Physical Evidence in Criminalistics: Types, Characteristics, and Analysis

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a type of trace evidence commonly found at crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Fibers

Answer

Hair

Answer

Blood

Question 2

What is the recommended method for collecting a firearm found at a crime scene to preserve potential evidence?

Accepted Answer

Using latex gloves to handle it

Answer

Grasping it by the barrel

Answer

Picking it up by the stock

Answer

Placing it in a paper bag

Question 3

Which of the following impressions is NOT commonly used to identify individuals in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

Lip prints

Answer

Shoe prints

Answer

Tire tracks

Answer

Fingerprints

Question 4

What is the primary role of a forensic scientist in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

To collect and analyze physical evidence using scientific methods

Answer

To determine the cause and manner of death

Answer

To interrogate suspects and gather witness statements

Answer

To testify in court as an expert witness

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a type of trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Money

Answer

Pollen

Answer

Soil

Question 6

Which fingerprint identification technique is widely used by law enforcement agencies due to its accuracy and efficiency?

Accepted Answer

AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)

Answer

Henry Classification System

Answer

Galton-Henry System

Answer

Impression Casting

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a common method of crime scene documentation?

Accepted Answer

DNA profiling

Answer

Photography

Answer

Sketching

Answer

Note-taking

Question 8

In criminalistics, which ethical principle emphasizes handling and analyzing physical evidence impartially, without personal biases or preconceptions?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Accuracy

Question 9

Which of the following types of trace evidence is least likely to be found at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Impressions

Answer

Fibers

Answer

Blood

Answer

Glass

Question 10

When handling firearms evidence, which of the following actions should be taken first?

Accepted Answer

Unload and clear the weapon

Answer

Preserve any fingerprints

Answer

Examine the weapon for any possible defects

Answer

Photograph the weapon from multiple angles

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct procedure for collecting glass evidence?

Accepted Answer

Wear gloves and avoid touching the glass

Answer

Use a vacuum cleaner to collect the glass fragments

Answer

Sweep the glass fragments into a pile

Answer

Pick up the glass fragments with your bare hands

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fingerprints?

Accepted Answer

Capable of revealing a person's health conditions

Answer

Unique to each individual

Answer

Unchangeable throughout a person's life

Answer

Used for personal identification

Question 13

Which of the following is a characteristic of trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

It is often microscopic in size.

Answer

It cannot be transferred from one person or object to another.

Answer

It is easily visible to the naked eye.

Answer

It cannot be used to identify individuals or link them to a crime.

Question 14

What is the recommended technique for collecting gunshot residue (GSR)?

Accepted Answer

Use a cotton swab moistened with distilled water to gently wipe the surface and then place the swab in a sealed container.

Answer

Use a vacuum cleaner to collect the residue.

Answer

Collect the residue with your bare hands.

Answer

Use a brush to sweep the residue into a paper envelope.

Question 15

Which type of impression is primarily used for identification purposes due to its unique characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Lip prints

Answer

Tire tracks

Answer

Footprints

Question 16

What is the significance of comparing the striations on a bullet to those on the firearm barrel?

Accepted Answer

They can be used to determine if a particular firearm fired the bullet.

Answer

They provide no useful information for criminal investigations.

Answer

They indicate the caliber of the bullet.

Answer

They help determine the distance from which the bullet was fired.

Question 17

In the analysis of physical evidence, which step involves scientific examinations and testing to determine its characteristics and significance?

Accepted Answer

Laboratory Examination

Answer

Collection

Answer

Preservation

Answer

Interpretation

Question 18

What are the potential limitations and challenges that can arise during physical evidence collection and analysis, and how do these factors impact the reliability and interpretation of the evidence?

Accepted Answer

The time elapsed since the crime can affect the condition of physical evidence.

Accepted Answer

Environmental conditions at the crime scene can influence the preservation of physical evidence.

Answer

Physical evidence is always reliable and easy to analyze.

