Examples of Evidence
Identify the three types of evidence that describe carpet fibers left behind in a car.
Circumstantial, physical, and class.
What kind of evidence links one particular person to a crime?
Individual evidence
Identify one factor that could influence the accuracy of eyewitness testimonies.
Emotional trauma, leading questions, flashbulb memory, bribery, etc.
What are the necessary components of a crime scene sketch?
Position of body and/or evidence, north direction, a scale of distance, and date and location of the crime.
Identify one example of Locard's Exchange Principle discussed in class.
The transfer of fingerprints to a desk when you touch it. The transfer of hair fibers to a scarf. The transfer of carpet fibers to a dead body. Etc.
Identify the one type of evidence that describes security footage of a murder.
Direct
What kind of evidence links a group of people to a crime?
Class evidence
Define observation.
What we perceive using our 5 senses.
Why should all items of evidence be placed in separate containers?
If the evidence touches another, evidence will be contaminated by the transfer of materials. (Locard's Exchange Principle)
Identify one example of first degree murder.
Sexual assault, kidnapping, arson.
Any crime that was premeditated or planned.
Identify the three types evidence that describe a muddy footprint.
Class, circumstantial, and physical.
What kind of evidence, if true, proves an alleged fact?
Direct evidence
Why is it important to separate witnesses at the crime scene?
To prevent the witnesses from talking to each other and compromising the accuracy of the story.
What is the first step in processing a crime scene?
Securing the scene
How can trace evidence be classified? Identify all possible classifications.
Circumstantial, physical or biological, class or individual.
Identify the three types of evidence that describe a blood spatter on the wall.
Class, biological, and circumstantial
What kind of evidence is used to imply a fact, but doesn't prove it directly?
Circumstantial evidence
Describe a factor or phenomenon that might causes two different people to perceive a crime scene in different ways.
Racial bias, prejudices, personal beliefs, emotional state, etc.
What is the difference between a primary and secondary crime scene?
Primary crime scene- the location where the crime took place.
Secondary crime scene- a location other than the primary crime scene, but that is in some way related to the crime, where evidence is found.
Identify one example of second degree murder.
Street fight or domestic dispute.
Anything not premeditated or planned.
Identify the three types of evidence that describe saliva on the rim of a glass.
Saliva- individual, biological, circumstantial.
What are small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene?
Trace evidence
A vivid recollection of dramatic or emotionally charged event that is often incorrect is called a _______________.
Flashbulb memory
Identify all of the 7 S's.
Securing the scene
Separating the witnesses
Scanning the scene
Seeing the scene
Sketching the scene
Searching for evidence
Securing and collecting evidence
Why might test results of evidence be inconclusive?
If the perpetrator has never committed a crime, their DNA/fingerprints will not be accessible to authorities. If evidence is pulled from a public space, one isolated fingerprint might not be able to be obtained.