2008 June NTA UGC-NET / JRF Previous Year Solved Question Paper (26-50 Questions)

Two features that make hair a good subject for establishing individual identity are its resistance to chemical decomposition and its ability to retain structural features over a long period of time.

Hair can persist as a piece of physical evidence for extended periods, even under harsh environmental conditions. Its structural features, such as the medulla, cortex, and cuticle, can provide valuable information for forensic analysis, including identification of individuals.

The telogen phase of hair growth is characterized by the natural shedding of hair, where the hair is pushed out of the follicle. During this phase, the hair follicle is in a resting state, and the old hair is gradually replaced by new hair.

Nylon was the first synthetic fiber to be commercially produced. It was developed by DuPont in the 1930s and introduced to the market in 1938. Nylon revolutionized the textile industry and paved the way for the development of other synthetic fibers.

A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded together to form long chains or networks. Polymers can have a wide range of properties and are used in various applications, including plastics, fibers, and adhesives.

The acid phosphatase color test is the best way to locate and characterize a seminal stain. Acid phosphatase is an enzyme present in high levels in seminal fluid, making it a reliable marker for the presence of semen.

Birefringence refers to the optical property of a material where it exhibits a difference in refractive indices for different polarization states of light. This phenomenon is commonly observed in crystalline materials such as minerals, crystals, and some biological tissues. It occurs due to the anisotropic nature of these materials, meaning their optical properties vary with direction.

In forensic science, birefringence is utilized in various applications such as the analysis of fibers, paints, plastics, and drugs. By observing the birefringent patterns under polarized light microscopy, forensic scientists can identify and characterize different materials, aiding in the investigation of crimes.

In forensic analysis, the examination of paint evidence can provide valuable information for linking suspects to crime scenes or objects involved in criminal activities. One crucial aspect of paint analysis is the characterization of multi-layered paint fragments, which are often encountered in forensic casework.

Among the various characteristics of paint layers, the color is particularly important for identification purposes. The color of each layer can offer clues about the type of paint, its composition, and potentially its origin. Forensic scientists use techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography to analyze paint samples and determine their color profiles.

Soil science, also known as pedology, is the scientific study of soils and their properties, distribution, formation, and classification. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon principles and techniques from geology, biology, chemistry, and environmental science to understand the complex interactions between soil, plants, and the environment.

In forensic science, soil analysis plays a crucial role in linking suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Soil samples collected from crime scenes can contain valuable trace evidence such as minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms that can provide valuable information to investigators.

The assertion (A) and the reason (R) are both false. In forensic science, tool marks left at crime scenes can provide valuable evidence for identifying tools and linking suspects to crimes. However, the nature of striation tool marks can indeed be influenced by various factors, including the angle of tool application, the pressure exerted, and the nature of the substrate.

Changes in these parameters can affect the morphology and distribution of ridges within the tool mark, making it necessary for forensic examiners to carefully analyze and interpret such evidence in the context of the specific crime scene and investigative circumstances.

The Ruxton case is renowned for the use of photographic skull superimposition. This forensic technique involves overlaying a photograph of a skull with a photograph of a suspected individual’s face to determine potential matches and assist in identification.

In the Ruxton case, Dr. John Glaister, a forensic pathologist, used this method to identify the victims of serial killer Dr. Buck Ruxton. By comparing the photographs of the victims’ skulls with images of missing persons, Dr. Glaister was able to provide crucial evidence linking Ruxton to the murders.

The eruption of the first milk incisor typically occurs in infants at around 6 to 7 months of age. This developmental milestone in dentition is essential for assessing the growth and maturation of a child’s teeth.

The chronological order of technologies of personal identification is as follows:

1. Computer-aided facial reconstruction
2. Photographic skull superimposition
3. Videographic skull superimposition
4. Portrait parle

These techniques have evolved over time and have contributed significantly to forensic identification methods.

Craniometry is a technique used to measure the dimensions and proportions of the skull. It involves various measurements of cranial features and is used in fields such as anthropology, archaeology, and forensic science.

