CSI and the Forensic Pathologist

What is the CSI Effect?

• The CSI Effect is the influence of crime TV shows on public perception of forensic science and legal processes.
• The CSI Effect describes the impact of real-life crime rates on television programming.
• The CSI Effect is a legal term for wrongful convictions.
• The CSI Effect refers to the popularity of crime shows among viewers.

Why are autopsies important and what is the Role of Medical Examiners?

• Autopsies are only performed for criminal cases. The medical examiner conducts all autopsies even if the next of kin refuse

• Medical examiners primarily work in hospitals and autopsies are always performed even if the relatives of the deceased find it unnecessary.

• Autopsies are related to public health concerns. Medical examiners guarantee that all crime scenes have an autopsy

• Autopsies are important for determining cause of death and public health; Medical examiners conduct autopsies and investigate deaths.

What personal protective equipment does a medical examiner need to collect evidence at the crime scene?

• Aprons, hairnets, safety glasses, coffee

• Apron, gloves, face shields, hair and shoe coverings

• Face shields, gloves, sponge, respirators, pen, paper pads

• Apron, gloves, safety boots, earplugs, hard hats

The first and most important rule of crime scene investigation

• Secure the crime scene.
• Leave the scene open for public access.
• Interview witnesses before securing the scene.
• Analyze the evidence immediately.

The medical examiner will take great care to

• perform quick assessments while taking down notes with a recording device

• document every detail of the death scene, starting from the moment they are notified of the death.

• focus solely on paperwork
• conduct examinations and share observations with the detective throughout the process

What do you think the medical examiner would collect upon arriving to the crime scene and identifying the deceased?

The formal job title of a medical examiner is:

• Health Administrator
• Medical Technician
• Clinical Psychologist
• Forensic Pathologist

What clues can an autopsy provide the forensic pathologist?

• Location of the body, medical history, time of death, body temperature, rigor mortis, and lividity.

• Witness statements, body temperature, rigor mortis, and lividity.

• Evidence of injury, weather conditions at the time of death,

• Cause of death, time of death, injuries, medical history, body temperature, rigor mortis, diseases, and toxicology results.

Define Trace Evidence:

• Trace evidence is small materials transferred during a crime that can link individuals to a crime scene.
• Trace evidence is a type of digital evidence collected from electronic devices.
• Trace evidence is only relevant in violent crimes.
• Trace evidence refers to large physical objects found at a crime scene.

How much time does a medical examiner spend conducting an autopsy?

• 1 to 2 hours
• 5 to 6 hours
• 2 to 4 hours
• 30 minutes to 1 hour