Deck 3: Recording the Crime Scene

Question 1

Explain the difference between the identification and comparison of physical evidence. Cite one example.

Answer 1

not answered

Question 2

List and describe three categories of physical evidence that are commonly found at crime scenes.

Answer 2

not answered

Question 3

Physical evidence can be used to exonerate or exclude a person from suspicion if:

A) it is collected in accordance with the Fourth Amendment.
B) it does not have a well-documented chain of custody.
C) evidence taken from suspect is obtained voluntarily.
D) the standard reference sample (control) does not share characteristics with evidence at the crime scene.
E) he or she has not already confessed to the crime.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Physical evidence is considered to have ________ as that of eyewitness (testimonial) evidence.

A) greater value
B) the same value
C) less value

Question 5

The likelihood of finding class physical evidence is ________ the likelihood of finding physical evidence with individual characteristics.

A) same as
B) greater than
C) less than

Question 6

When a forensic analyst determines the chemical composition of preparations that may contain illicit rugs such as heroin, cocaine, or barbiturates, this is an example of:

A) comparison.
B) taxonomy.
C) identification.
D) classification.
E) individualization.

Question 7

The corroborative use of physical evidence means that it can be used to:

A) provide a lead to give the investigation direction.
B) rule out a particular suspect.
C) support other investigative findings.
D) establish a definite identity.
E) bolster eyewitness testimony.

Question 8

Forensic databases are maintained for all of the following except:

A) fingerprints.
B) automotive paint.
C) bullets.
D) dental impressions.
E) DNA.

Question 9

If the laboratory can piece broken glass from a window or headlight together, then the evidence has ___________ characteristics.

A) identification
B) comparative
C) class
D) individual
E) none of the above

Question 10

In what year did the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) become fully operational?

A) 1991
B) 1999
C) 2001
D) 1998
E) 1978

Question 11

The value of class physical evidence lies in its ability to:

A) state with certainty the identity of the perpetrator
B) state with certainty the origin of the evidence
C) determine the probability of the occurrence of an event
D) determine the quality of forensic analyses carried out on the evidence
E) corroborate events with data in a manner nearly without bias

Question 12

Evidence having class characteristics can:

A) link a person to a crime with a high degree of certainty
B) have no evidential value
C) always be fitted together in the manner of a jigsaw puzzle
D) exonerate an innocent suspect
E) none of the above

Question 13

A comparison analysis subjects a suspect specimen and a control specimen to the same tests and examinations for the ultimate purpose of determining:

A) if they are identical in chemical composition
B) whether or not they have a common origin
C) if they are alike in molecular structure
D) if the same person handled them
E) all of the above

Question 14

The computerized database used to store DNA information is:

A) AFIS
B) NIBIN
C) Drugfire
D) CODIS
E) PDQ

Question 15

Determining that an explosive mixture contains dynamite is an example of the process of:

A) class characterization.
B) identification.
C) individualization.
D) comparison.
E) none of the above.

Question 16

A component of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network is called:

A) PDQ.
B) IBIS.
C) CODIS.
D) A and B
E) A and C

Question 17

___________ is a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the FBI and launched in 1999.

A) PDQ
B) NIBIN
C) AFIS
D) IAFIS
E) SICAR

Question 18

The examination of a paint chip found on a hit-and-run victim's garment side-by-side with paint removed from a vehicle suspected of being involved in the incident is an example of:

A) classification.
B) individualization.
C) comparison.
D) identification.
E) taxonomy.

Question 19

To calculate the overall frequency of occurrence of a blood type in a population, the ___________ can be applied by using a series of blood factors that occur independently of each other.

A) multiplication table
B) tangent method
C) product rule
D) binomial multiple
E) Locard's exchange

Question 20

Evidence with individual characteristics can lead to a determination of common origin (single source). Which type of evidence CANNOT yield such results?

A) fingerprints
B) single-layer paints
C) DNA
D) wear patterns on tires
E) random striations on tools

Question 21

Define and explain the role of national databases that are currently available to the forensic community.

Question 22

Explain the role of physical evidence and its role in crime scene reconstruction.

Question 23

Explain the forensic values of class evidence.

Question 24

Define and site one example of the difference between individual and class characteristics.