Review Questions
1. What is forensic science?
Forensic Science is the application of science to the criminal justice system. It is basically any science that is used for the purpose of the criminal justice system
2. What three tasks or responsibilities does a forensic scientist have?
A forensic scientist analyzes evidence using certain special techniques and makes evidence eligible for admission to a trial in court. Scientists will also analyze evaluate identify and interpret evidence of crimes and will help police officers, prosecutors, attorneys, and juries better understand exactly how a crime took place. One of a forensic scientist’s goals is to link evidence to a crime scene, victim, and suspect.
3. What criteria might be used to establish someone as an expert witness?
An expert witness is a person whom the court deems has special knowledge relevant to the case.
4. What are two of the ways that a forensic pathologist might use to help determine the time of death?
A forensic pathologist might consider if rigor mortis, algor mortis, or liver mortis has occurred. They must also consider the location, air temperature, and size of the body in determining the TOD.
5. What does a forensic anthropologist do?
A forensic anthropologist identifies and examines the body or skeletal remains of a crime scene.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Why do you think it is so important to use proper methods when collecting evidence from a crime scene?
I think it’s important to use proper methods so that the evidence is ensured to be uncontaminated with and organized.
2. Why do you think forensic science has been increasingly used by the criminal justice system?
I think it’s been used more and more because it’s usually accurate and effective with identifying and pinning suspects/victims to crimes they have committed.
3. Which of the forensic scientist’s responsibilities do you think would be the most challenging? Why?
I would think