Evidence Collection & Case Analysis Flashcards

During crime scene investigation, what is the correct order of operations when processing physical evidence?

Answer: Document, photograph, collect, then package

Evidence must be documented and photographed in place before collection to preserve its original context and location.

A forensic consultant is retained in a product liability case involving alleged defects. Which type of analysis BEST determines whether a product failed due to design defect versus manufacturing defect?

Answer: Comparative engineering analysis of the specific unit against design specifications

Comparing the specific product against its design specifications reveals whether the failure resulted from a flaw in the design itself or a deviation during manufacturing.

Which analytical technique is used to identify the chemical composition of unknown substances found at a crime scene without destroying the sample?

Answer: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy

XRF is a non-destructive technique that can identify elemental composition while preserving the original sample.

A forensic consultant conducting a workplace investigation discovers that key emails were deleted from a server 48 hours after a litigation hold notice was issued. What legal concept is MOST applicable?

Answer: Spoliation of evidence, potentially triggering adverse inference instructions

Destroying evidence after a litigation hold is issued constitutes spoliation, which courts may address with sanctions including adverse inference jury instructions.

In forensic entomology, the minimum post-mortem interval (PMI) is estimated primarily by analyzing which factor?

Answer: The developmental stage of the oldest insect colony present on the remains

The oldest/most developed insect colony present indicates when the first insects colonized the remains, establishing the minimum time since death.

When a forensic consultant prepares a written report, which element is MOST critical to maintain the report's credibility and admissibility?

Answer: Clearly distinguishing between objective findings and the expert's opinions

A credible forensic report must clearly separate objective factual findings from interpretive opinions to allow proper judicial evaluation.

Which federal rule governs the admissibility of expert testimony in U.S. federal courts and requires the judge to act as a 'gatekeeper'?

Answer: Federal Rule of Evidence 702 (Testimony by Expert Witnesses) as interpreted in Daubert

FRE 702, shaped by the Daubert trilogy, requires judges to evaluate whether expert testimony rests on sufficient facts, reliable methodology, and appropriate application.