Forensic Science - General Terms

Toxicology

study of poisons

Autopsy

the examination of a corpse to determine the cause of death

Algor mortis

The cooling of the body after death

Odontology

study of teeth

Reconstruction

applies scientific methods, physical evidence, and reasoning to re-create the sequence of events that occurred during a crime

paternity

fatherhood

Locard's Principle

whenever two objects come into contact, each leaves behind a trace or residue on the other

polygraph

lie detector

rigor mortis

the stiffening of the body after death

entomology

study of insects

buccal swab

a swab of the inner portion of the cheek

narcotic

drug that relieves pain and induces sleep

residue

remainder

Chain of Custody

the documented and unbroken transfer of evidence

pathology

study of disease

livor mortis

The pooling of the blood in tissues after death resulting in a reddish color to the skin

abduction

away from the midline

arson

illegal burning of property

Serology

study of serum

exoneration

To free, clear of charges.