Exam 2: Physical Evidence: Development, Interpretation, Investigative Value

The term forensic is derived from the Latin term forensis, which means

The general patterns of fingerprints can be divided into ____________ major groups.

Visible fingerprints are always left after someone has touched an object.

The class of analytical instrument that does not alter a sample, leaving it available for further instrumental analysis or for presentation as evidence in court, is called ________________.

A latent print requires a suitable surface for it to be registered.

The two most recognized branches of forensic science are identified as

________________ is the ability of a microscope or camera lens to separate what to the unaided eye appears to be one object into two or more objects, thus yielding details not perceptible in any other way.

According to the authors, the absence of forensic evidence is of little investigative value.

Fingerprints cannot be classified if the ridge lines are blocked out by too much ink having been rolled onto the finger.

According to the authors, as society became more complex, disputes were argued and settled in formally organized courts.

The branch of forensic science concerned with the recording, scientific examination, and interpretation of the minute details to be found in physical evidence is known as

According to the authors, the most familiar way to bring out forensic details is by

________________, a series of roughly parallel lines of varying width, depth, and separation, are scratch marks caused by irregularities or a lack of microfine smoothness on the barrel of a gun, head of a firing pin, or working face or edge of a tool.

Although not admissible as evidence in court, preliminary blood tests can have significant investigative potential.

The study of poisons-their origins and properties, their identification by chemical analysis, their action upon humans and animals, and the treatment of the conditions they produce-is known as

The classification process by which an entity is placed in a predefined, limited, or restricted class is known as

A photograph of an object as seen in the eyepiece of a microscope is called a

In some circumstances, minute details can be visible to the naked eye.

A class characteristic can have probative value and be utilized as evidence even though it is not conclusive proof of a suspect's involvement in the crime.

Forensic psychiatry is more often employed in the courtroom than anywhere else in the criminal justice system.