Survey of Forensic Science Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to forensic science, its history, notable figures, and essential methodologies as outlined in the lecture notes.

Forensic Science

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

DNA Profiling

A method used to identify individuals by their unique genetic makeup, utilizing techniques such as PCR, STRs, and analysis of alleles.

Locard's Exchange Principle

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

Chain of Custody

The process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence to ensure its integrity.

Probative Value

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

Eugenics

The study of or belief in the improvement of the human race by genetic manipulation.

Antistius

The medical examiner who documented the first known autopsy on Julius Caesar.

Hans Gross

Known as the father of criminalistics, he applied scientific methods to criminal investigations and authored the first forensic textbook.

Scientific Method

A systematic procedure for collecting and analyzing evidence carried out in a replicable manner.

Fingerprint Identification

A biometric method used to identify individuals based on unique patterns in their fingerprints.

CSI Effect

The popular misconception that forensic science is infallible as depicted in crime television shows.

Sung Tz'u

A Chinese author credited with writing the first documented approach to forensic science in 1247 AD.

Marsh Test

A forensic test used to detect arsenic and other poisons in a body.

Victimology

The study of victims, their characteristics, and the impact of the crime on them.

Class Characteristics

Attributes of evidence that can be associated only with a group and not a single source.

Individual Characteristics

Attributes of evidence that can be identified as originating from a particular source.

Evidence Collection

The process of gathering physical evidence from a crime scene for analysis.

Forensic Chemistry

The application of chemistry to criminal law, focusing on the analysis of substances related to a crime.

Antimortem vs. Postmortem

Antimortem refers to conditions before death, while postmortem refers to conditions after death.

Peer Review

A process where a work is evaluated by experts in the field before it is published or accepted.