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FRSC 530 - Law and Forensic Science
Final Exam Study Guide for GMU FRSC 530
83
Criminal Justice
Graduate
12/02/2020

Additional Criminal Justice Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Define Direct Evidence
Definition

Evidence that can be proven that an individual committed the crime without need for inference

Term
Define Circumstantial Evidence.
Definition

Evidence or facts that one can draw reasonable inferences from that the person committed the crime i.e. a person holding the murder weapon while near the dead body

Term
What does the 4th amendment cover
Definition
Search and Seizures
Term
Define what "Anatomy of a Case" means.
Definition

Our system is adversarial, with two legs, criminal and civil. In criminal cases we are supposed to “quest for the truth.” In civil cases, you have to prove causation and liability.

Term
What does the 5th Amendment do?
Definition
Cannot confine without indictment, right against double jeopardy and self-incrimination, right to due process.
Term
What does the 6th amendment do?
Definition
Right to fair, impartial, speedy trial, right to confront witnesses, and right to counsel
Term
What is the burden of proof for an arrest warrant?
Definition
Probable Cause
Term
How might someone get an arrest warrant?
Definition
Must go before a Judge and swear before him in the form of an affidavit that you have probable cause that x suspect, committed x crime(s), and these are the reasons why.
Term
What is an arraignment?
Definition

Defendant is brought before a magistrate (or a Judge depending on Jurisdiction). The magistrate ensures that the defendant understands the charges before him and sets a bond.

Term
Describe the General District Court trial.
Definition

Handles Juvenile and Domestic Court Cases, minor offenses. It is the lowest rung of the court system. Handles arraignments-Judge ensures that the defendant understands the charges, whether or not the defendant needs an attorney and will appoint one, sets bond and may potentially modify bond and holds the Preliminary Hearing.

Term
Describe what happens during the preliminary hearing (District Court)
Definition
Prosecution presents their evidence as they have the only burden of proof. If it is a misdemeanor charge, the case will go right to trial. The burden of proof still remains at the level of probable cause. The defense can present evidence, but it is rare. If the Judge believes there is enough evidence to support probable cause that this defendant committed this crime, the case goes before a Grand Jury. The burden of proof at the Grand Jury level is still probable cause.
Term
What is another name for the circuit court and why?
Definition
The "Court of Record" and it is because everything is recorded
Term
What is an indictment?
Definition

The formal charging document in a case. The indictment contains the basic information that informs the person of the charges against him. The grand jury hands down the indictment.

Term
If there is an appeal from the district court, where does it go?
Definition
The next level up, which is the circuit court
Term
What 2 circumstances will a trial in the circuit court happen?
Definition

1. On Basis of Indictment: Handed down from the Grand Jury.

2. On Basis of Appeal from General District Court: Misdemeanor convictions / other cases from the General District Court will be given new trials in this court based on appeals.

Term
What is the order of a felony trial in circuit court?
Definition
Selection of Jury(Voir Dire), Opening Statements, Presentation of Evidence, Jury Instructions, Closing Arguments, Guilt Determination, Sentencing Procedure/Jury Recommendation
Term
In a circuit court trial, how many jurors are selected?
Definition
12
Term
What 3 possible decisions does a jury have?
Definition
Guilty, Not Guilty, or hung (cannot make up mind)
Term
Who is the trier of fact? Judge, Jury, or Lawyers?
Definition
Jury
Term
Who has the burden of proof in a trial?
Definition
The prosecution/government
Term
Define "jury nullification".
Definition
It is when the jury does not believe the law is correct
Term
True or False: Virginia is a bifurcated system where guilt determination and sentencing recommendation occur in different phases or times.
Definition
True
Term
How soon after sentencing must a defendant file their appeal in the Virginia Court of Appeals?
Definition
Within 30 days of final sentencing
Term
What is an "En Banc Decision"?
Definition
It is an "in bench" review that is often used for unusually complex cases or cases considered to be of greater importance. rehearing en banc to reconsider a decision of a panel of the court (typically consisting of only three judges) in which the case concerns a matter of exceptional public importance or the panel's decision appears to conflict with a prior decision of the court
Term
What is the order in which appeals go?
Definition
VA court of appeals, VA Supreme Court, US Supreme Court
Term
What does Habeas Corpus mean?
Definition
It is an absolute request to have the matter brought back to the court believing they are being unlawfully detained due to a violation of rights
Term
Define "Reasonable Doubt"
Definition

Part of jury instructions in all criminal trials, in which the jurors are told that they can only find the defendant guilty if they are convinced "beyond a reason- able doubt" of his or her guilt. Sometimes referred to as "to a moral certainty," the phrase is fraught with uncertainty as to meaning, but try: "you better be damned sure." By comparison it is meant to be a tougher standard than "preponderance of the evidence," used as a test to give judgment to a plaintiff in a civil (non-criminal) case. The burden does not require that guilt be proven beyond EVERY conceivable or possible doubt, but beyond a “reasonable” doubt. Sure, aliens could have done it, but that isn’t reasonable.

