Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The term forensic is derived from the Latin term forensis, which means "forum." In ancient Rome, criminal trials were conducted in public forums where people could observe the proceedings and participate in the decision-making process. The term "forensic" is often used in reference to legal or court-related matters.

Question 2

The two most recognized branches of forensic science are identified as

Accepted Answer

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

Accepted Answer

The branch of forensic science described in the question is specifically focused on physical evidence, and this is the main focus of criminalistics. Forensic pathology is concerned with the investigation of deaths, while forensic medicine is a broad term that encompasses various areas of forensic science. Criminal investigation is a broader field that includes many different aspects of investigating crimes, not just the collection and interpretation of physical evidence. Odontology is the branch of forensic science that deals with dental evidence.

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.

Accepted Answer

The definition describes striations, which are often used in forensic ballistics to help identify the firearm or tool used in a crime. The other answer choices are unrelated to the description provided.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the authors, the most familiar...

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.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition of resolution, which is the ability of an optical system to distinguish two closely spaced objects as separate entities. Optical contrast refers to the difference in light intensity between different parts of an image, illumination refers to the amount and direction of the light used to view an object, and magnification refers to the apparent size of an object when viewed through a lens or microscope.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

A photograph of an object as seen in the eyepiece of a microscope is called a photomicrograph. The term "micro" refers to objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and "graph" refers to a photograph or image. Therefore, the term photomicrograph specifically refers to a photograph of a small object taken through a microscope. The other answer choices do not accurately describe this type of photograph.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Much physical evidence yields the degree of...

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 ________________.

Accepted Answer

Nondestructive analytical instruments do not alter the sample, which makes it available for further analysis or evidence. Destructive instruments alter or destroy the sample, making it unavailable for further analysis or evidence. Organic and inorganic refer to the type of sample being analyzed, and "indestructive" is not a commonly used term in analytical chemistry.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The classification process involves identifying the characteristics and placing an entity in a defined and restricted class. Therefore, identification is the correct answer. Detailing refers to providing a comprehensive account of an entity, associative evidence involves linking or connecting entities, and individualization refers to distinguishing one entity from another through unique features.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The general patterns of fingerprints can be divided into three major groups - arches, loops, and whorls.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the authors, the most effective...

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

Accepted Answer

The study of poisons and their effects is known as toxicology. Forensic pathology involves the investigation of the cause and manner of death through a thorough examination of the body, forensic serology involves the analysis of bodily fluids for the presence of drugs, and forensic odontology involves the use of dental evidence to identify individuals.

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.

Accepted Answer

The sentence states that "standardization of DNA technology is important when the results are to be used as evidence in a court of law." This suggests that having a standardized method for analyzing and interpreting DNA results is crucial for their admissibility in court.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The authors state that 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.

Accepted Answer

This is true in certain situations, such as when observing an object up close or if the detail is particularly noticeable (e.g. a single hair on a surface). However, there are also many cases where details are too small to be visible without the aid of magnification.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Visible fingerprints are not always left after someone touches an object; the visibility of fingerprints depends on the surface, conditions, and the amount of residue (like sweat or oil) on the person's fingers.

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.

Accepted Answer

A class characteristic can provide support for the prosecution's case, but it is not enough on its own to prove a suspect's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is because many individuals may share the same class characteristic, which means that further evidence, such as individual characteristics or circumstantial evidence, must be considered before a conviction can be made.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The authors state that the absence of forensic evidence can be just as important as its presence in an investigation.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Forensic psychiatry involves the application of psychiatric principles and practices to legal issues and is primarily used in court to evaluate defendants' mental states, assess their competency to stand trial, and provide insight into their potential risk for future criminal behavior.

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