BCJ Forensic Science and Criminal Evidence 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is rigor mortis and why is it important in death investigations?
- A type of toxin; used to identify poison
- The stiffening of muscles after death; helps estimate time of death (Correct answer)
- Decomposition of tissue; determines identity
- Lividity pattern; indicates cause of death
Correct answer: The stiffening of muscles after death; helps estimate time of death
Rigor mortis is the temporary stiffening of muscles after death caused by chemical changes, and it helps forensic pathologists estimate the time of death.
Question 2: Which standard did the Supreme Court establish in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals for admitting scientific evidence?
- The Frye standard (general acceptance)
- A reliability standard assessed by the judge (Correct answer)
- A jury-evaluated standard
- A peer-review-only standard
Correct answer: A reliability standard assessed by the judge
Daubert v. Merrell Dow (1993) established that federal judges act as gatekeepers to assess the scientific reliability and relevance of expert testimony before it is admitted.
Question 3: What does AFIS stand for in forensic science?
- Automated Forensic Investigation System
- Automated Fingerprint Identification System (Correct answer)
- Advanced Forensic Imaging Software
- Association of Forensic Investigation Specialists
Correct answer: Automated Fingerprint Identification System
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is a computerized database that stores and compares fingerprint records to identify suspects.
Question 4: Which type of evidence is considered circumstantial?
- A witness who directly saw the crime
- Surveillance footage showing the act
- Muddy boots found at the suspect's home consistent with the crime scene (Correct answer)
- A signed confession
Correct answer: Muddy boots found at the suspect's home consistent with the crime scene
Circumstantial evidence requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, such as muddy boots suggesting a suspect was at a particular location.
Question 5: What is the primary use of blood spatter analysis in criminal investigations?
- To determine the victim's blood type
- To reconstruct the sequence of events and position of individuals during a violent crime (Correct answer)
- To identify the murder weapon's manufacturer
- To establish the victim's identity
Correct answer: To reconstruct the sequence of events and position of individuals during a violent crime
Blood spatter analysis examines the size, shape, and distribution of bloodstains to reconstruct the events of a violent crime, including the position and movement of victims and assailants.
Question 6: What is a 'control sample' used for in forensic laboratory analysis?
- To train new forensic analysts
- To provide a known reference for comparison with questioned samples (Correct answer)
- To document chain of custody
- To satisfy court evidentiary requirements
Correct answer: To provide a known reference for comparison with questioned samples
A control sample is a known reference sample used to validate that forensic testing procedures are functioning correctly and to provide a comparison baseline.
BCJ Forensic Science and Criminal Evidence 2
What is rigor mortis and why is it important in death investigations?