Basic Principles of Forensics
The "CSI Effect" Is a Mixed Blessing for Real Crime Labs
The Forensic Use of DNA
Vocabulary I
Vocabulary II
100
Which of the following is not an example of a "trace" that might be examined by a forensic scientist? a. fingerprints b. fibers from the murderer's clothes c. a detective's expert advice
c. a detective's expert advice
100
T/F: Many college students enter the forensics field with unreasonable expectations.
True
100
T/F: The police, lawyers, and judges involved in Anderson’s case were careful not to commit an injustice.
False
100
Which of the following words means "danger or damage"? a. sound b. harm c. eager
b. harm
100
Which of the following is another name for a lawyer? a. judge b. jury c. attorney
c. attorney
200
T/F: In forensic science, one must not question the evidence.
False: While evidence is important, the forensic scientist should be "eager and willing to question the evidence."
200
T/F: Real life investigations involve little to no paperwork.
False
200
T/F: Police knew that another man had stolen the bicycle that was used in the crime just 30 minutes before the crime was committed.
True
200
Which of the following words can mean either "carried out" or "devoted to"? a. committed b. revealed c. testimony
a. committed
200
Which of the following means "found guilty of a crime"? a. pardoned b. convicted c. confessed
b. convicted
300
T/F: Chemical analysis of soil may reveal clues about a crime.
True
300
The vast majority of students applying to university forensic science programs is which gender?
female
300
What is the name of the group that helped get Marvin Lamont Anderson pardoned and freed from prison?
The Innocence Project
300
What is the adjective form of the noun "sophistication"?
sophisticated
300
What is the verb form of the noun "testimony"?
testify
400
According to Dr. Edmond Locard, what is the idea that all forensic science is based on?
leaving a trace
400
Does the computer automatically match fingerprints to those in its database, or does the scientist have to do it manually?
Unlike what is often shown on TV, the scientist has to do it manually.
400
What kind of “fingerprint” helped pardon Anderson?
DNA “fingerprint
400
What is the vocabulary word for "spoil or make impure"?
contaminate
400
What is the difference between the prosecution and the defense?
The prosecution consists of the lawyers who try to prove someone is guilty of a crime. The defense consists of the lawyers who try to prove someone is not guilty (innocent) of a crime. In other words, the prosecution represents the victim, whereas the defense represents the accused.
500
Suspicion not supported by _____ is useless.
facts
500
How long does a DNA test usually take in real life?
at least a week
500
What did the judge do when John Lincoln confessed to the crime?
He called him a liar and refused to act.
500
What is the vocabulary phrase for "available"?
at our disposal
500
What is the vocabulary word for "a court decision that will influence future cases" or "an earlier event that serves as an example"?
precedent
M
e
n
u