evidence) -Victim Description
Photographing
(Crime Scene Documentation) -Take examination quality photographs -Every photo should be recorded in log -Take with and without a scale
caliber
(Determine Type Weapon) weight, diameter, give length and/or other features
Secondary Crime Scene
(Location of the Crime Scene) -Subsequent Crime Scenes
Primary Crime Scene
(Location of the Crime Scene) -Where the original crime occurred.
Macroscopic
(Size of Crime Scene) -One location, composed of many microscopic crime scenes.
polygonal
(Type of Rifling) smeared indentions
conventional
(Type of Rifling) smooth indentions
What type of WBC helps to identify bacteria and viruses in the body and produce antibodies and cells that specifically target them?
(memory) B cells
Strip/Lane Search
*2nd most popular* Used for covering large or open areas 2+ people Format: Move slowly along examining parallel strips of terrain
Non-Coding Regions
- 3% percent of the human DNA sequences code for proteins - 97% percent is non-coding and is repetitive; repeating the same sequence over and over - 50% percent of the human genome has interspersed repetitive sequences
height
- Higher u drop blood the larger the drops - Higher u drop the blood the more satelites u get - UNTIL YOU REACH THE HEIGHT OF TERMINAL VELOCITY o It doesn't pick up anymore speed and size remains constant
Securing and controlling the crime scene
- Preserve with tape or barricades - Clear scene by removing unauthorized personnel (officers, spectators, family) - More people, more chance of contamination
Seven S's of crime scene investigation
- Secure scene - Separate witnesses - Scan scene - See that crime scene examiners receive overall and close up photos - Sketch scene - Search for evidence - Secure collected evidence
satellites
- When blood hits the ground anything that overcomes the force of cohesion - leave the blood droplet due to overcoming cohesion
Medicolegal Death Investigator
-Personnel from ME or Coroner's office who respond to a crime scene and coordinate efforts with police and crime scene personnel. -Collecting information to assist in determination of Cause and Manner of Death -Additional personnel used to help determine Cause and Manner of Death, or identification -Forensic Anthropologist -Forensic Odontologist -Forensic Entomologist
Crime Scene Documentation
-Taking notes -Videotaping -Photographing -Sketching
Rule about Legal Matching Requirements
-There are no legal requirements in the U.S. on the number of points that must match when comparing two prints. -Usually a print needs to be large enough to find at least 8-12 characteristics.
Cause of Death
-What is the action that initiates the series of events ending in death? -What is the character of the injury that started the chain of events? -May include "contributing factors" if death is prolonged, adverse medical conditions -Usually the medical reason someone dies,
Explain steps in chain of custody.
1) Bags evidence, marks it for identification, seals it and signs it across the sealed edge. 2) Signed over to a lab tech for analysis who opens it, but not the sealed edge. 3) After analysis, the lab tech puts the evidence back in the evidence bag, seals it in another bag and signs the evidence log.
Four Dimensions of the Taphonomic Model
1. Objects 2. Space 3. Modification of objects 4. Cultural dimension
Problems with pubic symphysis method (2)
1. Observer errors 2. First bone to be destroyed during burial
Problems with sternal rib end method (1)
1. Only the fourth rib can be used
6 types of synovial joints
1. Pivot 2. Ball and socket 3. Hinge 4. Ellipsoid 5. Saddle 6. Gliding
Sources of Evidence (2)
1. Primary (skeleton/any soft tissue present) 2. Secondary (documentation/trepanation)
Bullet construction refers to (3)
1. Profile 2. Internal composition 3. Jacketing
What two things does the axial skeleton provide?
1. Protection for vital organs 2. Stabilization to stay up right
3 Components of Ethics
1. Provide written rules 2. Specify violations 3. Decide consequences
Field Sobriety Tests
1. Psychological test - horizontal gaze/pen light to determine if eye jerk and walk and turn/one-leg stand 2. Breath test - oxidizes alcohol in breath to create electricity
lanugo
1st hair grows at 3-6 mo after conception; shed before birth & replaced
Fracture Complications: Bone necrosis
2 bits of fracture unable to fit together and part of bone dies
whorls
2 deltas 35% of people have whorls have at least on ridge that makes or almost makes completer circle
accidental whorls
2+ patterns doesn´t fall under any other catefories
How many PAIRS of chromosomes does each person have?
