Crime Scene Reconstruction Flashcards

What is the primary objective of crime scene reconstruction?

Answer: To establish the sequence of events that occurred before, during, and after a crime

Crime scene reconstruction aims to determine the sequence and nature of events based on scientific examination of physical evidence, not simply to identify a suspect.

Which reasoning approach starts with known physical evidence and draws logical conclusions about what must have occurred at a crime scene?

Answer: Deductive reasoning

Deductive reasoning begins with established facts and applies logical inference to reach specific conclusions about what must have happened.

Locard's Exchange Principle is fundamental to crime scene reconstruction because it states that:

Answer: Every physical contact results in an exchange of trace materials between surfaces

Locard's principle holds that when two surfaces contact each other, material is transferred between them, forming the scientific basis for trace evidence analysis in reconstruction.

In crime scene reconstruction, 'event sequencing' refers to:

Answer: Determining the chronological order of events during the crime

Event sequencing establishes the chronological order of actions that occurred before, during, and after the criminal act based on physical evidence interpretation.

'Scene staging' in crime scene reconstruction refers to:

Answer: Deliberate alteration of a crime scene to mislead investigators

Scene staging occurs when a perpetrator deliberately alters the crime scene after the fact to mislead investigators about what actually happened.

Bullet trajectory analysis at a crime scene primarily relies on:

Answer: Trajectory rods, lasers, and geometric calculations

Trajectory rods and laser devices are inserted into bullet holes and used with geometric calculations to determine the path and angle of projectile travel.

A crime scene reconstruction report must be based primarily on:

Answer: Physical evidence, scientific testing, and established forensic principles

A reconstruction report must be grounded in physical evidence, scientific methodology, and established forensic principles to withstand legal scrutiny and peer review.