Introduction to Forensics

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the definition of forensic science, its main disciplines, and the roles of crime scene investigators and forensic scientists.

Forensic Science

The application of science to the law (criminal matters).

Odontology

A branch of forensic science focused on teeth.

Entomology

A branch of forensic science focused on insects (decomposition).

Forensic Engineering

A branch of forensic science focused on cars and structural failure resulting in fatality.

Forensic Mathematics

A branch of forensic science used to calculate speed, etc., as well as accounting.

Behavioral Science

A field in forensic science encompassing psychology and psychiatry.

Crime Scene Investigators

Usually police officers assigned to a crime scene unit who learn from forensic science how to recognize, protect, and collect evidence, maintain chain of custody of evidence, and may or may not have a science background.

Forensic Scientists

Civilians with some sort of science education who furnish training for CSI and spend half their time in the lab analyzing evidence.