Answer

The type of crime committed has no impact on the challenges faced in physical evidence collection and analysis.

Question 19

Which of the following is not typically considered trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Bloodstains

Answer

Soil

Answer

Paint chips

Answer

Fibers

Question 20

What is the key distinction between class evidence and individual evidence?

Accepted Answer

Class evidence can only place an item within a general category, while individual evidence can be linked to a specific source or individual.

Answer

Individual evidence can be used to identify individuals, while class evidence cannot.

Answer

Class evidence is always visible to the naked eye, while individual evidence is not.

Answer

Class evidence is typically found in large quantities, while individual evidence is not.

Question 21

Which type of firearm is commonly known for its semi-automatic action and high magazine capacity?

Accepted Answer

AR-15

Answer

Revolver

Answer

Musket

Answer

Shotgun

Question 22

What is the purpose of using a casting material in impression evidence analysis?

Accepted Answer

To create a negative or positive replica of an impression for further examination and comparison.

Answer

To enhance the visibility of the impression.

Answer

To remove the impression from a surface.

Question 23

When collecting physical evidence from a crime scene, which practice is crucial to maintain its integrity?

Accepted Answer

Wear gloves and avoid direct contact with the evidence.

Answer

Use a broom to sweep up small items.

Answer

Use a magnet to pick up metal objects.

Question 24

As a criminalistics professional, what is your ethical responsibility in analyzing physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

To objectively evaluate and report findings without bias or prejudice.

Answer

To advocate for the prosecution or defense.

Answer

To determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Question 25

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Easily visible to the naked eye

Answer

Found at crime scenes

Answer

Can be transferred from one object to another

Answer

Can identify a specific person or object

Question 26

Which type of impression evidence is commonly used to identify footwear patterns?

Accepted Answer

Tire track impression

Answer

Bite mark impression

Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Bullet striation

Question 27

Define the chain of custody and explain its importance in criminal investigations.

Accepted Answer

A documented record of handling and possession of physical evidence, ensuring its integrity and admissibility in court.

Answer

A procedure for collecting and analyzing physical evidence.

Question 28

Which action can potentially contaminate physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Contact with an unauthorized person

Answer

Proper storage conditions

Answer

Use of clean gloves

Answer

Careful packaging

Question 29

In firearms analysis, what is the purpose of using a comparison microscope?

Accepted Answer

To compare the striations on a fired bullet with those on a suspected firearm.

Answer

To identify the type of ammunition used.

Answer

To determine the caliber of a firearm.

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of latent evidence?

Accepted Answer

Fingerprints

Answer

Bullet holes

Answer

Bloodstains

Question 31

How do class characteristics and individual characteristics differ in physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Class characteristics are common to a group of items, while individual characteristics are unique to a specific item.

Answer

Class characteristics are more specific than individual characteristics.

Question 32

Which of the following is a potential limitation of using physical evidence in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

It can be easily contaminated or altered.

Answer

It can corroborate witness testimony.

Answer

It can provide objective and irrefutable evidence.

Answer

It can help establish a timeline of events.

Question 33

What ethical principles should be considered when handling physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Respect for privacy, confidentiality of sensitive information, and avoidance of bias.

Answer

Only collecting evidence that supports the prosecution's case.

Question 34

Which characteristic of a latent fingerprint is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

It can be visible to the naked eye.

Answer

It is produced by the transfer of oils and sweat.

Answer

It is unique to each individual.

Question 35

What is the most common type of trace evidence found at crime scenes?

Accepted Answer

Hairs and fibers

Answer

Tool marks

Answer

Glass fragments

Answer

Paint chips

Question 36

Which of the following methods is used to analyze firearm evidence?

Accepted Answer

Ballistics testing

Answer

Tool mark analysis

Answer

Fingerprint analysis

Answer

DNA analysis

Question 37

What is the purpose of using casts in impression evidence analysis?

Accepted Answer

To preserve and enhance the impression for further examination.

Answer

To identify the type of shoe that made the impression.

