Forensic Science: Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation, and Death Investigation

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering types of evidence, forensic investigation steps, crime scene search and packaging methods, and medical examiner responsibilities based on lecture notes.

Testimonial Evidence

A statement made under oath, also referred to as direct evidence or prima facie ("at first sight") evidence.

Physical Evidence

Any object or material relevant in a crime; it is generally indirect, more reliable than eyewitness testimony, and can establish that a crime was committed, corroborate or refute testimony, link suspects with victims or scenes, and allow reconstruction.

Indirect Evidence

Evidence providing only a basis for inference about a disputed fact.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence based on suggestion or assumption rather than direct personal knowledge or observation.

Transient Evidence

Temporary evidence that can easily change or be lost, such as odors, temperatures, or temporary imprints.

Pattern Evidence

Evidence produced by direct contact between a person and an object, such as glass fractures or blood spatter.

Conditional Evidence

Evidence produced by a specific event or action, such as lights, smoke, or fire.

Transfer Evidence

Evidence produced by contact between persons and objects, such as fingerprints left on a surface.

Associative Evidence

Evidence that may associate a victim or suspect with a crime scene or with each other, such as personal belongings.

Class Evidence

Evidence that is common to a group or category of similar objects or persons, which helps narrow down a pool of suspects but cannot link an item to a single source.

Individual Evidence

Evidence that can be linked to a single source or identified with a particular, unique person.

Stages of Forensic Investigation

The six-step scientific process consisting of: 1. Recognition, 2. Preservation, 3. Identification, 4. Comparison, 5. Individualization, and 6. Interpretation.

"Body of the Crime"

The requirement that authorities must prove that a crime occurred and that the person charged with the crime was responsible.

Primary Motives for Crime

The top reasons cited for committing crimes: money, revenge, and emotion (love, hate, anger).

Control / Known Standard

A reference material with known properties used to test and verify the accuracy of scientific comparisons.

Modus Operandi

The characteristic method of operation of a criminal.

Accelerant

A flammable substance used to help start a fire.

Chain of Custody

A written record tracking all individuals who have possessed, collected, or handled an item of evidence.

Line/Strip Search Method

A search pattern that is best suited for large, outdoor crime scenes.

Grid Search Method

A double-line search method that is thorough but time-consuming.

Zone Search Method

A search method most effective in houses, buildings, or small circular scenes where teams are assigned specific rooms or zones.

Spiral Search Method

A search pattern that moves inward or outward, best used in areas where there are no physical barriers.

Coroner

An elected official with no required special medical training who takes legal possession of the body at a death scene.

Medical Examiner

A medical professional, usually a medical doctor, responsible for death investigations.

Medical Examiner's Responsibilities

The duties of identifying the deceased, establishing date and time of death, determining the medical cause and mechanism of death, and classifying the manner of death.

Manner of Death

The legal classification of how a death occurred, categorized into: natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.