Forensic Science Exam 1 –
questions and Answers
forensic science - --application of science to matters of law
-applies the knowledge of technology of science to definition and
enforcement of laws (not a branch of law enforcement)
-3 ways to assist police investigations - -1. confessions
2. eyewitness accounts
3. evaluation of physical evidence (free of bias)
-job of forensic science in courtroom - --to analyze physical evidence
-give expert testimony (satisfy judge that he/she has skill or knowledge that
will aid in determining truth)
-express opinions as to their findings
-evidence collection technicians - -collect evidence from crime scene
-only relevant if properly collected and preserved
-2 matters of law - -1.crimes - homocide, sexual assault, burglary
2. disputes between individuals- wrongful death, family law, patents
-toxicology - -analysis of bodily specimens and other material for chemicals
(drugs, poisons, metals)
-DNA analysis or profiling - -comparing DNA samples from different
locations to determine probability of math (could take 30 days or longer)
-forensic pathology - -identification of deceased
-time/cause/manner of death
-pathologist performs autopsies
-forensic anthropology - -identification and examination of human remains
-may reveal sex, race, age @ death, presence of skeletal injuries
-forensic scientists - --knowledge in laboratory science
-good communication/oral skills
-attention to detail
-forensic entomology - -study of insects in relation to an investigation
-can estimate time of death
-determine if body has been moved
-first reported use was in 1235 in Asia
questions and Answers
forensic science - --application of science to matters of law
-applies the knowledge of technology of science to definition and
enforcement of laws (not a branch of law enforcement)
-3 ways to assist police investigations - -1. confessions
2. eyewitness accounts
3. evaluation of physical evidence (free of bias)
-job of forensic science in courtroom - --to analyze physical evidence
-give expert testimony (satisfy judge that he/she has skill or knowledge that
will aid in determining truth)
-express opinions as to their findings
-evidence collection technicians - -collect evidence from crime scene
-only relevant if properly collected and preserved
-2 matters of law - -1.crimes - homocide, sexual assault, burglary
2. disputes between individuals- wrongful death, family law, patents
-toxicology - -analysis of bodily specimens and other material for chemicals
(drugs, poisons, metals)
-DNA analysis or profiling - -comparing DNA samples from different
locations to determine probability of math (could take 30 days or longer)
-forensic pathology - -identification of deceased
-time/cause/manner of death
-pathologist performs autopsies
-forensic anthropology - -identification and examination of human remains
-may reveal sex, race, age @ death, presence of skeletal injuries
-forensic scientists - --knowledge in laboratory science
-good communication/oral skills
-attention to detail
-forensic entomology - -study of insects in relation to an investigation
-can estimate time of death
-determine if body has been moved
-first reported use was in 1235 in Asia
