CSI Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 3

Question 1

When a CSI is processing a scene and finds evidence that may exonerate the current suspect, what is their ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Document and preserve it with the same care as incriminating evidence

Answer

Under Brady v. Maryland principles, all material evidence — including exculpatory evidence — must be documented and disclosed.

Question 2

A CSI collects DNA evidence but realizes afterward that the collection kit had expired. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Document the issue in the report and notify the supervisor immediately

Answer

Documenting errors and notifying supervisors preserves transparency and allows the legal system to appropriately weigh the evidence.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'Locard's Exchange Principle' as it relates to a CSI's legal responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

It establishes that every contact leaves a trace, making contamination a legal concern

Answer

Locard's Exchange Principle holds that every contact transfers material, making CSI contamination a legal and evidentiary concern that can invalidate findings.

Question 4

A CSI is asked by a defense attorney at a crime scene to share preliminary findings before a formal report is written. How should the CSI respond?

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that all findings will be documented in the official report

Answer

Preliminary findings must go through official documentation channels to protect evidence integrity and prevent misuse of unverified information.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'confirmation bias' as an ethical risk in CSI work?

Accepted Answer

Favoring evidence that confirms a pre-existing theory while discounting contradictory evidence

Answer

Confirmation bias causes investigators to unconsciously favor evidence that supports an existing theory, potentially leading to wrongful convictions.

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test

(CSI) Crime Scene Investigator Practice Test

CSI Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 3