Forensic Science s1

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts in forensic science, including definitions of terms, roles and responsibilities, types of evidence, legal standards, and ethical considerations.

Forensic

Relates to the application of scientific methods and techniques to matters of law.

Responsibilities of a forensic scientist

Collect, analyze, and interpret physical evidence; prepare reports; and may testify in court as expert witnesses.

Qualifications to become a forensic scientist

Typically requires a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a natural science, plus specialized training or graduate education.

Public forensic lab services

Include DNA analysis, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprint analysis, and trace evidence examination.

Private forensic lab

A privately operated lab offering forensic services, often hired by defense attorneys or corporations.

Crime scene investigation

Evidence is identified, documented, collected, and preserved following strict protocols.

Chain of custody

A documented process that tracks the handling of evidence from collection to courtroom.

Ethical issues in forensic science

Concerns like bias, confidentiality, misrepresentation of findings, and pressure to alter results.

Quality assurance and control

Procedures ensuring lab accuracy and reliability, including proficiency testing and audits.

ASCLD

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors.

ABC

American Board of Criminalistics.

OSAC

Organization of Scientific Area Committees that develops forensic science standards.

Demonstrative evidence

Evidence that illustrates or explains testimony, such as charts or models.

Locard’s principle

Every contact leaves a trace, meaning material is exchanged with interaction.

False positive

Test incorrectly indicates presence of a substance.

False negative

Test fails to detect a substance that is present.

Positive control

Known sample expected to produce a positive result.

Negative control

Known sample expected to produce a negative result.

Individualized evidence

Evidence linked to a specific source like DNA or fingerprints.

Real evidence

Physical evidence directly involved in the crime.

Admissibility of evidence

Legal standards determining if evidence can be presented in court; must be relevant, reliable, and legally obtained.

Frye case outcome

Established the 'general acceptance' standard for scientific evidence.

Daubert case outcome

Replaced Frye with a more flexible standard; judges assess relevance and reliability of scientific evidence.