23 pairs
# of full length pubic hairs
24
Usually, how many ribs are there?
24, 12 on each side
What is the most difficult age range to assess?
25-40
How many types of blood vessels are there?
3
Fingerprints are individual characteristics, they are unchanged througout life, and they have individual ridge patterns that classify them.
3 principles of fingerprints:
When is rigor mortis completely gone?
48-60 hours after death
Only ___% of people experience skeletal change with leprosy
5
# of full length hairs from all areas of scalp
50
Cortical tissue makes up ____% of skeletal weight
80
Becke line
A bright halo observed near the border of a particle immersed in a liquid of a different refractive index.
Becke Line
A bright halo that is observed near the border of a particle immersed in a liquid of a different refractive index.
Modus Operandi (MO)
A certain criminal's repeated behavior
Periodic Table
A chart of elements arranged in a systematic fashion; vertical rows are called groups or families, and horizontal rows are called series; elements in a given row have similar properties
cocaine
A control substance derived from the erythroxylin cocoa plant that creates an excitatory condition (stimulation), state of wakefulness, and euphoria
amphetamine
A controlled substance that, along with its analogs such as methamphetamine, creates an excitatory condition (stimulation), state of weakfulness, and euphoria
Radial Fracture
A crack in a glass that extends outward like the spoke of a wheel from the point at which the glass was struck.
Radial fracture
A crack in a glass that extends outward like the spoke of a wheel from the point at which the glass was struck.
DNA Typing
A method in which DNA is converted into a series of bands that ultimately distinguishes each individual
Compound
A pure substance composed of two or more elements.
microcrystaline tests
A reaction between the compound of interest and chemical reagent that results in the formation of unique crystals that can be observed with the micrscope
Phencyclidine
A schedule I drug that causes uses to experience severe psychotic manifestations. Was once used as a surgical anesthetic
Photon
A small packet of electromagnetic radiation energy; each photon contains a unit of energy equal to the product of Planck's constant and the frequency of radiation: E=hf.
Crystalline solid
A solid in which the constituent atoms have a regular arrangement.
7. What is an accelerant? Give an example.
Accelerant - Fuels that are easily vaporized and support combustion and are highly exothermic. Example: gasoline
What term describes when a laboratory has agreed to operate according to a professional or industry standard and has proven that it can and does operate this way?
Accreditation
LC-MS
Analytical instrument that combines a liquid chromatography with a mass spectrometery. Detects more compounds than than GC-MS
Skeletal Remains Evidence
Analyzed to determine a victim's age, sex, race, and stature.
Paleo =
Ancient
Dactylograms
Another word for fingerprints
Mass Fatality Incident
Any situation where more deaths occur than can be handled by the local medical resources
Matter
Anything that has mass and occupies space.
Concentric Fracturing
Appear as part or all of a circle whose centre is the point of impact
BIOS
Basic Input Output System set of routines stored in read only memory that enables the computer to start the operating system and to communicate the with various devices in the system
Flashback
Build up of smoke in an enclosed area with a lack of oxygen, a sudden increase in oxygen causes an explosive fire.
Why are black and white images used for a reconstruction?
Because eye and hair colour cannot be easily determined and therefore if included, may throw people off
19. Why is it so important to be able to recover intact residues of unexploded material?
Because it can lead to finding out what caused the explosion and solve a crime.
Body Fluid Evidence
Blood, semen, saliva, sweat, and urine can be analyzed to provide information about the crime as well as its victims or the suspect.
Where is DNA found in the body?
Blood, semen, skin cells, tissue, organs, muscle, brain cells, bone, teeth, hair, saliva, mucus, perspiration, fingernails, urine, feces, etc.
biofluids
Blood, urine, bile, etc.; fluids obtained from the body
Harris Lines
Body is so stressed it stopped growing (similar to lines on teeth)
Rigor Mortis
Body remains still for 24-36 hours
Ring Fractures
Bone around the foramen magnum separates from the occipital
ID of marijuana
Botanical features observed under a microscope chemical test, "bear claws" on upper side of leaves (cystolithic hairs), DL test, TLC.
How is a fire trail made?
By pouring an accelerant along a floor in the desired direction
Talipes Equinovarus
Club foot; soft tissue in feet constrict and bone begins to bend
Elements of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) include all of the following EXCEPT:
Collecting evidence at the crime scene.
