1.4 Review Questions
1. What part of the body do forensic odontologists use to identify a victim? Why is the body part particularly useful as a source of ID?
2. In Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. V. Carmichael, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the gate keeping role of a trial judge
- Was restricted to scientific testimony
- Applied only to cases involving capital crimes
- Was subject to appeal by higher court
- Applied to all expert testimony
3. What is an expert witness?
4. What is the main difference between testimony given by an expert witness and that given by a lay witness?
5. Police investigating an apparent suicide collect the following items at the scene: a note purportedly written by the victim, a revolver bearing very faint fingerprints, and traces of skin and blood under the victim’s fingernails. What units of the crime lab will examine each piece of evidence?
6. List at least 3 advantages of having an evidence-collection unit process a crime science instead of a patrol office or detective
7. What legal issue was raised on appeal by the defense in Carl Coppolino’s Florida murder trial? What court ruling is most relevant to the decision to reject the appeal?