Introduction to Forensic Science and Legal Standards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the core definitions, history, legal precedents, expert witness requirements, and evidence admissibility standards presented in FORS 2216.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific principles and methods to the analysis of physical evidence for legal matters.

Forensic Scientist

A professional who applies the scientific method to examine physical evidence, writes analytical reports, and provides expert witness testimony in court.

CSI Effect

The phenomenon in which dramatic television portrayals of crime scene investigations alter legal expectations and public perceptions regarding forensic evidence.

Mattieu Orfila

A key historical figure documented in the early history and development of forensic science.

Alphonse Bertillion

A historical pioneer in forensic science known for developing anthropometry, an identification system based on physical body measurements.

Francis Galton

A foundational figure in forensic science history who conducted early studies on human fingerprints.

Leone Lattes

A prominent historical figure recognized in the development of forensic science methodologies.

Calvin Goddard

A key historical figure noted in the historical progression of forensic science.

Albert Osborn

An influential contributor studied in the historical development of forensic science.

Walter McCrone

A leading pioneer in forensic science history renowned for advancing microscopic examination techniques.

Hans Gross

An early contributor to the foundational discipline and history of forensic science.

Edmond Locard

A foundational figure in forensic science history recognized for principles of physical evidence exchange.

Expert Witness

A specialized witness who is permitted to state opinion testimony in court due to specific education, skills, or training.

Voir Dire

The preliminary examination process used in court to evaluate and accept an individual as an expert witness.

Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts

A 2009 Supreme Court ruling based on the Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses, establishing that forensic analysts must testify in court rather than relying on written reports alone.

Crawford v. Washington

A 2004 Supreme Court decision regarding the Sixth Amendment confrontation clause that served as the legal basis for Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts.

Bullcoming v. New Mexico

A 2011 Supreme Court decision upholding the requirement that original forensic analysts must testify regarding laboratory results.

Frye v. United States

A 1923 landmark court decision establishing a single criterion for scientific evidence admissibility, requiring methods to be generally accepted within the relevant scientific community.

Gilgo Beach Murders

A criminal case involving the remains of at least 10 individuals found in 2010 and 2011, which featured a March 2025 Frye hearing questioning whole genome sequencing nuclear DNA hair evidence.

Rex Heuermann

An architect arrested in 2023 in connection with the Gilgo Beach serial killings, whose case involved a Frye hearing regarding hair DNA evidence.

Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence

The federal evidentiary standard establishing 3 criteria for determining the admissibility of expert witness testimony in federal cases.

Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

A 1993 Supreme Court decision setting 5 criteria for scientific evidence admissibility and establishing the trial judge as the gatekeeper.

Kumho tire v. Carmichael

A Supreme Court ruling expanding the Daubert gatekeeper standard beyond pure scientific testimony to include technical and specialized knowledge.

Brady v. Maryland

A 1963 Supreme Court ruling establishing discovery requirements that mandate the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence to the defense without requiring a request.

Discovery

The legal procedure in criminal cases that obligates the prosecution to grant the defense access to exculpatory evidence.

Exculpatory Evidence

Evidence favorable to the defense that the prosecution is legally required to disclose under Brady v. Maryland.