Visible light
Colored light ranging from red to violet and electromagnetic spectrum.
Visible Light
Colored light ranging from red to violet in the electromagnetic spectrum.
CODIS stands for?
Combined DNA Index System
CODIS
Combined DNA Index System, electronic database of DNA profiles that can identify suspects
Microspectrophotometer
Combines a microscope with a spectrophotometer which allows the scientist to acquire spectra of extremely small sample areas non destructively
3. What is a combustion reaction? Give an example.
Combustion reaction - Reactions between fuel and oxygen to produce energy (example: wood burning)
Fires and explosions are both the result of what?
Combustion reactions, where a fuel and oxygen react, sometimes violently and instananeously, to give off large amounts of energy.
Ligature
Cordage is placed around the neck and tightened and held in place by force
What are the two U.S. systems of death investigation?
Coroner and Medical Examiner
Axial Skeleton
Cranium, mandible, sternum, hyoid, vertebral column, rib cage
Hair shape-oval
Curly
Allochthonous
Death is not in the same place body is found
Small Particle Reagent (SPR)
Done on a surface that was previously wet/is wet
Trepanning Theories: Paul Broca
Done on children; those who lived had magical powers
Trepanning Theories: Guiard
Done to help illness
The structure of DNA is called?
Double helix
Barbiturates
Downer - relaxes user Many medical uses Take it orally - enters through intestines or stomach
Postmortem Drug testing
Drug testing with the goal of determining whether drugs were the cause or contributing factor in a death
Color Test
Drug turns a specific color when in reaction with a certain reagent - this is only useful for screening because not conclusive for results
stimulants
Drugs that produce produces a temporary increase of functional activity or efficiency
Analgesics
Drugs that relieve pain.
Schedule I Drugs
Drugs with a high potential for abuse and addiction and no accepted medical application (Heroin, LSD, marijuana)
What chemical test is used to determine if mammal blood is from a human?
ELISA
Cocaine, def
Extracted from coca plant Ingest through either snort or injection Stops the re-uptake of dopamine causing stimulation
What are electrical fires?
Electric appliances, wires, components, and connections are all capable of giving off sparks or overheating given the proper set of conditions.
How do fire scene investigators find out if a fire is arson?
Eliminate all accidental and natural causes of the fire
Oblique, non-displaced Fracture
Ends of the fracture are united on a diagonal
Alleles
Every gene has at least two alternative forms and an individual receives one allele from mother and one from father.
Questioned Documents Evidence
Examiners will analyze a ransom note or other documents to find clues to link it to the crime scene or a suspect. Examiners look specifically at paper used, printing method, handwriting styles, type of ink, or watermarks and indentations.
Role of Heat/energy source
Excites fuel and oxygen into excited state so they can undergo chemical reaction. This equates to the activation energy of the reaction.
5. What does exothermic mean? Give an example of an exothermic reaction.
Exothermic - Releases energy as one of its products (ex: lighting a candle)
DNA Evidence
Extracted from almost any tissue - hair, fingernails, bones, teeth, and body fluids. Profile is created and compared to those from the suspects or victims.
Local Labs
Funding is a major issue Maintain integrity and no contamination Affects: -Personnel -Accommodations -Equipment -Services
What name did the Daubert decision refer to the judge as?
Gatekeeper i. This role assigned to the judge is often referred to as the gatekeeper, and the court offered suggestions for making that determination, while leaving flexibility to the judges. • General acceptance was one criterion, as were peer review of the technique, standards for the method, validation of the method, potential errors, and testable (and thus falsifiable) theories. • All these concepts provided a toolbox to judges (nonscientists) to assist them in evaluating the utility and reliability of scientific evidence.
Thermal effects (explosions)
Generally the least damaging effects of an explosion. At the instant of detonation a large, ball of fire or flash is produced at the bomb seat. High explosive = Hot and brief Low explosive = Longer duration, lower temp. No further effects will occur once the flash dies out unless there is nearby combustible material that may ignite into secondary fires.
Tempered Glass
Glass that is strengthened by introducing stress through rapid heating and cooling of the glass surfaces.
Tempered glass
Glass to which strength is added by introducing stress through Rapid heating and cooling the glass surfaces.
