QUESTION IMAGE
Question
- define class evidence and give an example.
section c: interpreting & arguing evidence
- explain the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning in forensic science.
- a suspects shoeprint matches one found at a crime scene. how could an investigator argue the importance of this evidence?
- list two limitations of eyewitness testimony.
- explain why circumstantial evidence can sometimes be stronger than testimonial evidence.
- why are fingerprints considered valuable evidence?
- how can evidence presented in a mock trial strengthen or weaken a case?
- a piece of hair is found at a scene. how could it be valuable evidence, even if dna testing is not possible?
section d: documenting & modeling crime scenes
- what are the two types of sketches used in crime scene documentation, and how are they different?
- what information must be included in a crime scene sketch?
- why is it important to include a legend (key) in a sketch?
- what could happen in court if measurements are missing from a crime scene sketch?
- list one advantage of a computerized sketch over a hand - drawn sketch.
- how does proper documentation (notes, sketches, photos) help ensure credibility in court?
Brief Explanations
- Class evidence refers to evidence that can be associated with a group rather than a single source. For example, a type - of - tire tread pattern found at a crime scene can be associated with a particular brand and model of tire, which many vehicles may have.
- In forensic science, deductive reasoning starts from general principles and moves to a specific conclusion. For example, if all human blood contains certain proteins, and a sample at a crime scene contains those proteins, it's human blood. Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions. For example, if several blood samples from a crime scene have a particular genetic marker, one might conclude that the perpetrator has that marker.
- An investigator could argue that the matching shoeprint is important as it places the suspect at the crime scene. It can be part of a chain of evidence that links the suspect to the crime.
- Two limitations of eyewitness testimony are memory distortion (witnesses may misremember details over time or be influenced by leading questions) and the stress - of - the - moment effect (witnesses may not accurately observe or remember during a high - stress event like a crime).
- Circumstantial evidence can sometimes be stronger than testimonial evidence because it is often physical and less subject to human error or bias. Testimonial evidence depends on the credibility and memory of the witness, while circumstantial evidence like fingerprints or DNA can be more objectively analyzed.
- Fingerprints are considered valuable evidence because each person's fingerprints are unique (barring identical twins in some rare cases). They can place a suspect at a crime scene or on an object related to the crime.
- Evidence presented in a mock trial can strengthen a case if it is well - presented, relevant, and convincing. It can weaken a case if the evidence is weak, inconsistent, or not properly authenticated.
- A piece of hair can be valuable evidence even without DNA testing. Its color, texture, and any foreign substances attached to it (like paint or soil) can provide information about the source or the environment where it was found.
- The two types of sketches used in crime scene documentation are the rough sketch and the finished sketch. The rough sketch is done on - site, quickly, and includes basic measurements and details. The finished sketch is a more polished, to - scale drawing done later, often with the help of the rough sketch.
- A crime scene sketch must include the location of the crime scene, the position of evidence, measurements (distances, angles), and a compass direction to indicate orientation.
- It is important to include a legend (key) in a sketch because it explains the symbols used in the sketch, making it easier for others (like jurors or other investigators) to understand the sketch.
- If measurements are missing from a crime scene sketch in court, it can lead to questions about the accuracy and reliability of the sketch. It may weaken the prosecution's or defense's case as the true layout and position of evidence may be in question.
- One advantage of a computerized sketch over a hand - drawn sketch is that it can be easily edited, scaled, and reproduced. It can also be more precise in terms of measurements and can include 3D elements.
- Proper documentation (notes, sketches, photos) helps ensure credibility in court because it provides an objective and detailed record of the crime scene. It can be used to verify the testimony of witnesses and investigators and to present a clear pic…
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- Class evidence is evidence associated with a group. Example: A type - of - tire tread pattern at a crime scene.
- Deductive reasoning: General to specific. Inductive reasoning: Specific to general.
- It places the suspect at the crime scene and is part of a chain of evidence.
- Memory distortion, stress - of - the - moment effect.
- Circumstantial evidence is physical and less subject to human error/bias.
- Fingerprints are unique and can place a suspect at a crime scene.
- Strengthen if well - presented, relevant, and convincing; weaken if weak, inconsistent, or not authenticated.
- Color, texture, and attached substances can provide information.
- Rough sketch (on - site, quick, basic details) and finished sketch (polished, to - scale, done later).
- Location, position of evidence, measurements, compass direction.
- To explain symbols used in the sketch.
- Questions about accuracy and reliability; may weaken a case.
- Easily edited, scaled, and reproduced; more precise.
- Provides an objective and detailed record to verify testimony and present a clear picture to the jury.