CSI Courtroom Testimony and Ethics 3

Question 1

When the prosecution asks a CSI a leading question on direct examination, the CSI should:

Accepted Answer

Answer only what is accurate, not what the question implies

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Objective, impartial analysis

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Correct the error verbally during testimony and flag it for the record

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on one suspect while ignoring contradictory evidence

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the publication and explain any context or updated science

Answer

Owning prior statements and contextualizing them demonstrates integrity; denial or evasion severely damages credibility.

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test