Forensic Science: Introduction Key Terms (Saferstein)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the introduction to forensic science as presented in Saferstein's lecture notes.

Forensic Science

The application of science to criminal and civil laws, especially as it relates to evidence in the criminal justice system.

Alphonse Bertillon

Devised the first scientific system of personal identification in 1879 (anthropometry).

Francis Galton

Conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints and their classification.

Leone Lattes

Developed a method to determine blood type from dried bloodstains.

Calvin Goddard

Used a comparison microscope to determine if a particular gun fired a bullet.

Albert Osborn

Developed the fundamental principles of document examination.

Mathieu Orfila

Father of forensic toxicology.

James Marsh

Developed a method to test for arsenic (Marsh test).

Edmond Locard

Integrated Gross’ principles into a workable crime laboratory.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

When a criminal comes in contact with an object or person, cross-transfer of evidence occurs.

Hans Gross

Wrote the first treatise describing the application of scientific principles to criminal investigation.

Alec Jeffries

Originated methods for DNA profiling (DNA fingerprinting).

Walter McCrone

Used microscopy and other analytical methods to examine evidence.

Frye Standard

Admissibility requires that the scientific technique be generally accepted by the scientific community.

Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts

Established that the presence and testimony of the forensic analyst in court may be required; emphasizes the need for expert testimony.

DNA profiling

Genetic analysis used to identify individuals; refinement of DNA fingerprinting.

Physical Science Unit

Crime lab unit using chemistry, physics, and geology to identify and compare physical evidence.

Biology Unit

Unit applying biological sciences to blood, body fluids, hair, and fiber analysis.

Firearms Unit

Investigates discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition.

Document Unit

Handwriting analysis and other questioned-document issues.

Photographic Unit

Applies specialized photography for recording and examining evidence.

Toxicology Unit

Examines body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons.

Latent Fingerprint Unit

Processes and examines latent fingerprints.

Polygraph Unit

Conducts polygraph (lie detector) tests.

Voiceprint Analysis Unit

Attempts to tie a recorded voice to a particular suspect.

Evidence-Collection Unit

Dispatches trained personnel to crime scenes to collect and preserve evidence.

Odontology

Forensic dentistry; analysis of dental evidence. Optional service in some labs.

Entomology

Forensic study of insects to aid in determining time since death and other factors.

Anthropology

Forensic anthropology; analysis of human remains to establish identity and characteristics.

Quantico (Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA)

Site of the largest crime lab in the world, opened in 1932.

Expert Witness

A witness with specialized knowledge, training, and experience who can help the court understand evidence; formal degree is not always required.

Scientific Method

Process: formulate a research question, develop a hypothesis, test via experimentation, and validate the hypothesis as scientific evidence.