BCJ Forensic Science and Criminal Evidence

Question 1

What is the 'chain of custody' in forensic evidence?

Accepted Answer

The documented sequence of possession and handling of evidence

Answer

Chain of custody is the chronological documentation showing the seizure, custody, transfer, and analysis of evidence to ensure its integrity.

Question 2

Which forensic technique uses unique patterns in a person's DNA to link suspects to crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

DNA profiling (DNA fingerprinting)

Answer

DNA profiling, developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys, analyzes unique DNA sequences to match biological material from a crime scene to a specific individual.

Question 3

What does Locard's Exchange Principle state?

Accepted Answer

Every contact leaves a trace

Answer

Locard's Exchange Principle states that whenever two objects come into contact, they exchange trace materials, forming the basis of forensic trace evidence analysis.

Question 4

What type of evidence is a witness's verbal account of what they observed?

Accepted Answer

Testimonial evidence

Answer

Testimonial evidence is evidence given by a witness under oath describing what they personally saw, heard, or experienced.

Question 5

Which fingerprint pattern is the most common among the general population?

Accepted Answer

Loop

Answer

Loops are the most common fingerprint pattern, accounting for approximately 60–65% of all fingerprints in the general population.

BCJ - Bachelor of Criminal Justice Practice Test

BCJ - Bachelor of Criminal Justice Practice Test

BCJ Forensic Science and Criminal Evidence