Innocence Project
Group of college law students work on cases where DNA may prove innocence (or guilt)
Forensic Anthropology
Identification and examination of skeletal remains in a legal context
antibody (rh)
If u have the antigen for RH u don't have the
RH positive
If u have the antigen it will clump
Kary Mullis
In 1985 developed PCR testing
Alec Jeffreys
In 1985 isolated DNA markers and called them DNA fingerprints
mobile phase
In a chromatographic system such as thin layer chromatography or gas chromatography, the phase that moves.
Development of Latent Prints: Iodine
Iodine-fumes react with oils and fats to produce a temporary brown print.
Arches, whorles, and loops
Kinds of fingerprint patterns:
Hair shape-crescent moon
Kinky
Sacralization
L5 wants to be a part of the sacrum and fuses to top
Who determines how the evidence fits into the crime scene?
Lead detective
1659 AD - Anton van _______ viewed blood cells under a microscope
Leeuwenhoek
Controlled Substances Act (CSA)
Legislation in the US that defines illegal drugs and classifies them by Schedules
What are the vast majority of natural fires caused by?
Lightning strikes
Genesis
Looking at more human bones; collections begin to accumulate with development of serology
What is a low explosive?
Low explosives, by definition, have denotation velocities below 3,280 fps. In low explosives, the oxygen is physically mixed with the fuel, and the explosion takes place at a slower rate than if the fuel and oxygen were chemically combined. ex: smokeless powder
Tuberculosis is an infection primarily in the __________.
Lungs
Cannabinoids
Marijuana and other parts of the plant Cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as the active ingredient
Arch Mark
Mark produced by four or five adjacent teeth and same arch
What is the last epiphyses to fuse?
Medial clavicle at 29
Over the counter (OTC)
Medicines that can be purchased without a prescription
Physical Evidence is so important...
More reliable than eye witness testimony Important means of investigation Necessary to determine guilt or innocence.
Two types of chain of custody forms
Multi-evidence Single evidence
Types of accelerant residues
Neat ignitable liquid - Intact, unburned accelerant. Simple separation and direct injection into GC Partially burned accelerants - Most of the volatile components have been evapourated, leaving behing high boiling components. These need to be extracted from the matrix and concentrated. Nearly completely burned accelerants - May be some non-volatile residue left that can be extracted. Identification can be difficult.
Development of Latent Prints: Ninhydrin
Ninhydrin-reacts with amino acids to turn it purple (works well on paper)
Non-initiating explosives
Non sensitive. Takes great effort to detonate. Can be transported safely. Needs initiating explosive to cause detonation. Eg. Dynamite and C4
Algor Mortis
Normal cooling of a body which takes place as the body equilibrates with the external temperature
Forms of Documentation
Note taking Photographing Video Sketching
Who can O+ donate to?
O+, A+, B+, AB+
Opiates def
Pain-killer - comes from the gummy white substance of a poppy plant that exist in Asia or South America - that is what is used to create morphine or heroin
Effects of Heroin
Produces a high / sense of well-being and is a pain reliever - heroin becomes morphine in the brain but gets their quicker - last for 3-4 hours
Blunt Force Trauma
Production of impact marks
Hallucinogen
Psychoactive drug that induces hallucinations or alters sensory experiences
Ninhydrin
Reacts with amino acids, usually develop prints in good quality, sprayed ports surface
Iodine fuming
Reacts with lipids, doesn't last long on nonporous surfaces
What is the process of determining or eliminating the events that could have occurred at the crime scene by the analysis of the crime scene appearance, location and position of physical evidence, and the forensic laboratory examination of the physical evidence?
Reconstructing the crime scene i. Crime scene reconstruction is the process of determining or eliminating the events that could have occurred at the crime scene by analysis of the crime scene appearance, location and position of the physical evidence, and forensic laboratory examination of the physical evidence. It involves scientific crime scene investigation, interpretation of the scene's pattern of evidence, laboratory testing of the physical evidence, systematic study of related case information, and logical formulation of potential scenarios that could produce the evidence at the scene.
Pathological Fracture
Related to disease
Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (FRCrP)
Rules created by the US supreme court that govern the way evidence and procedures are applied in criminal cases
Admissibility or inadmissibility of trial information is determined by the application of what?
