Foundations of Forensics
Who is considered the father of forensic toxicology?
Mathieu Orfila
Name one of the five basic/mandatory units in a crime lab.
Physical Science, Biology, Firearms, Document Examination, Photography
What type of test was at the center of Frye v. United States (1923)?
Systolic blood pressure deception test (early polygraph)
Which forensic scientist studies skeletal remains?
Forensic Anthropologist
What is another word for forensics meaning “application of science to law”?
Criminalistics
This person established comparison microscope as a tool to compare firearms
Calvin Goddard
Why are colored photos not shown to jurors?
Too graphic/distracting, might unfairly sway the jury
What legal standard came out of Frye v. United States?
Evidence must be “generally accepted” by the scientific community
Which career uses insect larvae to estimate time of death?
Forensic Entomologist
What field studies poisons and their effects?
Toxicology
What was Francis Galton’s contribution to forensic science?
First definitive study of fingerprints/classification system
What national lab was established by J. Edgar Hoover in 1932?
FBI Crime Lab
Who acts as the “gatekeeper” for scientific evidence in court?
The trial judge
Which career identifies people through teeth and bite marks?
Forensic Odontologist
Where does forensic science begin?
Crime Scene
Edmond Locard is known for what principle? What is it?
Locard’s Exchange Principle – every contact leaves a trace
Which unit uses chemistry, physics, and geology to analyze evidence?
Physical Science Unit
What rule replaced Frye in federal courts after Daubert?
Federal Rule of Evidence 702
Which forensic field applies given principles to crime scenes, like building collapses or car crashes?
Forensic Engineer
Name the 5 different types of crime labs.
Federal/National
State
County
Municipal
Private
Who developed anthropometry (body measurements for identification)?
Alphonse Bertillon
List five optional services a crime lab may have.
Toxicology, Latent Fingerprints, Polygraph, Voiceprint, Evidence Collection
Name two requirements from the Daubert Standard for expert testimony.
Must be testable, peer-reviewed, have known error rates, and be generally accepted/scientifically valid
Which forensic career creates behavioral profiles of criminals?
Forensic Psychiatrist
What does an expert witness provide in court?
Specialized knowledge/opinion to help explain evidence