Exam 3: Physical Evidence

Identification requires that the number and type of tests needed to identify a substance be sufficient to exclude all other substances.

Explain how compatibility of forensic databases and a common depository for entries assists forensic investigations.

Blood, hair, and fingerprints are some types of ________ evidence that are commonly found at crime scenes.

The computerized database used to store DNA information is ________.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Database containing shoe prints B)Properties of evidence that can be attributed to a common source with an extremely high degree of certainty C)The process of determining a substance's physical or chemical identity D)The process for developing DNA profiles from a buccal swab in 90 minutes or less E)Properties of evidence that can be associated only with a group and never with a single source F)The process of ascertaining whether two or more objects have a common origin G)Database containing fingerprints H)Database containing ballistics information I)Database containing DNA profiles J)Formula for determining how frequently a certain combination of characteristics occurs in a population. -Identification

Who ultimately determines the significance of physical evidence in a trial?

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

Which source of CODIS contains DNA profiles from unsolved crime scene evidence?

The only commercially available computer database system is ________.

Eyewitness testimony and confessions are not as susceptible to dispute, human error, or bias as class evidence.

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Database containing shoe prints B)Properties of evidence that can be attributed to a common source with an extremely high degree of certainty C)The process of determining a substance's physical or chemical identity D)The process for developing DNA profiles from a buccal swab in 90 minutes or less E)Properties of evidence that can be associated only with a group and never with a single source F)The process of ascertaining whether two or more objects have a common origin G)Database containing fingerprints H)Database containing ballistics information I)Database containing DNA profiles J)Formula for determining how frequently a certain combination of characteristics occurs in a population. -CODIS

Indicate whether the types of evidence listed below likely display individual or class characteristics. a. A well-developed and collected latent fingerprint b. Random striations on a discharged bullet c. Single-layer paint chip d. A footwear impression with irregular and random wear patterns e. Bloodstain with no DNA-containing cells f. An artificial fiber g. Irregular edges of a broken knife fitted together

The jury ultimately determines the significance of physical evidence in a trial.

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

Paint and fibers are examples of class characteristics.

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

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Database containing shoe prints B)Properties of evidence that can be attributed to a common source with an extremely high degree of certainty C)The process of determining a substance's physical or chemical identity D)The process for developing DNA profiles from a buccal swab in 90 minutes or less E)Properties of evidence that can be associated only with a group and never with a single source F)The process of ascertaining whether two or more objects have a common origin G)Database containing fingerprints H)Database containing ballistics information I)Database containing DNA profiles J)Formula for determining how frequently a certain combination of characteristics occurs in a population. -SICAR

Provide five examples of physical evidence that may be recovered at a crime scene.

Explain the difference between identification and comparison

Match the word in Column 1 to its definition in Column 2. Each answer can only be used once. A)Database containing shoe prints B)Properties of evidence that can be attributed to a common source with an extremely high degree of certainty C)The process of determining a substance's physical or chemical identity D)The process for developing DNA profiles from a buccal swab in 90 minutes or less E)Properties of evidence that can be associated only with a group and never with a single source F)The process of ascertaining whether two or more objects have a common origin G)Database containing fingerprints H)Database containing ballistics information I)Database containing DNA profiles J)Formula for determining how frequently a certain combination of characteristics occurs in a population. -Product rule