Rules of evidence
Lumbarization
S1 does not fuse to sacrum
SWGDRUG
Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs
Stages of Trauma: Peri-Mortem
Shows no sign of healing
Natural fibers
Silk, cotton, wool, mohair, cashmere
Development of Latent Prints: Silver Nitrate
Silver nitrate- reacts with chloride to form silver chloride, turn gray when exposed to light
Microcephalia
Skull does not grow because the brain stops its development
Stages of Trauma: Post-Mortem
Still shows no sign of healing
Graphologist
Studies the personality of the writer bases on handwriting samples, not accepted as science in courts
Botanical Examinations
Study of various plant structures, such as roots, stems, branches, leaves, fruits, or flowers, that may be used to determine if the plants are controlled substances. (Marijuana, Peyote)
Cocaine
Substance derived from the erythroxylin cocoa plant that creates and excitatory condition, state of wakefulness and euphoria
Destructive methods used in QD ink analysis
TLC, HPLC
Which part of the cranium contains the ear holes?
Temporal
Presumptive Test
Test that presumes the presence of the questioned substance; also called a screening test. Blue-purple color in test for marijuana can also be cause by other substances. In that case it is a false positive. Negative test results, confirm that there is no marijuana in the sample.
Work Place Drug Testing
Testing job applicants and employees for illegal drugs in their system
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
The US government agency responsible for regulation of controlled drugs
11. What is the crucial difference between a fire and an explosion?
The biggest difference between an explosion and a fire is the speed of the reaction
Corpus Delicti
The body of the offense -Must be proven a crime has been committed -Ex. dead body for homicide, stolen items for burgalry
Spectroscopy
The branch of science that involves the study of electromagnetic radiation and it's interaction with matter.
postmortem drug testing
The branch of toxicology focused on the analysis of biofluids after death of the body.
Inconclusive
The data does not support a conclusion as to whether the profiles match.
Combustion
The exothermic chemical reaction of a fuel with oxygen giving of heat energy, carbon dioxide and water. Fires and explosions are both types of combustion reactions.
Plasma
The fluid portion of the blood, obtained by centrifuging a whole blood sample.
Firearms: Gauge
The maximum weight of a lead ball that would fit down the barrel of a weapon
Osteometry
The measurement of human bone quantitatively
What is the ignition temperature?
The minimum temperature to keep a fire self-sustaining, varies with the fuel
Frequency
The number of waves that pass a given point per second.
ADME
The process by which a drug moves through the body: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
Atom
The smallest unit of an element that can exist and still retain its identity as that element.
Atom
The smallest unit of an element, which is not divisible by ordinary chemical means; atoms are made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons plus other subatomic particles.
Physical Dependence
There are physical factors involved - stop using the drug can cause nausea, body chills, cramps, etc - fear of these cause continued use or relapse
What are thermal effects?
Thermal or temperature effects are generally the least damaging of the effects of an explosion. The flash usually dies very quickly.
Why have there been population surges through time?
Tools (weapon use), farming (domesticated animals spread disease), industrial revolution (accidents)
Cyanide
Toxic chemical inhibits the electron transport chain in the mitochondria of cells. Most toxic in its gaseous state. Levels above 2500 ng/ml are fatal.
Tire Track Features to Analyze
Tread pattern Width & depth of tread Unique characteristics due to wear patterns, damage, or material defects.
True or False: The mouth is usually left closed in a facial reconstruction.
True
Grid Search
Used for covering large or open areas 2+ people Format: shoulder to shoulder arm's width. Move slowly along examining parallel strips of terrain. Then move down and over when end is reached. Upside: double check areas
Point to Point Search
Used for smaller and confined scenes Typical for most indoor crime scenes
Liquid Chromatography
Used to identify unknown plant pigments & other compounds
macroscopic examinations
Visual examination generally performed with the unaided eye; used to identify class characteristics
Hidrocephalia
Voluminous skull
Locard Exchange Principle
When 2 objects come into contact with one another, an exchange of matter takes place. This is called... *Physical evidence can link suspect, victim, crime scene, and objects to one another
Fracture Matches Evidence
When an object is broken, torn, or cut, two unique edges are formed. Can be compared to see if they fit together to show that they may have been part of the same object at one time.
psilocybin
a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushrooms, collectively known as psilocybin mushrooms
Data extraction
a process that identifies and recovers information that may not be immediately apparent
standards
analytical standards established by a consensus of the scientific community engaged in the analysis of drugs of abuse
Toxicology
a branch of biology, chemistry, and medicine (more specifically pharmacology) concerned with the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.