The study of skull morphology can provide valuable insights into human evolution, population genetics, and forensic identification.

Juxtaposed charts are used for the effective presentation of the comparison process to the court. These charts allow forensic experts to visually compare handwriting samples, fingerprints, or other forensic evidence side by side, making it easier for judges and juries to understand the similarities and differences.

Contemporary standards of handwriting refer to the characteristic features of handwriting within a specific time period. Forensic experts use these standards to compare and analyze handwriting samples obtained from suspects, victims, or crime scenes. By identifying consistent patterns and variations in handwriting, forensic document examiners can provide valuable evidence in legal proceedings.

Both the assertion (A) and the reason (R) are true. Identification of the author of a forged signature may indeed be possible in simulated forgery, as the forger may inadvertently reveal their own writing habits or inconsistencies while attempting to mimic the genuine signature.

Simulated forgery involves the intentional imitation of a genuine signature or handwriting style, often with the aim of deceiving others. However, forensic document examiners can employ various techniques to analyze and compare forged signatures with genuine samples, uncovering discrepancies that may indicate the true authorship.

Edgeoscopy and poroscopy are techniques used in fingerprint identification to analyze Level III characteristics. These characteristics include the minute details and irregularities found at the edges and pores of friction ridge skin impressions.

Forensic experts carefully examine these features to identify unique patterns and features that can be used to match fingerprints obtained from crime scenes with those of known individuals.

Copious hemorrhage is commonly associated with lacerated wounds. These wounds involve tearing of the skin and underlying tissues, often resulting in significant bleeding due to damage to blood vessels.

The severity of hemorrhage in lacerated wounds can vary depending on factors such as the depth, location, and extent of the injury. Forensic examination of such wounds can provide valuable information for reconstructing the events surrounding a traumatic incident.

The retraction of the edges of a wound indicates that it was inflicted within a few hours before death. This phenomenon occurs due to the post-mortem relaxation of the muscles surrounding the wound site.

Retraction is one of the characteristic signs of ante-mortem wounds, distinguishing them from wounds inflicted after death. Forensic pathologists carefully examine wound characteristics during autopsy to determine the timing and circumstances of injury.

The term “corpus delicti” refers to the physical evidence or facts that prove that a crime has been committed. In this case, the dead body itself serves as the primary corpus delicti evidence. The presence of a deceased individual indicates that a crime, such as murder or manslaughter, has occurred. While scattered blood and blood stains, skid marks, and broken headlight glass may also provide valuable forensic evidence in certain cases, they do not constitute the core proof of the crime’s occurrence. Therefore, option (B), “Dead body,” is the correct choice.

The time of death of the deceased can be estimated by the presence of lividity. Lividity, also known as livor mortis, is the pooling of blood in the dependent parts of the body after death. The presence and distribution of lividity can provide valuable information about the position of the body post-mortem, which can aid forensic investigators in determining the approximate time of death.

Tyre marks on the road can be lifted using the tracing method. This involves carefully tracing and recording the impressions left by the tyre marks on suitable tracing material, such as paper or plastic sheets. The lifted impressions can then be analyzed and compared with known tyre patterns to identify the type of vehicle and potentially link it to a suspect or a crime scene.

The speed and size of the vehicle involved in an accident can be determined by analyzing skid marks left on the road surface. Skid marks result from the vehicle’s tires locking up and sliding along the road during heavy braking. By measuring the length and characteristics of skid marks, forensic experts can estimate the speed of the vehicle at the time of braking, which can provide crucial information for accident reconstruction and investigation.

The best method of identifying the vehicle from broken headlight glass is by fitting the fallen glass fragments into the broken headlight beam. This process involves matching the broken pieces of headlight glass found at the crime scene with the remaining headlight assembly on the suspect vehicle. By comparing the shape, size, and fit of the glass fragments, forensic investigators can establish a connection between the broken headlight glass and the vehicle involved in the incident.