Evidence

Broad Category

100

tangible items that tend to prove some material fact; also called real evidence

physical evidence 

200

a formal statement testifying to someone's character and qualifications.

Testimonial

300

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

400

Individual vs class?

Individual: a kind of evidence that identifies a particular person or thing

Class: common to a group of objects or persons

500

Which is the preferred type of evidence?

Direct or Physical?

Testimonial or Physical?

Physical-actual fact, cannot be misled by errors in memory. 

Scientific Categories/?

100

Organic material from a living organism

Biological 

ex: Bodily fluids, DNA, etc. 

200

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 

300

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

400

Bullet Trajectory? 

example of physical

500

Fingernail polish? 

Chemical

Types of Found Evidence

100

refers to physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells.

trace evidence

200

evidence that fades with time

Transient Evidence  (word used to refer to drifter)

300

Evidence left on person or object after coming into contact with another person/object. 

Transfer

400

Evidence that may link suspect to the crime (often an object)

Associative 

500

Pattern 

produced by direct contact between a person and an object or between two objects and leaves behind an impression or fragments. 

Examples

100

personal belongings found at a crime scene? 

associative 

200

fingerprints 

pattern or transfer

300

torn shirt sleeve 

Individual 

400

bullet casings

class

500

tire print in loose soil/sand 

Transient 

Miscellaneous

100

Define Forensics science

scientific study of crime scene evidence

200

The degree to which a particular item of evidence is useful in, and relevant to, proving something important in a trial.

probative value

300

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 

400

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.

500

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