Blend
a fabric made up of two or more different types of fibers
individualization
a goal in all areas of criminalistics; becomes an attainable reality in firearm and tool mark examination
vaporous lead
a halo of ___________ _____ (smoke) deposited around a bullet hole is normally indicative of a discharge of 12 to 18 inches or less
Rock wool
a manufactured mineral fiber
Asbestos fibers
a natural fiber that has been used in fire-resistant substances
cellulose acetate
cellulose-altered chemically to create an entirely new compound not found in nature-synthetic
unallocated space
allocation units not assigned to active files within a file system
Federal rules of evidence
allow a duplicated instead of originals when its is produced by the same impression as the original
Radioactivity is composed of the following emissions: ______, _____, and _______.
alpha particle, beta particle, and gamma rays
an electron is said to be in an excited state when
an electron is pushed into a higher orbital by absorbing heat/ energy
Computer
an electronic device that can: receive input from a user calculate or process command produces an output (visual , audio, function)
microscopic comparison
an optical bridge allows viewing of evidence side by side. useful for comparing bullets, fibers, and hair
Development of Latent Prints: Powders
adhere to both water and fatty deposits
hair toxicology
advantages of toxicology: easy to collect/store, externally available, provide info on drug use/poisoning
What science(s) are included in the field of forensic science? Select one or more:
a. Anthropology and entomology i. Biology and chemistry
Research has shown that people who serve as eyewitnesses to a crime
a. Do not necessarily have a good memory for trivial details i. Eyewitness testimony can be invaluable in an investigation, but such evidence should always be considered and scrutinized the same way scientific evidence would be. • In the worst cases, witnesses may lie, but even those with the best of intentions can be mistaken; memories can even be false memories, such as when a child "remembers" being abused by a parent even when there was no abuse. • Eyewitnesses can miss or omit critical details or even create or embellish upon what happened without realizing it.
Other Prints
a. Ears—shape, length and width b. Voice—electronic pulses -measured on a spectrograph c. Foot—size of foot and toes; friction ridges on the foot d. Shoes—can be compared and identified by type of shoe, brand, size, year of purchase, and wear pattern e. Palm—friction ridges can be identified and may be used against suspects. f. Lips—display several common patterns g. Teeth—bite marks are unique and can be used to identify suspects. h. Eye-The blood vessel patterns in the eye may be unique to individuals. They are used today for various security purposes.
The knowledge that elements selectively _____ and_____ light provides the basis for important analytical techniques designed to detect the presence of elements in materials.
absorb , emit
Effects of Marijuana
absorbed quickly and results in excess dopamine production No physical dependence - but psychological
Fluorescence
absorption and reemission of light; used for comparing fibers as well as spotting fibers for collection
Schedule III
accepted medical use moderate potential for abuse moderate to low risk of dependence (Barbiturates, steroids, ketamine)
collection of hair
adequate # of control samples from victim, suspects, others at scene & control sample: 50 full-length hair from scalp & 24 full-length pubic hairs;
Wool fibers
animal fiber coming most from sheep, but may be goat, rabbit, camel, alpaca, llama, or vicuna
tool mark
any impression, cut, gouge, or abrasion caused by a tool coming into contact with another object
examples of counterfeiting
currency bonds coins postage stamps
homicide
death at the hands of another; death though reckless, intentional or grossly negligent actions of another.
putrefaction
decomposition carried out by bacteria; bloating, discoloration, foul smelling gasses, skin slippage.
collection of fiber analysis
bag clothing individually folded in sheet of paper then in paper bags (not on same surface before); tape lifts of exposed skin on bodies/objects;
Must collect all the way to the _________
bare metal
"Eye appeal" of the automobile comes from the _____ layer.
basecoat
polymers
basic chemical substances of all synthetic fibers
expired (expiratory)
blood blown out of nose or mouth usually resulted from internal bleeding as the body tries to expel the blood out
Where are antibodies found?
blood plasma
What does an elongated blood drop indicate?
blood was traveling from a different direction when it landed (directionality)
determinable from hair
if human or animal, race, origin of source's body , whether hair is forcibly removed, treated w/chemicals, drugs
muzzle
if the ______ of the weapon is sufficiently close, these products will be deposited onto the target
Systematic approach to investigation
case assessment operational planning use a operational checklist to ensure consistency identify needed resources securing the incident/crime scene interviews and interrogations forensic examinations of collected evidence document all steps taken during investigation prepare written report subject findings to peer review
The movement and number of swings can often be documented by examining what type of blood spatter pattern?
