Question 1

Evidence provides contextual value if it is recognized and interpreted correctly. If a deceased person has signs of Rigor Mortis it is an indication that:&#10;A) Provides a predictable inference of time.&#10;B) Provides an unpredictable circumstance.&#10;C) Provides a spatial relationship to other items.&#10;D) Provides a functional interpretation of the weapon used.

Accepted Answer

Rigor mortis is a post-mortem process that causes the body to become stiff and inflexible. The onset and duration of this process can provide a predictable inference of time since death, helping investigators to establish a timeline of events. Therefore, choice A is the best answer. Choices B, C and D are not related to rigor mortis.

Question 2

The branch of medicine that applies the principles and knowledge of medical science to problems in the field of law (Medico-Legal Death) where the Medical Examiner will determine the Manner and Cause of death.

A) Forensic Anthropology
B) Forensic Pathology
C) Forensic Odontology
D) Forensic Entomology

B

Accepted Answer

Forensic Pathology is the branch of medicine that deals with medical-legal death investigation. It involves the examination of deceased bodies to determine the cause and manner of death. This discipline focuses mainly on autopsies and the forensic analysis of physical evidence related to a crime scene.

Question 3

All of the following are considered Manner of Death determinations except for:&#10;A) Homicide&#10;B) Accidental&#10;C) Blunt Force trauma&#10;D) Natural

Accepted Answer

Manner of death determinations include Homicide, Accidental, Natural, Suicide, and Undetermined. Blunt force trauma is a cause of death, not a manner of death.

Question 4

Once the first phase of a death investigation has been completed, the coroner or medical examiner may be called. Investigators should not work to cultivate a good relationship with these offices because there is an adversarial relationship. Having an adversarial relationship is beneficial for checks and balances.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. Investigators should work to cultivate a good relationship with coroners or medical examiners as they can be valuable sources of information and assistance in the investigation. Building a positive relationship can also lead to better communication and collaboration between the offices for a more efficient and effective investigation.

Question 5

You are investigating a scene of a violent death, but you cannot find the weapon used to cause the wounds to the victim. The absence of the weapon at the scene is an indicator that this case may be __________.

A) Murder/Homicide
B) Suicide
C) Natural death
D) Accidental death

Accepted Answer

The absence of the weapon at a scene of violent death often suggests that the perpetrator removed it to avoid detection, which is more consistent with murder/homicide. In cases of suicide, the weapon is usually found at the scene, and natural or accidental deaths typically do not involve weapons in a manner that causes violent wounds.

Question 6

Which of the following individuals have extensive training in medicine and death investigation and respond to death scenes to assist the medical examiner in determining the cause and manner of death?&#10;A) Forensic Examiners&#10;B) Criminalist&#10;C) Forensic Anthropologist&#10;D) Medicolegal investigator

Accepted Answer

Medicolegal investigators have extensive training in medicine and death investigation and respond to death scenes to assist the medical examiner in determining the cause and manner of death. Forensic examiners focus on evidence collection and analysis, criminalists specialize in forensic science and analysis, and forensic anthropologists study skeletal remains for identification and cause of death.

Question 7

The motivations for suicide can be deeply hidden and remain a mystery forever.

Accepted Answer

Suicide is a complex issue and individuals often do not reveal their true feelings or motivations to others. In some cases, even the individual themselves may not fully understand their reasons for considering or attempting suicide. As a result, the motivations for suicide can be deeply hidden and may never be fully understood or explained.

Question 8

In cases of violent death, why is it so important to determine the apparent cause of death as soon as possible?&#10;A) To bring closure to the family&#10;B) So that a search for the weapon, tool, or instrument can be conducted&#10;C) So the prosecutor can provide a press statement&#10;D) To clear the agency case

Accepted Answer

Determining the cause of death can help narrow down the possible weapon, tool, or instrument that was used, which can aid in locating and collecting evidence. This can be crucial in solving the crime and bringing the perpetrator to justice.

Question 9

This type of bloodstain is created when the victim expels blood through the mouth or nose:&#10;A) Cast-off&#10;B) Volume&#10;C) Expirated&#10;D) Swipe

Accepted Answer

Expirated bloodstains are created when blood is expelled from the mouth or nose due to coughing, sneezing, or breathing. These bloodstains are usually smaller in size and have a frothy appearance due to the presence of air in the expelled blood. Cast-off bloodstains are created when blood is flung from a moving object, volume bloodstains are created when a large volume of blood is discharged, and swipe bloodstains are created when a bloody object comes into contact with a surface and leaves a wipe or swipe mark. None of these are applicable to blood expelled from the mouth or nose.

Question 10

Which of the following pieces of equipment would help you to find the location of buried remains?&#10;A) Alternate Light Source&#10;B) Ground Penetrating Radar&#10;C) Side Scan Sonar&#10;D) Forensic Light Source

Accepted Answer

Ground Penetrating Radar is the only equipment listed that is specifically designed for locating buried remains. The other equipment listed may assist in the search or analysis of remains, but they do not have the capability to locate buried remains.

Question 11

The postmortem process of ______________ occurs 2-6 hours after death when the body muscles produce stiffening. It is most notable in the smaller muscles such as the jaw and fingers and is complete within 6 to 12 hours. It remains for 2 to 3 days and disappears gradually. This process can aid in determining the time-frame of death.

A) Livor mortis
B) Rigor mortis
C) Ante mortis
D) Post mortis

Accepted Answer

The answer of The postmortem process of ______________ occurs 2-6...

Question 12

Which of the following are usually the first insects to attack a dead body?&#10;A) Flies&#10;B) Maggots&#10;C) Larvae&#10;D) Beetles

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following are usually the...

Question 13

The appearance and characteristics of an entrance wound due to the distance of a gunshot can be useful in an investigation. In a ____________shot the entrance wound is often star shaped with flaps directed outward and there could be a muzzle imprint on the skin.

A) Contact
B) Distant
C) Mid-range
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of The appearance and characteristics of an entrance...

Deck 18: Death Investigation