Unit 1: Defining Forensic Science - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Forensic Science unit review notes.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment used to protect lab personnel from hazards.

Six items of lab attire

Hair tied back; closed-toe shoes; long pants or sleeves; goggles; apron; gloves.

Eye/skin flush duration after chemical contact

Flush eyes or skin for 20 minutes.

Acid–water dilution rule

Always add acid to water when diluting to prevent exothermic splashes.

Blood-borne pathogens

Infectious microorganisms present in blood and certain body fluids (e.g., saliva, vomit, urine) if contaminated.

PASS (fire extinguisher use)

P: pull the pin; A: aim at the base of the fire; S: squeeze a quick puff; S: sweep the base of the fire.

Scientific Method

A series of steps used to solve problems.

Five steps of the Scientific Method

Observe → Ask a Question → Form a Hypothesis → Conduct an Experiment → Accept/Reject Hypothesis.

Three core abilities of a forensic investigator

Observe, Interpret, Report.

Factors affecting eyewitness observations

Emotional state; whether alone or with others; number of people/animals present; type of activity; amount of activity.

Reasons eyewitness accounts vary (8)

Level of interest; Stress; Distractions; Concentration; Personal biases/motives; Prejudices/beliefs; Motives; Lapse of time since event.

Innocence Project findings

Used DNA to review post-conviction cases; about 87% of wrongful convictions involved faulty eyewitness testimony.

Good observer practices

Observe systematically; Turn off cognitive filters; Avoid jumping to conclusions; Compensate for faulty memories.

Three things a forensic scientist must do

Find, examine, and evaluate evidence; Apply scientific knowledge to analyze the crime scene; Communicate findings persuasively in court.

Forensic Science

The application of science to the criminal and civil laws enforced by police in the justice system.

Forensis (Latin) meaning

Forum – marketplace/place where Romans conducted judicial and public business.

Difference: Forensic Science vs. Criminalistics vs. Criminology

Forensic Science/Criminalistics: scientific examination of physical evidence for legal purposes; Criminology: study of crime, motives, and behavior using social sciences.

Corpus Delicti

Body of the crime; proof that a crime has been committed.

Six major contributions of forensic science

Corpus Delicti; Support or disprove statements; Identify substances/materials; Identify individuals; Provide investigative leads; Establish linkages or exclusions.

Examples of identification of substances

Illegal drug in possession; ignitable liquid in arson; gunshot residue.

Examples of identification of individuals

DNA in biological evidence; fingerprint impressions; dental information in skeletal remains.

Five types of forensic labs

Federal; State; Regional; County; City/Town.

First US forensic lab and date

Los Angeles Police Dept., 1923.

First US Federal Lab and date

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), 1932.

3rd Century China in forensics

Earliest recorded use of forensic methods to solve a crime.

Mathieu Orfila

Father of toxicology.

Alphonse Bertillon

Developed the first system of identification using body measurements (bertillonage).

Francis Galton

Published Fingerprints and developed the methodology for classifying fingerprints.

Hans Gross

Introduced the word 'criminalistics' and described applying scientific principles to crime investigation.

Karl Landsteiner

Discovered blood types A, B, AB, O and their use in identification.

Leone Lattes

Developed a simple technique for determining blood type from dried stains.

Edmond Locard

Established the first police crime laboratory and Locard’s Exchange Principle.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

Whenever two objects come into contact with one another, they exchange materials.

Walter McCrone

Led the field of microscopy in forensics.

Alec Jeffries

Developed the first DNA profiling test.

Kary Mullis

Invented PCR, a method to amplify DNA sequences.

Forensic Scientist (career)

Apply physical and natural sciences to analyze evidence; aid investigations and present findings in court.

Forensic Odontologist

Dentist who compares dental records with crime scene dental evidence and helps age determination.

Forensic Psychology

Doctor who assesses and treats criminal behavior and helps in evaluation of suspects.

Document Examiners

Analyze forgery, handwriting, paper composition, and ink composition.

Forensic Toxicology (career)

Analyzes bodily fluids and tissues for drugs, alcohol, and poisons.

Forensic Anthropology

Analyzes skeletal remains for identification and biological details.

Forensic Computer & Digital Analysis

Examines hard drives and other devices for digital evidence.

Criminologists

Sociology-focused study of crime, causes, effects, and social impact.

Crime Scene Investigators

Trained to analyze and process evidence at a crime scene.

Coroners

Typically transport corpses to the morgue; may assist in death investigations; not required to be doctors.

Medical Examiners

Perform autopsies to identify cause and manner of death; often require doctoral degree.

Forensic Pathologists

Medical doctors who determine cause and manner of death from autopsy findings.

Forensic Engineer

Applies engineering concepts to reconstruct events (e.g., crashes, failures).

Prosecutors

Lawyers who bring charges and represent victims in court.

Forensic Pedologist (Soil)

Analyzes soil and soil impressions (footwear/tire) as evidence.

Three required skills of a Forensic Scientist

Apply physical and chemical science to evidence; provide expert court testimony; participate in training law enforcement personnel.

FBI

Federal Bureau of Investigation.

DEA

Drug Enforcement Administration.

CIA

Central Intelligence Agency.

Five training avenues for forensic scientists

College education; Internship; In-house agency training; External training by federal/state agencies; Workshops at professional meetings.

CSI Effect

Public misconception that all crimes yield rapid, definitive forensic results; examples include fast DNA results, always usable evidence, and investigators performing multiple roles.