Answer

To determine the direction the person was walking.

Question 38

In the context of physical evidence handling, which legal consideration requires maintaining a record of who handled the evidence?

Accepted Answer

Chain of custody

Answer

Timeliness of evidence analysis

Answer

Evidence integrity

Answer

Objectivity of evidence collection

Question 39

What is the primary responsibility of a crime scene technician regarding physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Collection, preservation, and documentation

Answer

Interpretation and analysis

Answer

Presentation in court

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of trace evidence?

Accepted Answer

Readily visible

Answer

Can be analyzed microscopically

Answer

Transferable

Answer

Individualistic

Question 41

When collecting physical evidence at a crime scene, what is the most crucial factor to consider?

Accepted Answer

Preserving the integrity of the evidence

Answer

Speed of collection

Answer

Cost of collection

Answer

Quantity of evidence collected

Question 42

Which type of firearm produces distinctive marks on projectiles and cartridge cases?

Accepted Answer

Rifled barrel firearm

Answer

Revolver

Answer

Shotgun

Answer

Smoothbore barrel firearm

Question 43

What is the primary purpose of taking impressions at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

To create a permanent record of specific objects or surfaces

Answer

To identify the suspect's identity

Answer

To reconstruct the sequence of events

Question 44

What is the fundamental distinction between class characteristics and individual characteristics of physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

Class characteristics are shared among a group of similar items, while individual characteristics are unique to a specific item.

Answer

Individual characteristics can be used to identify a specific person.

Answer

Class characteristics are more significant than individual characteristics.

Question 45

What is the significance of maintaining the chain of custody of physical evidence?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the integrity, authenticity, and accountability of the evidence throughout its handling and transfer.

Answer

It helps to determine the time of the crime.

Answer

It enables the identification of the suspect.

Question 46

What is the primary purpose of physical evidence in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

To provide objective and indisputable proof that can support or refute hypotheses and theories.

Answer

To determine the guilt or innocence of an accused individual.

Answer

To identify potential suspects and witnesses.

Question 47

What is the primary reason for collecting physical evidence at a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

To provide tangible evidence that can be presented in court to support witness testimony and expert analysis.

Answer

To determine the identity of the victim.

Answer

To establish a timeline of events.

Question 48

Which of the following methods is most appropriate for collecting impression evidence?

Accepted Answer

Using a casting material to create a mold of the impression.

Answer

Swabbing the surface containing the impression.

Answer

Taking a photograph of the impression.

Answer

Lifting the impression with adhesive tape.

Question 49

What is the key distinction between a firearm and a weapon?

Accepted Answer

Firearms are specifically designed and manufactured to propel projectiles using an explosive charge.

Answer

Weapons are inherently more dangerous than firearms.

Answer

Firearms are only used by law enforcement and military personnel.

Answer

Weapons can be improvised using everyday objects, while firearms cannot.

Question 50

Which of the following is a defining attribute of class evidence?

Accepted Answer

It can categorize an object or substance based on its shared physical or chemical properties, but cannot pinpoint a specific source.

Answer

It can precisely identify a specific individual.

Answer

It can determine the exact time of an event.

Question 51

Which of the following is a common form of impression evidence?

Accepted Answer

Tire tracks

Answer

Fiber samples

Answer

DNA evidence

Answer

Bloodstains

Question 52

Which aspect of firearms analysis presents a significant challenge to forensic scientists?

Accepted Answer

Determining the specific shooter who fired a particular firearm based solely on the weapon itself.

Answer

Estimating the distance from which a firearm was discharged.

Answer

Identifying the caliber of a firearm.

Answer

Matching a bullet to a specific firearm.

Question 53

What is the primary responsibility of a forensic scientist in the context of physical evidence analysis?

Accepted Answer

To objectively examine, interpret, and provide expert testimony on physical evidence, assisting in the reconstruction of events and the determination of facts.

Answer

To collect and process physical evidence from crime scenes.

Answer

To apprehend and interrogate criminal suspects.