Chapter 1:
What is the difference between forensic science and criminalistics as delineated in Chapter 1?
Describe the basic services provided by full-service crime labs, as well as optional services provided by some full-service crime labs. Please do not just list the services. Take a moment to describe each one. Think in terms of being an investigator for a law enforcement agency. What options may you have in the submission of evidence to a lab and what services they provide.
Read the Case Files section on page 19 titled “Dr. Coppolino’s Deadly House Calls.” In this case science used what they described here as a novel procedure for detecting poison in a victim’s body. This evidence eventually led to a guilty finding in court. Now, refer to page 16 & 17 – particularly the Frye standard and then “Rule 702” on page 17 (brought to us and ruled on in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). In order for the newly discovered evidence obtained from a novel technique (never used before) to be admissible in the trial of Carl Coppolino, what must the prosecution prove in order to meet the Frye standard vs. the Daubert standard in court?
Chapter 2:
1. List and describe the roles of the evidence collector at a crime scene.
2. Why is it important to include a brief description of the case history on an evidence submission form?
3. In your own words, summarize the outcome of the cases of Mincey v. Arizona and Michigan v. Tyler.
Chapter 3:
1. Name three forensic databases and describe the type of information stored in each.
2. List some of the advantages of class physical evidence.
3. Explain the difference between identification and comparison.
Chapter 4:
1. Define the terms area of convergence and area of origin and explain what each reveals to an investigator.
2. If the distribution and pattern of bloodstains at a crime scene are not properly documented and analyzed, what potential information could be missed?
3. What conclusion can be deduced if fine droplets of the victim’s blood are found inside the muzzle of a firearm at an outdoor crime scene, where the victim suffered several gunshot wounds?