Criminalistics Practice Questions — Set 6

Question 1

What is the principle of 'Immutability' in dactyloscopy (the study of fingerprints)?

Accepted Answer

The ridge characteristics of fingerprints do not change during a person's life, from birth until decomposition.

Answer

Fingerprints can be transferred from one surface to another effortlessly. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The fingerprints of a person change as they grow older. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

No two individuals have exactly the same fingerprints. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 2

In forensic ballistics, what is the term for the markings left on a bullet by the rifling (grooves and lands) inside the barrel of a firearm?

Accepted Answer

Striations

Answer

Caliber

Answer

Toolmarks

Answer

Breechface marks

Question 3

Which of the following ridge patterns is considered the most common, appearing in approximately 65% of the human population?

Accepted Answer

Loops

Answer

Arches

Answer

Whorls

Answer

Accidentals

Question 4

A document examiner is analyzing a suspected forged signature and notices 'hesitation' and 'pen lifts' in unusual places. What does this likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The signature is a slow, careful imitation or 'drawing' rather than a natural, fluid writing.

Answer

The pen used was running out of ink. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The writer was in a hurry. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

The signature was written by someone who is very old. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 5

What is the primary physiological response measured by the 'Galvanograph' component of a polygraph (lie detector) machine?

Accepted Answer

Skin resistance to a small amount of electricity (sweat gland activity)

Answer

Respiratory or breathing rate within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

Blood pressure and pulse rate within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

Brain wave activity and oxygen levels within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 6

In forensic photography, why is it essential to include a 'scale' or ruler in close-up photos of evidence like footprints or toolmarks?

Accepted Answer

To provide an accurate reference for the actual size and dimensions of the evidence.

Answer

To make the photo look more professional for court. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

To help the camera focus on the small details. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

To indicate the name of the photographer. within the context of professional standards and systems

Question 7

What is the difference between 'Internal Ballistics' and 'External Ballistics'?

Accepted Answer

Internal is the study of the projectile inside the firearm; External is the study of its flight through the air.

Answer

Internal is about the impact on the target; External is about the gunpowder.

Answer

There is no difference; both terms are interchangeable.

Answer

Internal is about the bullet's flight; External is about the gun's mechanism.

Question 8

Which fingerprint ridge characteristic is formed by a single ridge that splits into two ridges?

Accepted Answer

Bifurcation

Answer

Enclosure

Answer

Ending Ridge

Answer

Dot or Island

Question 9

In Questioned Document Examination (QDE), what is a 'Holographic Will'?

Accepted Answer

A will that is entirely handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator himself.

Answer

A will that is projected as a 3D image.

Answer

A will that is signed by at least three witnesses.

Answer

A will that has been verified by a notary public.

Question 10

What is the significance of 'Caliber' in firearms identification?

Accepted Answer

It is the approximate internal diameter of the barrel or the diameter of the projectile.

Answer

It is the number of rounds a magazine can hold. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

It is the total length of the ammunition. within the context of professional standards and systems

Answer

It represents the weight of the firearm. within the context of professional standards and systems