CSI Courtroom Testimony and Ethics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When the prosecution asks a CSI a leading question on direct examination, the CSI should:
- Answer yes to be cooperative
- Object loudly from the witness stand
- Answer only what is accurate, not what the question implies (Correct answer)
- Refuse to answer leading questions
Correct answer: Answer only what is accurate, not what the question implies
CSIs must answer truthfully regardless of how a question is framed; cooperative witnesses still owe accuracy over convenience.
Question 2: The concept of 'cognitive bias' in forensic investigation most directly threatens which principle?
- Chain of custody
- Objective, impartial analysis (Correct answer)
- Proper evidence packaging
- Courtroom demeanor
Correct answer: Objective, impartial analysis
Cognitive bias causes analysts to unconsciously interpret evidence in a way that confirms pre-existing expectations, undermining objectivity.
Question 3: A CSI is called to testify but realizes the lab report contains a typographical error in a measurement. The CSI should:
- Testify using the erroneous figure to match the report
- Correct the error verbally during testimony and flag it for the record (Correct answer)
- Ask to be excused from testifying
- Pretend not to notice the discrepancy
Correct answer: Correct the error verbally during testimony and flag it for the record
Accuracy in testimony supersedes consistency with a flawed document; errors must be acknowledged and corrected on the record.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'tunnel vision' in a criminal investigation?
- Using a fiber optic scope to examine small cavities
- Focusing on one suspect while ignoring contradictory evidence (Correct answer)
- Narrowing the search area after initial scene assessment
- Restricting access to a scene to one investigator
Correct answer: Focusing on one suspect while ignoring contradictory evidence
Tunnel vision occurs when investigators fixate on a theory or suspect and discount evidence pointing elsewhere, risking wrongful prosecution.
Question 5: If opposing counsel attempts to impeach a CSI's testimony using a prior publication the CSI authored, the CSI should:
- Deny authorship if the publication is embarrassing
- Acknowledge the publication and explain any context or updated science (Correct answer)
- Refuse to discuss prior publications in court
- Ask the judge to declare the publication hearsay
Correct answer: Acknowledge the publication and explain any context or updated science
Owning prior statements and contextualizing them demonstrates integrity; denial or evasion severely damages credibility.
Question 6: A Daubert hearing is conducted to determine:
- Whether a witness is competent to take an oath
- Whether expert testimony meets standards of scientific reliability (Correct answer)
- The order in which witnesses will be called
- Whether chain-of-custody records are complete
Correct answer: Whether expert testimony meets standards of scientific reliability
Under Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, federal courts assess methodology, peer review, error rate, and general acceptance before admitting expert testimony.
Question 7: When a CSI's testimony conflicts with another forensic expert's testimony in the same case, the CSI should:
- Change testimony to match the other expert's conclusions
- Explain the basis for their own findings without attacking the other expert (Correct answer)
- Refuse to testify until the conflict is resolved pre-trial
- Defer to the expert with the higher academic degree
Correct answer: Explain the basis for their own findings without attacking the other expert
Each expert testifies to their own findings and methodology; deference or capitulation without scientific justification compromises integrity.
CSI Courtroom Testimony and Ethics 3
When the prosecution asks a CSI a leading question on direct examination, the CSI should: