CSI Courtroom Testimony and Ethics 2

Question 1

When a defense attorney asks a CSI a question that assumes facts not in evidence, the CSI should:

Accepted Answer

Correct the false assumption before answering

Answer

Answer based on the assumed facts

Answer

Refuse to answer entirely

Answer

Ask the judge for a recess

Question 2

A CSI discovers mid-trial that a piece of evidence was mislabeled in the chain of custody. The ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the prosecutor so the error can be disclosed

Answer

Say nothing to avoid damaging the case

Answer

Alter records to match current labels

Answer

Blame the evidence technician

Question 3

The term 'scope of expertise' in expert testimony means a CSI should:

Accepted Answer

Only offer opinions within their trained specialization

Answer

Testify on any topic requested by the attorney

Answer

Expand testimony to fill gaps in the prosecution's case

Answer

Defer all opinions to the lead detective

Question 4

If a CSI is asked during cross-examination 'Isn't it possible that someone else left that fingerprint?' the most appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

'I can only state what the evidence shows, not speculate on all possibilities.'

Answer

'No, it is impossible.'

Answer

'That is not relevant to my analysis.'

Answer

'Yes, anyone could have left it.'

Question 5

Which behavior constitutes 'dry-labbing' in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Reporting results without actually performing the analysis

Answer

Conducting analysis in a humidity-controlled environment

Answer

Using dried chemical reagents past their expiration

Answer

Peer-reviewing another examiner's raw data

Question 6

A CSI receives a phone call from a victim's family member asking about case findings before trial. The CSI should:

Accepted Answer

Decline and direct them to the prosecutor's office

Answer

Share findings since the family is not the defendant

Answer

Provide a summary to maintain public trust

Answer

Share only findings that are already public record

Question 7

Under the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment, a defendant has the right to:

Accepted Answer

Cross-examine the analyst who performed forensic testing

Answer

Review all crime scene photographs before trial

Answer

Demand that all CSI testimony be submitted in writing

Answer

Exclude expert witnesses from the courtroom during other testimony