Criminology WJEC - Unit 3 Key Terms

Key Terms needed for Unit 3.

DNA / Deoxyribonucleic acid

The chemical that carries genetic information and is contained in chromosomes found in the nucleus of most cells. Sometimes called our genetic code as it determines all our characteristics.

Assess

To make a judgement about the quality of something.

Surveillance

Keeping a close watch over someone or something.

Contact Surveillance

Undercover or not obvious monitoring.

Geographical Profiling

Considers patterns revealed in the location and timing of offences to make judgements about where the offender lives.

Investigative Psychology

A profiling technique based in psychological theory and research to provide support for suspect identification and crime linking to the evidence.

Typological Profiling

Considers characteristics of the offender by analysing the crime scene and crimes.

Barnum Effect

When individuals give high accuracy ratings to descriptions of themselves. However, the descriptions are in fact vague and very general, capable of applying to a wide range of people.

Entomology

The scientific study of insects.

Loacard’s Exchange Principle

Refers to Dr Edmond Locard, a French forensic scientist often informally referred to as the ‘Sherlock Holmes of France’. He was a pioneer in forensic science techniques.

Rules of evidence

Legal rules that explain when evidence, as in a court case, is admissable and when it will be disallowed or rules inadmissable.

Vulnerable Witnesses

Anyone under the age of 17, or a victim of a s*xual offence, or a person whose evidence or ability to give evidence is likely to be diminished by reason of mental disorder, significant intelligence or physical impairment.

Patent

Clearly visible to the naked eye.

Latent

Not visible to the naked eye.

Forensic Odontologist

Someone who can present dental knowledge in legal cases.

Custody Officer

The police officer, of at least the rank of a sergeant, who is responsible for the care and welfare of an arrested person.

Indictable Offence

A serious offence that must be dealt with at a Crown Court.

Law Lords

Also known as the 12 Lords of Appeal in ordinary, and are judges who hear cases in the Supreme Court.

Antecedants

The defendant’s family and social background.

Nobbled

Bribed or intimidated.

Lenient

Not as harsh in punishment as would be expected.

Inference of guilt

It is possible to decide, on the evidence given, that the person is guilty.

Burden of proof

The duty of proving the charge.

Jury Equity

A jury can bring in a verdict that is morally right rather than one that complies with the law and previous cases.

Validity

Does it have authority, weight, strength or soundness, in other words, is it correct? So, as regards a verdict from a case, ask if it is a valid decision.

Examine

Inspect, scrutinise or observe.

Accidental Death

A verdict at an inquest given where a death was considered to be as a result of an accident.

Probative Value

How useful evidence is to prove something important in a trial.