cast-off
mosaic
cat
what should be determined about rifling characteristics
caliber # of lands and grooves direction of twist in rifling degree of twist widths of lands and grooves
class characteristics of firearms
caliber shape of firing pin shape of firing chamber size and shape of the firing pin size of extractors and ejectors geometrical relationship between extractor and ejector
cartridge case class characteristics
caliber, breech face marks, extractor and ejector locations, firing pin shape and location
trabecular bone
cancellous bone - the spongey middle part
Which type of blood vessel supplies cells with nutrients then removes wastes?
capillary
What are the 2 functions of platelets?
clotting, repair (of damaged blood vessels)
Type A
clumping in antibody A
Type B
clumping in antibody B
agglutination
clumping in blood vessels results in obstructions causing a depletion of oxygen to cells and a build up of carbon dioxide - which results in kidney failure and death
Type AB
clumping in both A and B
receiving wrong blood type
clumping of blood will block arteries and blood flow wont be smooth to organs so they will shut down (kidney failure)
Agglutination
clumping of red blood cells (bad)
The most distinctive characteristic of paint is
color
use and appearance of connecting lines
continuous writing or lifting of pen? are upper case and lower case letters connected or separated?
serial number
criminalists are requested to restore a ______ _________ when it has been removed or obliterated by grinding, rifling, or punching
Weft
crosswise yarn
weft
crosswise yarn
Free Space
data storage areas available for use by compter
A(n)_____ is a display of colors or frequencies emitted from a light source.
emission spectrum
Time of Death
estimation/approximation; never exact. Based on the interpretation of various post-mortem features and characteristics due to physical and chemical changes. Consider the environment (outside/exposed/hot/raining etc)
document analysis and its purpose
examination and comparison of questioned documents with a known sample (exemplar) to establish authenticity or to detect any changes, erasures or obliterations
autopsy
examination of a body post-mortem; record and photographs will be used during court proceedings
what is FISH? who maintains it?
forensic information system for handwriting computerized handwriting recognition database used for searching new threatening letters against previously submitted materials maintained by the US secret service
Neuron activation measures what
gamma rays
paper comparisons
general appearances, color, wright, water marks, fiber identification, additives, filters, fillers, pigments, optical brighteners, clay, CaCO3, blue and violet dyes, etc.
Diaphragm
generally a five hole disc placed under the stage on a higher power microscope
luminol
gives a short-lived blue glow to test and reacts with the hem of hemoglobin on red blood cells false positives= - broccoli / cauliflower - MUST MAKE SURE ITS HUMAN BLOOD
why is lividity important?
gives investigators a general idea of how long the deceased has been dead, gives investigators an idea if the deceased was moved after death
Computer forensics defintion
identification, collection , preservation , examination and presentation of digital evidence in a legally acceptable manner
how is dna used as evidence?
identify victim, link crime scenes together, quilt
close-range gunshots
gunshot residue reaches victim has stippling or soot
catagen
hair at rest for 2-3 weeks; elongated appearance
lattice
hair from deer or elk
amorphous
hair from human
uniserial
hair from species of cat
coronal cuticle
hair sample likely came from a bat
spinous cuticle
hair sample likely came from a mink
anagen
hair that grows up to 6 years; flame appearance
anagen
hair that's actively growing-protein & keratin; last 2-7 yrs; 85% hairs growing at once; 10 cm/yr; can't grow longer than 1 m
telogen
hair that's resting ready to fall out; last 2-6 mo; lose about 60-150 hairs/day
fibers may become imp. evidence in incidents that involve personal contact such as...
homicide, assault, or sexual offenses
Manner of Death
homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, undetermined
bullet trap
horizontal- steel tank filed with water. the shot is fired through the self sealing membrane and extracted for analysis vertical- does not require a self sealing membrane and has a basket to collect the bullets
electrochemical etching
inside is drilled out and coated with a chemically resistant polymer and a etching material is applied. using electricity, the electric currant eats away the metal
Atoms with same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
isotopes
how does rifling happen?
