Tool Mark Evidence Analysis

The video tutorial discusses tool marks and impressions as a form of physical evidence, categorized under circumstantial evidence. It explains different types of tool marks, such as indentation, abrasion, and cutting marks, and their significance in forensic investigations. A case study involving saw marks on bone is presented, highlighting the role of expert analysis. The video also covers methods for documenting and preserving tool mark evidence, including photography and casting, and discusses the use of comparison microscopes and databases for analysis.

What type of evidence are tool marks categorized under?

• Direct evidence

• Chemical evidence

• Circumstantial evidence

• Biological evidence

Why can tools be considered individual evidence?

• They have manufacturing defects

• They acquire unique marks through use

• They are made from different materials

• They are always unique in design

What is an indentation mark?

• A mark left by a tool pressed against a softer surface

• A mark left by a tool cutting through a hard surface

• A mark left by a tool scraping a surface

• A mark left by a tool rotating on a surface

Which type of tool mark involves the surface being worn away?

• Indentation mark

• Abrasion mark

• Cutting mark

• Rotational mark

What did Dr. Bass's case study focus on?

• Chisel marks on stone

• Saw marks on metal

• Hammer marks on wood

• Knife marks on bone

What is the first step in documenting tool mark evidence?

• Dusting for fingerprints

• Photographing the evidence

• Measuring the tool

• Making a cast

Why is it important to maintain the chain of custody?

• To ensure evidence is not lost

• To prevent evidence tampering

• To keep evidence organized

• To make evidence presentable

What advantage does a comparison microscope offer?

• It is more affordable than other microscopes

• It is easier to use than other microscopes

• It allows side-by-side comparison of tool marks

• It magnifies images more than other microscopes

How are tool mark patterns statistically analyzed?

• Using manual calculations

• With specialized software

• By expert testimony

• Through visual inspection

What can be submitted in court along with testimony?

• Only original evidence

• Original evidence and magnified images

• Only magnified images

• None of the above