Question 1

UNSUB profiling is based on which method of criminal profiling?
A) Geographical profiling
B) Behavioral evidence analysis
C) Investigative psychology
D) Criminal investigative analysis

Accepted Answer

UNSUB profiling, also known as unknown subject profiling, is primarily based on Criminal Investigative Analysis. This method involves analyzing the crime scene, victim, and other available information to create a profile of the unknown perpetrator.

Question 2

UNSUB profiling's basic premise is that the manner in which an offender thinks dictates the individual's criminal behavioral patterns.

Accepted Answer

UNSUB profiling, also known as criminal profiling, is based on the premise that an offender's thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors contribute to their criminal actions. Profilers analyze crime scenes, victimology, and other evidence to make inferences about the offender's personality, motivations, and thought processes. This information is used to build a profile of the unknown subject (UNSUB) and help law enforcement agencies track down the perpetrator.

Question 3

According to the__________ , if the fact finders can evaluate---for themselves---the central facts
from which the examiner's opinions were drawn, courts will generally admit the evidence.
A) Fact effect
B) Common knowledge effect
C) Central effect
D) Show-and-tell effect

Accepted Answer

The correct term is the "Show-and-tell effect," which refers to the principle that if the fact finders (such as a jury or judge) can evaluate the central facts from which an expert's opinions were drawn by themselves, then courts will generally admit the evidence. This principle emphasizes the importance of transparency and the ability of the evidence to be understood and assessed directly by the court.

Question 4

__________refers to an individual who, by virtue of education, training, experience, or skill, possesses knowledge beyond that of the average person.
A) Juror
B) Expert witness
C) Criminal profiler
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The definition provided clearly describes an expert witness. Juror and criminal profiler do not necessarily require education, training, experience, or skill beyond that of an average person.

Question 5

Which of the following terms can be used to accurately describe UNSUB profiling?
A) Nomothetic
B) Deterministic
C) Nonsituationist
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

UNSUB profiling can be accurately described as:
A) Nomothetic - involves identifying general patterns of behavior among a group of individuals, which is relevant in determining the characteristics of an unknown offender.
B) Deterministic - assumes that the actions of an offender are a result of their personality, past experiences, or other innate factors, rather than being driven by external circumstances.
C) Nonsituationist - focuses on the internal factors that motivate an offender, rather than considering the influence of environmental circumstances. Therefore, all of the above terms can be used to accurately describe UNSUB profiling.

Question 6

The move toward individuality profiling, or linkage analysis, was motivated by investigative considerations rather than legal considerations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The move toward individuality profiling, or linkage...

Question 7

If evidence is neither relevant nor reliable, it should not be admissible in court.

Accepted Answer

This is a fundamental principle of evidence law. Evidence must be both relevant and reliable in order to be admissible in court.

Question 8

Which of the following is true regarding expert witnesses? A) They have influenced the legal system since the 13^th century B) Courts have traditionally been weary of expert witnesses C) The judiciary has struggled to develop admissibility standards for expert testimony D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

A) This statement is true, as expert witnesses have been influencing the legal system since the 13th century.
B) This statement is also true, as courts have been skeptical of expert witnesses in the past due to concerns about bias and reliability.
C) This statement is true as well, as the judiciary has had to establish standards for admissibility of expert testimony, such as the Daubert standard in the US. Therefore, all of the above statements are correct.

Question 9

Cognizant that UNSUB profiling would be excluded, profilers were forced to reorient their focus so they could use their mind-hunting skills in court. It was with this objective in mind that the profiling community created what 2 types of analyses?
A) MO and signature
B) Motivational and MO
C) Motivational and linkage
D) Criminal investigative and linkage

Accepted Answer

Motivational and linkage analyses were developed by the profiling community to adapt their skills for use in court, focusing on understanding the motives behind crimes and linking different crimes to the same perpetrator.

Question 10

During the 1980's, the profiling community redirected its focus from criminal investigations to criminal and evidence law.

Accepted Answer

The answer of During the 1980's, the profiling community redirected...

