Basic but Commonly Forgotten Forensic Questions

Introduction

Forensic science plays a pivotal role in modern criminal investigations by applying scientific principles to uncover the truth behind crimes. It bridges the gap between science and law, providing objective evidence that supports justice. This infographic provides a concise overview of key forensic concepts—from fingerprint types and biological evidence to cybercrime techniques and landmark principles, such as Locard’s Exchange Principle. Whether you’re a student, educator, or forensic enthusiast, this visual guide offers a quick and informative reference to the foundational elements of forensic science.

Question 1: What is Forensic Science?

Answer: The application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and analyse evidence for use in court.

Question 2: What is the difference between presumptive and confirmatory tests?

Answer: Presumptive tests indicate the possible presence of a substance; confirmatory tests verify its identity.

Question 3: What are the types of fingerprints?

Answer: Loop, whorl, and arch.

Question 4: What is the chain of custody?

Answer: The documented process that tracks the collection, transfer, handling, and storage of evidence to maintain its integrity.

Question 5: Name common biological evidence found at crime scenes.

Answer: Blood, semen, saliva, hair, urine, sweat, and tissues.

Question 6: Which tests identify blood?

Answer: Kastle-Meyer, Luminol (presumptive), and Takayama, Teichmann (confirmatory).

Question 7: What is Locard’s Exchange Principle?

Answer: “Every contact leaves a trace” – when two objects come into contact, they exchange materials.

Laws and Principles of Forensic Science – Forensic’s blog

Question 8: What is the difference between DNA fingerprinting and traditional fingerprinting?

Answer: DNA fingerprinting analyzes genetic material; traditional fingerprinting uses ridge patterns.

Question 9: What is the role of forensic toxicology?

Answer: To detect and interpret drugs, alcohol, and poisons in biological samples.

Question 10: Name two narcotic drugs and their effects.

Answer: Morphine – pain relief and drowsiness; Heroin – euphoria followed by sedation.

Question 11: What is a ballistic fingerprint?

Answer: Unique markings on bullets and casings that match them to a specific firearm.

Question 12: Techniques used in cybercrime investigations?

Answer: IP tracking, disk imaging, network analysis, and digital forensics tools like FTK and EnCase.

Q13: Full forms:

• CODIS – Combined DNA Index System
• AFIS – Automated Fingerprint Identification System
• NIBIN – National Integrated Ballistic Information Network
• FSL – Forensic Science Laboratory

Question 14: What is rigor mortis?

Answer: Postmortem stiffening of muscles, beginning 2-4 hours after death, is used to estimate time of death.

Question 15: What methods are used for analyzing trace evidence such as fibers or paint?

Answer: Microscopy (polarised light), FTIR spectroscopy, pyrolysis-GC, and comparison with known samples using databases.

Question 16. What is the role of a forensic pathologist?

Answer: A forensic pathologist determines the cause and manner of death by examining deceased individuals.

Question 17. What are the different types of death?

Answer: Natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, and undetermined.

Question 18. How can fingerprints be collected at a crime scene?

Answer: Using powders, tape lifts, or chemical methods like ninhydrin for visible and latent prints.

Question 19. What do forensic entomologists study?

Answer: They study insects and their life cycles to estimate the time of death of a decomposing body.

Question 20. What is the significance of the crime scene perimeter?

Answer: It secures the area to prevent contamination of evidence and maintains the integrity of the investigation.

Question 21. What are the main types of forensic evidence?

Answer: Biological, chemical, physical, and digital evidence.

Question 22. How are firearms matched to a crime?

Answer: Through ballistic comparison using the unique markings left on bullets and casings by the firearm.

Question 23. What information can hair analysis provide?

Answer: Hair analysis can provide information about drug use, environmental exposure, and potentially the racial origin of the individual.

Question 24. What is the main purpose of a forensic interview?
Answer: To gather information about events or behavior related to a crime while assessing the credibility of witnesses.

Question 25. What are the stages of decomposition?

Answer: Fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay, and dry/skeletonization.

Question 26. How does the Crime Scene Investigation process begin?

Answer: The process usually starts with securing the scene, followed by a walkthrough for initial assessments.

Question 27. What is the importance of evidence packaging?

Answer: Proper packaging prevents contamination, loss, and degradation of evidence during transportation and storage.

Question 28. How is blood spatter analysis used in investigations?

Answer: To reconstruct the events of a crime scene based on the patterns, shapes, and distribution of blood stains.

Question 29. What is odontology in forensic science?

Answer: The study of dental records and bite marks to identify human remains and analyze injuries.

Question 30. What are two common drugs analyzed in toxicology?

Answer: Alcohol and cocaine; both can have significant physiological effects and legal implications in investigations.

Quick Revision

Topic	Key Points
Forensic Science	Application of scientific methods to investigate crimes and analyze evidence for court.
Presumptive vs Confirmatory Tests	Presumptive tests suggest a substance’s presence; confirmatory tests verify it.
Types of Fingerprints	Loop, whorl, and arch.
Chain of Custody	Documented process to track the collection, transfer, handling, and storage of evidence.
Common Biological Evidence	Blood, semen, saliva, hair, urine, sweat, and tissues.
Blood Identification Tests	Kastle-Meyer, Luminol (presumptive), Takayama, Teichmann (confirmatory).
Locard’s Exchange Principle	“Every contact leaves a trace” – objects in contact exchange materials.
DNA vs Traditional Fingerprinting	DNA analyzes genetic material; traditional uses ridge patterns.
Role of Forensic Toxicology	Detects and interprets drugs, alcohol, and poisons in biological samples.
Narcotic Drugs & Effects	Morphine – pain relief; Heroin – euphoria followed by sedation.
Ballistic Fingerprint	Unique markings on bullets and casings linked to specific firearms.
Cybercrime Investigation Techniques	IP tracking, disk imaging, network analysis, and digital forensics tools.
Full Forms	CODIS – Combined DNA Index System AFIS – Automated Fingerprint Identification System NIBIN – National Integrated Ballistic Information Network FSL – Forensic Science Laboratory
Rigor Mortis	Postmortem muscle stiffening used to estimate time of death.
Trace Evidence Analysis Methods	Microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, pyrolysis-GC, comparison with known samples.
Forensic Pathologist Role	Determines cause and manner of death through examination of deceased individuals.
Types of Death	Natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, undetermined.
Fingerprint Collection Methods	Powders, tape lifts, chemical methods like ninhydrin.
Forensic Entomology	Studies insects and life cycles to estimate time of death.
Crime Scene Perimeter Significance	Secure area to prevent contamination of evidence and maintain investigation integrity.
Types of Forensic Evidence	Biological, chemical, physical, and digital evidence.
Firearm Matching	Ballistic comparison using unique markings on bullets and casings.
Hair Analysis Information	Provides details about events or behavior related to a crime; assesses witness credibility.
Forensic Interview Purpose	Gathers information about crime-related events or behavior; assesses credibility of witnesses.
Stages of Decomposition	Fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay, dry/skeletonization.
Crime Scene Investigation Process Start	Begins with securing the scene, followed by a walkthrough for initial assessments.
Evidence Packaging Importance	Prevents contamination, loss, and degradation during transportation and storage.
Blood Spatter Analysis in Investigations	Reconstructs crime scene events based on blood stains’ patterns and distribution.
Odontology in Forensic Science	Study of dental records and bite marks for identifying remains and analyzing injuries.
Common Drugs in Toxicology	Alcohol and cocaine, both with significant physiological effects and legal implications.