Question 1

Only state laboratories conduct testing of forensic evidence.

Accepted Answer

Forensic evidence can be tested by both public and private laboratories, not just state laboratories. Private laboratories may be contracted by law enforcement agencies or individuals for testing purposes.

Question 2

All labs must use the same testing scheme for analyzing forensic evidence.

Accepted Answer

While there are standardized methods and protocols for analyzing forensic evidence, labs may have their own specific procedures and techniques. However, it is important for all labs to follow scientifically sound and validated methods to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.

Question 3

Expert witness may work in

Accepted Answer

Expert witnesses may work in academic labs where they provide expert testimony in court in their area of expertise. They may also work in public forensic labs where they analyze evidence and provide expert testimony for criminal cases. Finally, they may work in private forensic labs where they provide expert analysis of evidence for civil cases or insurance claims. Therefore, the best choice is D – all of the above.

Question 4

Define Criminalistics.

Accepted Answer

Criminalistics is defined as the application of various scientific disciplines to the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence in criminal investigations. It is focused on the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence, including body fluids, hair, fibers, fingerprints, and DNA, to reconstruct crime scenes and identify perpetrators. Therefore, choice A is the best option as it accurately describes the definition of criminalistics.

Question 5

Which of the following items would not be a piece of physical evidence collected by crime scene investigators?

Accepted Answer

The investigator's clothing is not considered physical evidence as they are not directly related to the crime being investigated. The other items listed are typically collected as physical evidence.

Question 6

For quality control, evidence samples may be split into three parts. These parts are referred to as ____.

Accepted Answer

Replicates are multiple parts of the same sample that are tested to ensure consistency and accuracy in results. Controls are samples used to verify the accuracy of the testing process. Calibration standards are samples with known properties used to calibrate instruments or test methods. Reference samples are samples used as a point of comparison for the evidence sample, but they are not necessarily split into three parts. Therefore, only replicates are split into three parts for quality control.

Question 7

Establishing the exact whereabouts of an item of evidence and under whose control it was from the time of its collection to its admissibility as evidence in court, is known as maintaining the:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the chain of custody ensures that the integrity of the evidence is preserved and that it can be presented in court as reliable and trustworthy. This involves documenting the transfer of the evidence from person to person and ensuring that it is properly secured and preserved throughout the entire process.

Question 8

A function of a forensic scientist includes:

Accepted Answer

All of the choices listed are functions of a forensic scientist. They are responsible for providing training on the proper collection and preservation of physical evidence, analyzing the evidence collected, and providing expert testimony in a court of law. Therefore, D is the correct answer.

Question 9

Historically, how did forensic chemistry develop? What field is the basis for modern forensic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Historically, how did forensic chemistry develop? What...

Question 10

Why must personal protection equipment be worn when handling physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why must personal protection equipment be worn...

Question 11

Which laboratories perform testing on forensic evidence? What testing do they perform?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which laboratories perform testing on forensic evidence?...

Question 12

Explain the difference between class and individual characteristics. Give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between class and individual...

Question 13

Define the three categories of SWGDRUG testing and give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the three categories of SWGDRUG testing...

Quiz 1: An Introduction to Forensic Chemistry and Physical Evidence