Criminalistics W1-3

Criminalistics

A sub discipline of forensic science that uses application techniques for recognition, collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence generated for illegal activity.

Forensic Science

The application of natural and physical science to be used in criminal law.

The Frye Standard

Allows for evidence to be presented if it can be demonstrated that the questioned procedure, technique, or principle is 'generally accepted' within a meaningful segment of the relevant scientific community.

The Daubert Standard

A guideline established by the U.S. Supreme Court to determine the admissibility of expert witness testimony, focusing on whether the scientific technique can be tested and has been subjected to peer review.

Anthropometry

A systematic feature and formal technique in which body measurements are made to distinguish one person from another.

Ballistic Analysis

The process of examining firearms and ammunition to determine the characteristics and possibly the origin of gun-related evidence.

Served sample

A representation of a physical or chemical sample from a known source, used for comparison with evidence.

Mishandling of evidence

The improper collection or management of physical evidence that may compromise its integrity and validity.

Forensic Toxicology

The study of bodily fluids and tissues for the presence of drugs or toxins, especially in a legal context.

Chain of Custody

A legal document that outlines the handling of evidence, ensuring that it has been preserved and maintained in a proper manner.

Autopsy

The post-mortem examination of a body to determine the cause of death.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A laboratory technique used to amplify DNA segments for analysis.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Repeating sequences of DNA used for forensic analysis, especially in DNA profiling.

Y-STR

A type of short tandem repeat located on the Y chromosome, useful for tracing paternal lineage.

Toxicology Sample Collection

The process of collecting biological samples for testing substances in a deceased individual.

Physical Evidence

Any tangible item that can establish a crime has been committed or can link a suspect to a crime.

Crime Scene Investigation

A systematic and thorough examination of a location where a crime has occurred, to gather evidence and establish what took place.

Exclusionary evidence

Evidence that eliminates a suspect from consideration in a case.

Inclusionary evidence

Evidence that supports a given hypothesis or scenario without excluding other possibilities.

Expert Testimony

A statement made in court by a qualified expert that provides specialized knowledge relevant to the case.

Dactyloscopy

The study of fingerprints for identification purposes.

Forensic Psychology

The intersection of psychology and law, focusing on the understanding of criminal behavior and the legal process.

Forensic Anthropology

The study of human skeletal remains to determine characteristics such as age, sex, ancestry, and trauma.

Trace Evidence

Small quantities of material that can connect a suspect to a crime, including hair, fibers, or soil.