Forensic Science Flashcard

Front

What is the role of a Crime Scene Investigator?

Back

A Crime Scene Investigator is a person trained to record, collect, and test evidence found at a crime scene.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

Define evidence in the context of forensic science.

Back

Evidence refers to things left at a crime scene, either on purpose or accidentally, that can help in solving a crime.

Front

What is class evidence?

Back

Class evidence is non-conclusive evidence that helps narrow down the list of suspects.

Front

What does an alibi signify in a criminal investigation?

Back

An alibi is an excuse that asserts a person did not commit the crime, essentially saying, 'I didn’t do it!'

Front

When can an investigation be considered biased?

Back

An investigation is biased when an opinion is formed before all evidence is considered.

Front

What is the importance of collecting evidence at a crime scene?

Back

Collecting evidence is crucial for reconstructing the events of a crime and identifying suspects.

Front

What types of evidence can be found at a crime scene?

Back

Types of evidence can include physical evidence (like fingerprints), biological evidence (like blood), and digital evidence (like emails).

Front

Explain the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence.

Back

Direct evidence directly links a suspect to a crime (e.g., eyewitness testimony), while circumstantial evidence requires inference to connect it to a conclusion (e.g., finding a suspect's fingerprint at the scene).

Front

What is the chain of custody in forensic science?

Back

The chain of custody is the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence to ensure its integrity and reliability in court.

Front

Why is it important to avoid contamination of evidence?

Back

Avoiding contamination is vital to preserve the integrity of the evidence, ensuring it remains reliable and admissible in court.