Forensics Intro Flashcards
(46 cards)
Define forensics
The detailed analysis of past events
Define forensics biology
The application of the science of biology to legal investigations
List the 8 Characteristics of an Ideal Forensic Test
1) Accurate
2) sensitive
3) specific
4) quick
5) simple
6) reliable & repeatable
7) affordable
8) equipment & reagents are always present
What does accurate mean in the ideal forensics test
The results must withstand strong scruntiny in court
What does sensitive mean in the ideal forensics test
Many samples are small and finite
What does specific mean in the ideal forensics test
If test cross-reacts with other materials, its accuracy will be compromised
What does quick mean in the ideal forensics test
Investigators cannot drag on. Guilty parties need to be arrested and innocent parties need to be freed
What does simple mean in the ideal forensics test
The more complex a test, the more chance of error & the more expensive
What does reliable and repeatable mean in the ideal forensics test
Must be replicated by other scientists
What does affordable mean in the ideal forensics test
Financial limitations are always present
What does equipment & reagents mean in the ideal forensics test
Effectiveness of test will be compromised if equipment and reagents can’t be obtained quickly
List the 8 Questions to Ask When a Body or Stain is Discovered.
1) are the remains or stains of human origin?
2) who is the victim?
3) what is the cause of death?
4) how long ago did the victim die?
5) did the victim die immediately or after a period of time and if so how long?
6) did the person die at the spot where the body was found?
7) did the person die of natural causes, on accident, or a criminal act?
8) if the person was killed as a result of a criminal act who is responsible?
Define Ante Mortem
Time before death
Define Post Mortem
Time after death
- post Mortem interval(PMI)= time since death
Define agonal period
Moment of death
- death was once thought to always be painful
Define peri Mortem period
Either side of agonal period
- no consensus on how long this period is
Define Taphonomy
The study of post Mortem remains
What is the first stage in taphonomy called?
Fresh
Explain how the mucous membranes appear in the Fresh Stage and why they appear thus
The skin & mucous membranes appear pale because blood has stopped pumping and has settled to low areas.
Explain & Examples of moucous membranes
Linings of cavities exposed to the external environment
Eyelids, nostrils, lips, ears, genital area, anus
Taphonomy process=
Factors that affect remains
Burning, maggot feeding, cannibalism, and fossilization
State why cells and tissue start to die during the Fresh Stage
Cells and tissue start to die due to lack of O2
Nerve cells die 3-7 min without O2
Skin cells can last 24 hrs without O2
Hair & nails do continue to die?
Yes, they do not continue to grow.
Skin around areas may shrink
Define Algor Mortis.
The coldness of death
