Forensic Science Introduction Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the forensic science introductory lecture, aiding in understanding the fundamental principles and historical context of forensic science.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific theories and methods to assist with the proceedings of civil and criminal investigations.

Locard's Exchange Principle

The principle stating that materials are exchanged between two objects whenever they come into contact.

Chain of Custody

A process that tracks the handling of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court.

CSI Effect

The phenomenon where the popularity of crime scene investigation shows influences public perception of forensic science.

Probative Value

The ability of evidence to prove something relevant in a court of law.

DNA Profiling

A process used to identify individuals by examining their unique DNA patterns.

Antistius

The physician who documented the first known autopsy, that of Julius Caesar.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The author who created Sherlock Holmes and introduced many forensic techniques in his stories.

Victor Balthazard

A medical examiner known for developing probability models related to fingerprint analysis.

Matthieu Orfila

A pioneer in toxicology, known for his studies on poisons and their effects on the body.

Hans Gross

The father of criminalistics, credited for applying scientific methods to criminal investigations.

Fingerprint Classification System

A systematic method developed to categorize and identify fingerprints, pioneered by Sir Francis Galton.

4th Amendment

Part of the U.S. Constitution that protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Scientific Method

A systematic method of inquiry involving observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.