CFC Forensic Science Principles & Investigative Methods 4

Question 1

In forensic entomology, blow fly (Calliphoridae) succession on a corpse is primarily used to estimate:

Accepted Answer

The minimum postmortem interval

Answer

Forensic entomologists use the developmental stage and species of insects colonizing remains to estimate the minimum time since death, known as the postmortem interval.

Question 2

What is the 'Frye standard' as applied in some U.S. jurisdictions for expert testimony?

Accepted Answer

Scientific evidence must be generally accepted in the relevant scientific community

Answer

The Frye standard, from Frye v. United States (1923), requires that scientific evidence be generally accepted by the relevant scientific community before it can be admitted.

Question 3

During a fire investigation, what does the presence of low burn patterns and multiple points of origin most strongly suggest?

Accepted Answer

Arson with intentional use of accelerants

Answer

Low burn patterns near the floor and multiple origin points are classic indicators that an accelerant was poured at several locations to set a fire deliberately.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the role of forensic toxicology in a death investigation?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and quantifying drugs, poisons, or alcohol in biological specimens

Answer

Forensic toxicology analyzes biological fluids and tissues to detect and measure the presence of substances that may have contributed to or caused death.

Question 5

What is 'substrate control' in the context of forensic trace evidence collection?

Accepted Answer

A sample of the surface material from near the evidence to detect background contamination

Answer

A substrate control is collected from an area adjacent to the evidence to determine whether detected materials are background contamination rather than evidence of interest.

(CFC) Certified Forensic Consultant Practice Test

(CFC) Certified Forensic Consultant Practice Test

CFC Forensic Science Principles & Investigative Methods 4