QUESTIONS

Respond to the stated question, including any relevance to and implications on the field of criminal justice. Be sure to discuss the issue(s) to which the question pertains. Remarks can include your opinion(s), but must be based on experience, research, and/or prior learning. Use this exercise to foster a rich dialogue with your colleagues about issues that are important to the field of criminal justice. Each question is to be answered no less than 200 words.

1.       The authors discuss how “a search warrant must be issued by a neutral judicial officer.” Why do you think that the issuance of a search warrant must be completed by a “neutral judicial official”? Who and what is a “neutral judicial official?” Include in your response how Saint Leo’s core value of integrity plays a role in these issue.

Note:Saint Leo’s core value of integrity:
The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just, and consistent in word and deed.

2.      By definition, is homicide illegal? Explain the difference between first degree murder, second degree, and third degree murder. Include in your response how it relates to Saint Leo’s core value of integrity.

Note:Saint Leo’s core value of integrity:
 The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just,
                          and consistent in word and deed.         

3.       Fingerprints are normally broken down into three basic patterns. Name each of the three patterns, and explain what distinguishes them from each other.

4.      Contamination and control of a crime scene is a major challenge for the forensic/crime scene investigator. What are the ramifications of an improperly controlled and/or contaminated crime scene? Can you think of a famous, high profile case where contamination of evidence was a primary legal issue?    

5.       Discuss the requirements and methodology of entering photographs into evidence during a trial.

6.       Select one of the serial killers discussed by Karagiozis & Sgaglio, beginning on page 150 of your primary text. Based upon the academic materials contained in Chapter 10, create a brief “criminal profile,” using the limited information provided, of the serial killer whom you select.

7.       Do you believe that our collective fear, as a nation, of a terrorist attack which employs a nuclear or biohazardous weapon is rational? In your opinion is such an attack possible or probable? Our experience in recent years wherein anthrax was employed as a terrorist weapon via the U.S. Postal Service was a “wake up call.” Do you feel that we are now, collectively as a nation, dozing off again?