Term
What was the significance of "Commonweath V Aguilar"
Definition

Aguilar arrested and convicted of a rape; PERK was collected. Dr. Himes signs off on the Certificate of Analysis and testifies in Court. Defense tries to object b/c Dr. Himes did not do all the work that went in to the DNA testing, but did supervise those who did.

Court of Appeals upheld the conviction because a scientific procedure, which could be and was explained in the testimony.

Term

What does VA Code: 19.2-264.3:1.3. Expert assistance for indigent defendants in capital cases establish?

Definition

Defense is entitled to call for experts to review prosecutions findings and may make a motion for the court to appoint them money.

The defense needs to particularize the need for an expert and be able to tell the judge the expected testimony of the expert.

Have the right to request forensic testing at the expense of the commonwealth.

Term
What doe VA 19.2-270.5: DNA profile admissibility in criminal proceeding establish?
Definition
DNA testing is deemed to be a reliable scientific technique and may be admitted to prove or disprove the identity of any person
Term
What does Virginia Statute 19.2-270.4.1: Storage, preservation, and retention of human biological evidence in felony cases establish?
Definition
Once a person is convicted of a felony, biological evidence must be preserved for at least 15 years or longer if deemed by the court. Death cases require the biological evidence to be sent to DFS
Term
What does VA statute 19.2-310.2: Blood saliva, or tissue sample required for DNA analysis upon conviction of certain crimes establish?
Definition
Every person convicted of a felony shall have DNA sample taken for analysis to determine identification characteristics (CODIS)
Term
What does VA statute 19.2-310.2.1: Saliva or tissue required for DNA analysis after arrest for a violent felony establish?
Definition
Anyone arrested of a violent crime will have their DNA taken. If the charge is dismissed or the defendant is acquitted at trial, DFS will destroy the sample
Term
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: What did James Allen Smith V Commonwealth establish?
Definition

said BPA's admissibility is up to the Crt (judge) as the gatekeeper and the weight of the evidence is up to the fact finder (the jury)

Term
Who has the burden of proof in a criminal case?
Definition
The government/commonwealth
Term
In civil suits, what must be established?
Definition
Causation and liability
Term
What does it mean when we say we have an adversarial system?
Definition
It is the system versus the defendant.
Term
What two branches of our adversarial system do we have?
Definition
Criminal and Civil
Term
True or False: A person can be found innocent in the criminal courts, but guilty in civil court
Definition
True
Term
What is another name for Habeas Corpus?
Definition
The great writ
Term
What is an example of direct evidence?
Definition
A video/CCTV recording of the incident
Term
What is an example of circumstantial evidence?
Definition
Trace evidence, fingerprints, proximity of the suspect to the location of the crime
Term
What type of evidence are the majority of cases based on?
Definition
Circumstantial evidence
Term
What is an indigent person?
Definition
A person who is poor or needy; unable to afford their onw attorney or expert
Term
What is an ex parte hearing?
Definition
A decision is decided by a judge without requiring all of the parties to the controversy to be present
Term
How are appointments for experts for indigent defenders made?
Definition
a request is made for an ex parte hearing to request a qualified expert in preparation for the defense at the court's expense
Term
True or False: Scientific and non-scientific evidence have different discovery requirements per state.
Definition
True
Term
What is discovery?
Definition
The government must turn over any evidence that will be presented in court under that state's rules for discovery. "Not trial by ambush"
Term
How is discovery initiated?
Definition
A motion must be filed and can be filed by the accused or the commmonweath
Term
Define Expert Testimony
Definition

the testimony made by a qualified person about a scientific, technical, or professional issue. An expert is often called upon to testify due to his/her familiarity with the subject or special training in the field

Term
What are the 3 rules that have governed expert testimony?
Definition
Frye, Daubert, Federal Rules of Evidence 702
Term
What is a certificate of analysis?
Definition
It is a report of findings from a laboratory examination
Term
Define Probable Cause
Definition

Level of proof needed for an arrest warrant

Reason to believe an individual committed the crime

Term
Define Beyond a reasonable doubt
Definition
moral certainty
Term
How many people make up a grand jury?
Definition
5-7 people
Term
How many people make up a trial jury?
Definition
12 people
Term
Who is the trier of law?
Definition
The judge
Term
In a daubert hearing, who is the gatekeeper?
Definition
The judge
Term
Define Felony?
Definition
A crime which carries a minimum of 1 year in penitentiary
Term
Define Misdemeanor
Definition
A crime that carries a maximum punishment of 12 months in penitentiary
Term
What is an indictment?
Definition
It tells the defendant what they are being charged with. Not specific. Just says who is being charged, what is being charged, and for what time period the crime occurred.
Term
Provide an example of a motion.
Definition
To suppress evidence, discovery, appointment of experts
Term
How many jurors can each side (prosecution and defense) strike as a potential juror?
Definition
4 each
Term
Define exculpatory evidence
Definition

i. Evidence used to lessen the guilt of the defendant

ii. Evidence used to lesson the punishment or sentence

iii. It is the duty of the gov’t to turn over any evidence that may exonerate or lessen the guilt/punishment of the defendant