Question 11

What resulted from the 1993 court ruling in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals?
A) Frye was superseded
B) Expert testimony could be admitted if the district court deemed it both relevant and reliable
C) Trial judges were obligated to act as gatekeepers
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The 1993 court ruling in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals resulted in the Frye standard being superseded, expert testimony being admitted if the district court deemed it both relevant and reliable, and trial judges being obligated to act as gatekeepers. Therefore, option D, which includes all of the above, is the correct answer.

Question 12

Which Supreme Court ruling held that expert testimony may be admitted if it is both relevant and reliable?
A) Frye v. United States
B) Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals
C) Khumo Tire Co. v. Carmichael
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals established the standard that expert testimony must be both relevant and reliable to be admitted in court, shifting the focus from the general acceptance test in Frye v. United States to a more flexible reliability and relevance standard.

Question 13

UNSUB profiling has had little impact in the courtroom because of its prejudicial effect against defendants.

Accepted Answer

UNABOM profiling, which is based on the analysis of crime scene evidence and behavioral patterns to develop a psychological profile of the perpetrator, has been criticized for its potential to bias jurors against defendants. The profile may reinforce stereotypical views of criminals and cause the jurors to assume guilt without sufficient evidence. While profiling evidence may be admissible in court, its probative value is limited and should be weighed against its prejudicial effect.

Question 14

Which of the following has recently gone through increased scrutiny in the courtroom?
A) Hair identification
B) Footprint identification
C) Fingerprint identification
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

All three methods of identification (hair, footprint, and fingerprint) have recently undergone increased scrutiny in the courtroom due to concerns about accuracy and reliability.

Question 15

The term UNSUB refers to which of the following?
A) Unknown subject
B) Unknown suspect
C) Unidentified subject
D) Unidentified suspect

Accepted Answer

Unknown subject refers to a person who is unknown to the authorities and is being investigated for a crime.

Question 16

UNSUB profiling is aimed at individualizing the psychological evidence at a crime scene.

Accepted Answer

The answer of UNSUB profiling is aimed at individualizing the...

Question 17

Evidence introduced to establish motive is generally admissible.

Accepted Answer

Evidence of motive is usually relevant and admissible in court as it helps the jury understand why a person would commit a crime. However, the evidence must still be presented with sufficient foundation and relevance to the case.

Question 18

Profilers have routinely crossed the line with testimony regarding motivational analysis and linkage analysis, resulting in unfavorable court rulings.

Accepted Answer

Profilers have often provided testimony regarding motivational or linkage analysis that has overstepped ethical or scientific boundaries, leading to criticism and negative court rulings.

Question 19

An offender's psychological trace evidence can be individualized just like an offender's fingerprints or DNA.

Accepted Answer

Offender's psychological trace evidence, such as their behavior patterns, can be unique to them and therefore, can be individualized just like their fingerprints or DNA.

Question 20

Because the FBI originally intended to use profiling as an investigative tool, there is little research sustaining the many far-reaching claims made by profilers.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The lack of research supporting the accuracy and effectiveness of profiling has been noted by many experts in the field.

Quiz 25: Criminal Profiling on Trial

UNSUB profiling is based on which method of criminal profiling?

UNSUB profiling's basic premise is that the manner in which an offender thinks dictates the individual's criminal behavioral patterns.

According to the__________ , if the fact finders can evaluate---for themselves---the central facts from which the examiner's opinions were drawn, courts will generally admit the evidence.

__________refers to an individual who, by virtue of education, training, experience, or skill, possesses knowledge beyond that of the average person.

Which of the following terms can be used to accurately describe UNSUB profiling?

The move toward individuality profiling, or linkage analysis, was motivated by investigative considerations rather than legal considerations.

If evidence is neither relevant nor reliable, it should not be admissible in court.

Which of the following is true regarding expert witnesses?

Cognizant that UNSUB profiling would be excluded, profilers were forced to reorient their focus so they could use their mind-hunting skills in court. It was with this objective in mind that the profiling community created what 2 types of analyses?

During the 1980's, the profiling community redirected its focus from criminal investigations to criminal and evidence law.

What resulted from the 1993 court ruling in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals?

Which Supreme Court ruling held that expert testimony may be admitted if it is both relevant and reliable?