Here are the key terms and definitions extracted from the document: 1. Crime-Scene Reconstruction: A method used to support a likely sequence of events through physical evidence and witness statements. 2. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA): The study of bloodstains to interpret the events of a crime scene. 3. Impact Angle: The angle at which a blood droplet strikes a surface, determined using the equation:  4. Surface Texture: A key factor in determining bloodstain characteristics, with harder, less porous surfaces resulting in less spatter. 5. Contact/Transfer Stains: Created when a blood-covered object comes into contact with another surface. • Static Transfers: No lateral movement (e.g., handprints, footprints). • Dynamic Transfers: Lateral motion occurs (e.g., swipes and wipes). 6. Swipe Pattern: Bloodstain resulting from the transfer of blood from a blood-bearing surface onto another surface, indicating motion. 7. Spatter Stains: Bloodstains dispersed through the air due to an external force. • Expiration Pattern: Blood projected from the airways. • Gunshot Spatter: Fine forward spatter from an exit wound and back spatter from an entrance wound. • Arterial Spurt: Blood spurting from a damaged artery due to heart pressure. 8. Cast-Off Pattern: Blood flung from a blood-covered object in motion, commonly seen with weapons. 9. Void Pattern: A blank space in bloodstain deposition due to an object or person blocking the spatter. 10. Flow Patterns: Bloodstains created by the flow of blood under gravitational force, which can indicate movement. 11. Pool of Blood: Blood that collects in a level and undisturbed area, which can give clues about timing. 12. Altered Bloodstains: Bloodstains affected by external factors such as insect activity, clotting, diffusion, or cleanup attempts. 13. Documentation Methods: • Grid Method: A grid overlay is placed on the bloodstain pattern for measurement. • Perimeter Ruler Method: Rulers are placed around stains to provide scale in photographs. 14. Area of Convergence: The point on a two-dimensional plane where bloodstains originated. 15. Area of Origin: The three-dimensional space where blood was projected from, determined using string or laser methods

Constitution

The foundational document providing the framework for the government of the United States.

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A formal change or addition proposed to the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The doctrine that divides the government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.