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Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Flashcards

7 cards from real CSI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ€” missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities flashcards as text
  1. A CSI discovers that the lead detective has asked them to alter a measurement in the crime scene report to match witness testimony. What is the appropriate response?

    Answer: Refuse and report the request to a supervisor or internal affairs

    Altering official records at another's request constitutes evidence tampering and obstruction of justice, regardless of rank.

  2. Under the Fourth Amendment, which action by a CSI would most likely render physical evidence inadmissible in court?

    Answer: Collecting evidence in plain view outside the search warrant area

    Evidence collected outside the scope of a valid search warrant violates the Fourth Amendment and may be suppressed under the exclusionary rule.

  3. A CSI is subpoenaed to testify about findings in a case where they believe the prosecution's interpretation of the evidence is incorrect. What should the CSI do?

    Answer: Testify truthfully and accurately about the physical evidence findings

    CSIs have an ethical and legal duty to testify truthfully about the physical evidence, regardless of which party's theory it supports.

  4. What legal concept requires that the chain of custody be maintained for physical evidence?

    Answer: Authentication and integrity

    Authentication and integrity principles require documented chain of custody to prove evidence has not been altered or contaminated since collection.

  5. A crime scene investigator overhears colleagues making derogatory jokes about the victim. What is the most appropriate ethical action?

    Answer: Address the behavior directly or report it to a supervisor

    Victim dignity is a core professional ethics principle, and derogatory behavior should be addressed directly or escalated to supervisors.

  6. Which doctrine allows evidence found during a lawful search, even if not listed in the warrant, to be admitted in court?

    Answer: Plain view doctrine

    The plain view doctrine permits officers to seize evidence that is immediately apparent as contraband or evidence of a crime while in a lawful position.

  7. A CSI is approached by a journalist who wants details about an active investigation. What should the CSI do?

    Answer: Refer the journalist to the department's public information officer

    All media inquiries must be directed to authorized spokespersons to protect the investigation's integrity and avoid prejudicing legal proceedings.