Forensic Science: Key Concepts, Principles, and Experts

Forensics

The application of scientific principles and methods to investigate crimes.

Forensic scientists

Professionals who analyze evidence collected from crime scenes.

Forensic evidence

Provides factual, objective, and unbiased proof that can link a suspect to a crime.

Locard's Exchange Principle

States that every contact leaves a trace; whenever two objects come into contact, there is an exchange of material between them.

Eye-witness Testimony

May be inaccurate due to cognitive biases, environmental conditions, and emotions.

Mathieu Orfila

Known as the Father of Toxicology.

Alphonse Bertillion

Known as the Father of Anthropometry (the study of human body measurements).

Francis Galton

Known as the Father of Fingerprinting.

Calvin Goddard

Known as the Father of Ballistics.

Albert S. Osborn

Known as the Father of questioned documents.

Edmond Locard

Established the 'Principle of Exchange.'

Forensic Anthropologist

Studies human bones.

Forensic Psychiatrist

Diagnoses and treats mental disorders.

Forensic Entomologist

Deals with insects to reveal time of death.

Forensic Pathologist

A doctor who handles autopsies and analyzes medical history.

Forensic Odontologist

A dentist who identifies people by their teeth.

Forensic Engineer

Investigates materials and products.

Major Crime Labs

The three major crime labs within the Department of Justice are the FBI, DEA, and ATF.

Daubert Ruling

Sets more detailed requirements for evidence admissibility in court.

Frye Standard

Requires evidence to be 'generally accepted by the scientific community.'

Fourth Amendment

Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

Expert Witness

Testifies in court about what happened with their specific skills and knowledge.