Term
What case is important/famous when it comes to exculpatory evidence?
Definition
Brady v Maryland (1963)
Term
Who is the burden on to prove insanity for a defense?
Definition
The defense
Term
Define chain of custody
Definition
Tracking system for handling any items of evidence. It tells every person who ever touched that evidence
Term
Why is chain of custody important?
Definition
The idea is to prevent tampering
Term
True or False: A Reasonable Degree of Scientific Certainty is not allowed in courts today due to its ambiguity and lack of definition
Definition
True
Term
What was the first DNA case in Virginia?
Definition
Spencer V Commonwealth
Term
True or False: In Virginia, DNA is accepted as a valid by law
Definition
True
Term
What was the first fingerprint case in the US?
Definition
People vs Jennings (1910-Chicago)
Term
What year was the daubert case?
Definition
1993
Term
What year was the Frye case?
Definition
1923
Term
What was the significance of Patler V Commonwealth?
Definition
It established that a conviction can be obtained base on circumstantial evidence.
Term
Who is considered to be the father of modern anthropology?
Definition
Dr. Jefferies Wyman
Term
Who is considered to be the father of modern criminalistics?
Definition
Dr. Paul Kirk
Term
Who is William Bodziak?
Definition
William Bodziak was the FBI’s expert on footwear impressions at the time of the OJ Simpson Trial. Mr. Bodziak opined that the prints were made by one person (Dr. Lee for the Defense said it was two). He stated that the shoe prints were made by a male size 12 Bruno Magli Lorenzo the Lion type shoes. The shoes were of limited production (only 299 sold within a year or so). And that OJ was previously pictured wearing such a pair in 1993 at the Buffalo Bills Reunion. Note: Mr. Bodziak could only opine to the make and manufacturer in the trial based on the pattern as the shoes were never recovered.
Term
Who is Dr. Lynn Kimsey?
Definition
She is an entomologist who testified in the case against Vincent Brothers who murdered his family of 5. She evaluated bugs found in a rental car radiator.
Term
What was the Lululemon case about?
Definition
Case involving blood spatter. Employee and Manager were closing. Manager (Janet Murray) ends up dead and employee (Brittany Norwood) is beaten and stabbed. Brittany stated that two intruders duct taped her and put her in the bathroom then did what they did to Janet. Looks like Robbery was the motive. Brittany gives a really generic description of the two suspects and the more she talked, the more unbelievable her story was. Employees at the Apple Store next door stated that they heard two women arguing. The evidence showed that Janet had first been struck while she was standing. She had some 320 wounds to include offensive and defensive wounds. Dr. Bosberg testifies concerning the blood evidence. The evidence showed that she had been struck multiple times while standing, crouching, and then on the floor and that she could not have been in the bathroom laying down. The evidence also showed that Brittany walked around in men’s shoes to create some of the shoe impressions in the blood. Convicted of 1st degree murder.
Term
What is the Stephen Scher Case about?
Definition

Case involving blood spatter. June 1976-Dr. Stephen Scher and his friend Martin Dillan are on a hunting trip. Martin Dillan ends up shot, Dr. Scher states that he tripped because his shoes were untied when chasing a porcupine and accidently shot himself. Couple months later, Dr. Scher divorces his wife and marries Mr. Dillan’s widow. They exhumed Mr. Dillan’s body and re-looked at the evidence. Dr. Scher’s shoes had a bunch of high velocity blood spatter on them, so he had to be closer than what he stated (Dr. Scher said it was from performing CPR). The blood spatter also refuted Dr. Scher’s statement that he did not see the “accident” occur. There was also blood spatter on a tree IVO the shooting that shows that Mr. Dillan was sitting on a tree stump when he was shot. In 1997, Dr. Scher was convicted and sentenced to prison, where he died

Term
What was the significance of the Sam Sheppard V State of Ohio (1954) case
Definition
Case of Habeas Corpus. F. Lee Bailey was the defense attorney in the case. In the case, Sam Sheppard filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus due to the profound amount of media coverage in the case causing him not to receive a fair trial. The Supreme Court affirmed the writ, stating that Sheppard was denied due process. His conviction was overturned and he was granted a re-trial.
Term
What does "Kumho Tire Vs. Carmichael" establish?
Definition
Tire blows out, accident ensues. There was a technical aspect involved, i.e., engineering. Decision is that the Gatekeeper is the holder for specialized knowledge. This trial head that a judge’s gatekeeping obligation applies not only to scientific expert testimony, but also the testimony based on technical and other specialized knowledge
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