General Forensic Methodologies

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in general forensic methodologies, outlining various branches of forensic science.

Forensic Odontology

Deals with the analysis of the dentition for purposes of human identification and examination of injuries.

Forensic Pathology

Principles of medicine and pathology applied to determine a cause of death or injury in the context of a legal inquiry.

Forensic Anthropology

Recovery and identification of skeletonized human remains.

Forensic Entomology

Examination of insects in, on, and around human remains to assist determination of time or location of death.

Forensic Geology

Deals with trace evidence in the form of soils, minerals, and petroleum linking suspects to a crime scene.

Forensic DNA Analysis

Takes advantage of the uniqueness of an individual’s DNA to answer forensic questions such as paternity/maternity testing or placing a suspect at a crime scene.

Forensic Ballistics

Methods of investigating the use of firearms, ammunition, and application of ballistics to legal questions.

Forensic Chemistry

Study of detection and identification of illicit drugs, accelerants in arson cases, explosives, and gunshot residue.

Trace Evidence Analysis

Analysis and comparison of trace evidence like glass, paint, fibers, hair etc.

Forensic Dactyloscopy

Study of fingerprints.

Forensic Podiatry

Application of the study of foot, footprint or footwear and their traces to analyze scene of crime and to establish personal identity in forensic examinations.

Forensic Toxicology

The study of the effects of drugs and poisons on the human body.

Forensic Psychology

The study of the mind of an individual using forensic methods, usually to determine the circumstances behind a criminal’s behavior.

Forensic Psychiatry

Evaluating a defendant’s competency to stand trial and determining a defendant’s mental state at the time of the offense.

Behavioral Forensic Science

Application of forensic psychology and forensic psychiatry to criminal matters including profiling and crime scene reconstruction.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Uses scientific disciplines to ascertain details and sequence of events of a crime based on blood patterns.

Forensic Economics

Study and interpretation of economic damage evidence including calculations of lost earnings and benefits.

Computer Forensics

Focuses on cybercrimes including phishing, child pornography, and malware.

Digital Forensics

Application of proven scientific methods to recover data from electronic/digital media.

Mobile Device Forensics

Scientific examination of evidence found in mobile phones.

Forensic Meteorology

Site-specific analysis of past weather conditions relevant to an event.

Forensic Optometry

Study of glasses related to criminal investigations.

Forensic Botany

Study of plant life to gain information regarding possible crimes.

Forensic Astronomy

Determines past celestial constellations for forensic purposes.

Forensic Seismology

Techniques to distinguish seismic signals generated by nuclear explosions from earthquakes.

Forensic Serology

Study of body fluids in forensic contexts.

Forensic Photography

Art of producing an accurate photographic reproduction of a crime scene.

Forensic Photo/Video Analysis

Scientific examination of photos/videos in legal matters.

Forensic Document Examination

Answers questions about disputed documents through scientific processes.

Forensic Limnology

Analysis of evidence from freshwater sources and biological organisms that can connect suspects with victims.

Forensic Linguistics

Deals with linguistic expertise in legal systems.

Forensic Accounting

Study of accounting evidence such as money laundering and tax evasion.

Forensic Archaeology

Combination of archaeological techniques and forensic science used in law enforcement.

Computational Forensics

Development of algorithms and software to assist forensic examination.

Forensic Engineering

Application of engineering principles in cases involving materials, structural failure analysis, and traffic accident reconstruction.