Fall Midterm study flashcard #1

Front

What are the three main responsibilities of a forensic examiner with evidence from a crime scene?

Back

1. Find: Identify the relevant evidence. 2. Document: Record the evidence. 3. Interpret: Decide the significance.

Front

Who owns the dead body at a crime scene?

Back

The dead body is the property of the Coroner (medical examiner).

Front

What is physical evidence in the context of a crime scene?

Back

Physical evidence links a suspect to a crime scene.

Front

What are common problems encountered at a crime scene?

Back

Common problems include illegal access (tampering) or removal of evidence.

Front

What can cause a victim to die from agglutination in a blood transfusion?

Back

A victim can die from a blood clot if incompatible blood types (e.g., 'A' and 'B') are mixed.

Front

Define 'forensic evidence'.

Back

Forensic evidence refers to any material that can be used to link a suspect to a crime or to establish facts in a legal investigation.

Front

What is the role of a coroner in a crime scene investigation?

Back

The coroner is responsible for determining the cause of death and handling the deceased's body.

Front

Explain the significance of documenting evidence at a crime scene.

Back

Documenting evidence ensures that there is a reliable record of what was found, which is crucial for legal proceedings.

Front

What is the difference between physical evidence and testimonial evidence?

Back

Physical evidence is tangible and can be collected (e.g., fingerprints, DNA), while testimonial evidence is based on witness statements.

Front

What does 'tampering' with evidence mean?

Back

Tampering with evidence refers to the illegal alteration, destruction, or removal of evidence from a crime scene.