it comes from boaring out the center of the barrel
individuality
it is the presence of any minute imperfections on a tool that imparts ___________ to that tool
loose-contact gunshots
just touches target surface can have blown out entrance wound, and similarities with near-contact, soft tissue may tear
Processing an incident or crime scene guidelines
keep accurate notes to document secure the scene from unauthorized access or personnel take a video sketch the incident check computers conduct interviews Bag and tag the evidence
What is another name for white blood cells
leukocytes
fabric
made from fibers- twisted filaments; types: natural & artificial
Fabric
made of twisted filaments, or fibers
hair
made up amino acids = protein; keratin (waterproof) makes it resistant to wear/tear; most frequently found evidence at crime scenes; can link criminal w/crime
plastic
magnetic powder
non destructive methods used in QD ink analysis
magnify glass, cameras, microscopes, alternative light source, digital image enhancement software, microspectropotometer a non destructive way to detect minute differences in ink colors based on UV-visible range light absorption
collect evidence and document employed tools
maintain chain of custody
type O
majority of population has this blood type but it is always low in the blood banks
twill weave
makes a diagonal weave; resembles a stair step; denim is a common example
Magnification
makes the virtual image appear larger. To find this you multiply the number on the lens of 10
Refractive index
measurement of the bending of light as it passes from air into a solid or liquid
What cell structure is found in a WBC that is not in other blood cells?
nucleus (DNA)
collection of firearm evidence
only rubber-coated or heavily taped tools should be used to probe for bullets locate and jot down serial numbers of firearms weapons should be unloaded before transportation all removable parts should be removed and marked(silencer, magazine) all ammunition in the possession of a suspect should be seized
guidelines for writing reports ( 4 basic conditions)
opinions depend on special skills/knowledge qualify as an expert must testify to a degree describe facts to which their opinions are based on
Infrared spectrophotometry
paint absorbs infrared radiation to yield spectrum
document examiner
performs scientific analysis of handwriting and other features of questioned documents qualified as a form of excerpt testimony by the US court of appeals 1999
Sources of Information (evidence)
person place thing
maintain confidentiality
personal and legal responsibility necessary to conduct to maintain credibility
testimony preservation deposition
requested by client preserve your testimony in case of schedule conflicts or health problems
Medical Examiner
required to be a medical doctor, specializes in pathology, usually board certified, will make a determination using all available information.
difference between semi-automatic and regular?
semi-automatic are self loading
Schedule II
severely restricted for medical use high potential for abuse (cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone)
Pubic hair
short and curly
balls; pellets; markings
shotguns generally fire small lead _____ or _______ that are not impressed with any characteristic ___________ that can be related back to the weapon
what makes up DNA?
sides or backbones of DNA molecule are made up of sugar (deoxyribof) and phosphate groups (pairs of nucleotides or nitrogen basis (adenine (a) with thymine (t) and guanine (g) with cytosine (c))
Polarizing Microscope
similar to compound light microscopes, however it has a polarize in the condenser which can be rotated to analyze the sample
Stellate patterns
star-shaped wound that occurs when there is contact between a gun and skin; larger than exit wound. Expansion and escape of gases
Cadaveric Spasm
stiffening of the hands/arms immediately; may find weapon in hand of deceased, cannot be replicated, will only release upon putrefaction
What end do you look at to tell the direction of a blood drop?
tail
Oseoclasts
take bone away
Depth of focus
thickness of specimen under focus. Gets smaller as you increase the magnification
Evidence bag
to collect and preserve the physical evidence
Why might a forensic investigator test blood for unique blood proteins outside of the ABO blood groups?
to get a more individualized (specific) match
Analysis
to look at the results of an examination for its significance and probative value to the case
Document your steps
to prove them repeatable
How does a gun work?
trigger is puled, the firing pin hits the primer, the gun powder in the casing ignites creating a small explosion, this propels the bullet out of the barrel and the casing is expelled
(true/false) people with AB blood have no AB antibodies
true
(true/false) there are more than 600 types of blood proteins
true
True or False: The ultimate value of soil as evidence depends on its variation at the crime scene.
true
Cotton fibers
vegetable fiber, strong, tough, flexible, moisture-absorbent, not shape-retentive
Stereoscopic Microscope
views particles of evidence in 3D and allows the investigator to turn over a tiny object such as a seed or a hair beneath the microscope
hair shaft
visible part of hair consists of dead cells (keratin) & bonded w/water; parts; cuticle, cortex, medulla
Patent prints
visible prints, no needed enhancement
cut
wound longer than it is deep