Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation - Ch. 1

Chain of custody

log or other record of who collected and subsequently handled evidence of a crime

Real or physical evidence

any type of evidence that has an objective existence (size, shape, dimension)

Circumstantial evidence

series of facts that, although not the fact at issue, through inference tends to prove a fact at issue

Iterative process

investigator continually re-checks and re-analyzes the crime scene to assure that processing is done properly

Testimonial evidence

vocal statements in response to questioning (may or may not be under oath)

Locard's Exchange Principle

whenever two objects come in contact with one another, a cross-transfer of evidence occurs

Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine

evidence found to be illegally collected (whether intention or not) is inadmissible in court

Direct evidence

type of evidence that proves without the necessity of an inference or presumption