Deck 2: Physical Evidence: Development, Interpretation, Investigative Value

Question 1

The term forensic is derived from the Latin term forensis, which means

A) forensic science
B) science
C) forum
D) criminalistics
E) none of the above

Answer 1

C

Question 2

The two most recognized branches of forensic science are identified as

A) criminalistics and forensic pathology
B) criminalistics and forensic medicine
C) criminalistics and forensic toxicology
D) criminalistics and forensic chemistry
E) criminalistics and forensic odontology

Answer 2

B

Question 3

The branch of forensic science concerned with the recording, scientific examination, and interpretation of the minute details to be found in physical evidence is known as

A) forensic pathology
B) forensic medicine
C) criminal investigation
D) criminalistics
E) odontology

Answer 3

D

Question 4

________________, a series of roughly parallel lines of varying width, depth, and separation, are scratch marks caused by irregularities or a lack of microfine smoothness on the barrel of a gun, head of a firing pin, or working face or edge of a tool.

A) Minute details
B) Barrel details
C) Case markings
D) Whorls
E) Striations

Question 5

According to the authors, the most familiar way to bring out forensic details is by

A) resolution
B) photography
C) altering contrast
D) illumination
E) none of the above

Question 6

________________ is the ability of a microscope or camera lens to separate what to the unaided eye appears to be one object into two or more objects, thus yielding details not perceptible in any other way.

A) Optical contrast
B) Illumination
C) Magnification
D) Resolution
E) none of the above

Question 7

A photograph of an object as seen in the eyepiece of a microscope is called a

A) photomicrograph
B) photomacrograph
C) photospectrograph
D) photospectrophotograph
E) photometrograph

Question 8

Much physical evidence yields the degree of detail necessary for criminal investigation purposes at magnifications between

A) 2x and 20x
B) 5x and 10x
C) 5x and 20x
D) 10x and 20x
E) 2x and 10x

Question 9

The class of analytical instrument that does not alter a sample, leaving it available for further instrumental analysis or for presentation as evidence in court, is called ________________.

A) destructive
B) nondestructive
C) organic
D) inorganic
E) indestructive

Question 10

The classification process by which an entity is placed in a predefined, limited, or restricted class is known as

A) detailing
B) associative evidence
C) identification
D) individualization
E) none of the above

Question 11

The general patterns of fingerprints can be divided into ____________ major groups.

A) two
B) three
C) four
D) five
E) six

Question 12

According to the authors, the most effective means of developing _______________ are instrumental chemistry, microscopy, photomacrography, other optical methods, and morphology.

A) class characteristics
B) individual characteristics
C) identification
D) associative evidence
E) photographs

Question 13

The study of poisons-their origins and properties, their identification by chemical analysis, their action upon humans and animals, and the treatment of the conditions they produce-is known as

A) forensic pathology
B) forensic serology
C) toxicology
D) forensic odontology
E) none of the above

Question 14

According to the authors, _________________________ of DNA technology is important when the results are to be used as evidence in a court of law.

A) standardization
B) analysis
C) development
D) utilization
E) striation

Question 15

According to the authors, as society became more complex, disputes were argued and settled in formally organized courts.

Question 16

In some circumstances, minute details can be visible to the naked eye.

Question 17

Visible fingerprints are always left after someone has touched an object.

Question 18

A class characteristic can have probative value and be utilized as evidence even though it is not conclusive proof of a suspect's involvement in the crime.

Question 19

According to the authors, the absence of forensic evidence is of little investigative value.

Question 20

Forensic psychiatry is more often employed in the courtroom than anywhere else in the criminal justice system.

Question 21

A latent print requires a suitable surface for it to be registered.

Question 22

Fingerprints cannot be classified if the ridge lines are blocked out by too much ink having been rolled onto the finger.

Question 23

Although not admissible as evidence in court, preliminary blood tests can have significant investigative potential.