Broad Category
tangible items that tend to prove some material fact; also called real evidence
physical evidence
Organic material from a living organism
Biological
ex: Bodily fluids, DNA, etc.
refers to physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells.
trace evidence
personal belongings found at a crime scene?
associative
Define Forensics science
scientific study of crime scene evidence
a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications.
Testimonial
Evidence that must be analyzed in order to identify its composition.
Chemical: fibers, glass, soil, gunpowder, metal, mineral, narcotics, drugs, paper, ink, cosmetics, paint, plastic, lubricants, fertilizer
evidence that fades with time
Transient Evidence (word used to refer to drifter)
fingerprints
pattern or transfer
The degree to which a particular item of evidence is useful in, and relevant to, proving something important in a trial.
probative value
Difference between Circumstantial Evidence and Direct evidence
circumstantial evidence-(indirect evidence) evidence used to imply a fact but not prove it directly
Direct evidence: evidence that proves an alleged fact, like an eyewitness accounts, video/recordings, testimony by a witness, confessions
Any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or can link a crime and its victim or its perpetrator
Physical Evidence
Ex: fingerprints, footprints, shoeprints, handwriting, firearms, tire marks, tool marks, typewriting
Evidence left on person or object after coming into contact with another person/object.
Transfer
torn shirt sleeve
Individual
is produced by a specific event or action; important in crime scene reconstruction and in determining the set of circumstances or sequence within a particular event.
Conditional
Individual vs class?
Individual: a kind of evidence that identifies a particular person or thing
Class: common to a group of objects or persons
Bullet Trajectory?
example of physical
Evidence that may link suspect to the crime (often an object)
Associative
bullet casings
class
Locard's Principle
1.When a person comes in contact with an object or another person, a cross-transfer of physical material can occur.
1.The intensity, duration, and nature of the contact determine the extent of the transfer.
Which is the preferred type of evidence?
Direct or Physical?
Testimonial or Physical?
Physical-actual fact, cannot be misled by errors in memory.
Fingernail polish?
Chemical
Pattern
produced by direct contact between a person and an object or between two objects and leaves behind an impression or fragments.
tire print in loose soil/sand
Transient
The 7 major activities of a forensics investigation?
the 7 S's=
1.Secure the scene- done by first responding officer: safety and preservation of evidence
2.Separate the witnesses- get separate accounts of what happened
3.Scan the scene- to determine where photos should be taken
4.Seeing the scene- overall photos and close ups with and without measuring ruler
Sketch the scene- an accurate rough sketch noting body (if any)
6. Search for evidence- do a routine search (grid, linear, quadrant, or spiral)
7. Secure the collected evidence- should be packaged, sealed, and labeled