Intro to Forensic Science - Chapter 1 Notes

A vocabulary-focused study deck covering key terms, figures, units, and concepts from Chapter 1 notes in Intro to Forensic Science.

Forensic Science

The study and application of science to matters of the law.

Evidence

Material used to prove or disprove facts in a legal matter.

Chain of Custody

The documented paper trail showing seizure, custody, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence; it affects the weight of evidence.

Forensic Scientist

A professional who processes crime scenes, collects and preserves evidence, analyzes evidence in a laboratory, reconstructs events to form the best theory, and may provide expert testimony.

Expert Witness

A person with specialized knowledge based on training and experience who provides opinion testimony to aid the court.

Daubert Standard

Federal rule governing the admissibility of expert testimony; requires scientifically valid reasoning applicable to the facts in issue.

Daubert Factors

Factors include: (1) testability, (2) peer review/publication, (3) known or potential error rate, (4) standards controlling operation, (5) widespread acceptance within the scientific community.

Inductive Reasoning

Reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions; patterns lead to a theory; conclusions may be tentative.

Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning from a general rule to a specific conclusion; the specific observation supports the general rule; conclusions are typically definite when premises are valid.

Forensic Anthropology

Identification of persons or personal characteristics (sex, age, race, stature) based on body remains.

Forensic Serology

Identification of blood and other body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid, saliva).

DNA Profiling

Genetic analysis used to identify individuals.

Integumentary System

Anatomical area including fingerprints and hair used in identification.

Forensic Entomology

Uses insects to determine time of death and location of a corpse.

Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology

Evaluate offenders and profile criminal cases; assess mental competency.

Forensic Engineering

Investigates transportation accidents, material failures, and building/structure collapses; topics include product liability and negligence.

Forensic Computer Science

Investigates criminal use of technology and electronic records.

Photography Unit

Records and analyzes physical evidence; may use digital imaging, infrared, UV, or X-ray; supports courtroom presentations.

Toxicology Unit

Examines body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons; trains Breathalyzer operators; maintains instruments.

Fingerprints Unit

Processes and examines crime scene evidence for latent fingerprints.

Latent Fingerprints

Fingerprints that are marks left at a crime scene not immediately visible to the naked eye.

Bite Mark Analysis

Dentists who specialize in bite mark analysis and dental identification when other methods are unavailable.

Ballistics

Study of firearms-related evidence; matching projectiles and casings to weapons.

Firearms Unit

Investigates discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition; includes tool mark analysis.

Document Examination Unit

Handwriting analysis; ink and paper analysis; forgery and authenticity; analyzes indentations, erasures, and burned documents.

Edmond Locard

Founder and director of the Institute of Criminalistics in Lyons, who integrated scientific principles into forensic work.

Mathieu Orfila

Often called the Father of Forensic Toxicology; published the first scientific work on poisons.

Alphonse Bertillon

Father of Criminal Identification; developed anthropometry (body measurements) for identification.

Henry Faulds

Pioneer in using fingerprints to identify individuals and eliminate suspects.

Francis Galton

Published Finger Prints; established the study and uniqueness of fingerprints.

Hans Gross

Wrote the first comprehensive paper on applying scientific principles to criminal investigation.

Karl Landsteiner

Discovered ABO blood groups.

Leone Lattes

Developed a method for determining blood type from dried blood.

August Vollmer

Established the first crime laboratory in the United States (Los Angeles).

Calvin Goddard

Developed the comparison microscope; first used to compare bullets to determine if fired from the same weapon.

FBI

Federal Bureau of Investigation; largest crime lab in the world; HQ in Washington, D.C., with field and international offices.

DEA

Drug Enforcement Administration; created to combat the drug menace; established in 1973.

ATF

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; established in 1972; protects communities from violent crime, explosives, arson, and related issues.

USPIS

U.S. Postal Inspection Service; investigates crimes relating to the postal service; among the oldest federal agencies.

Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)

Ohio’s official state crime laboratory; helps local law enforcement solve cases.

Probable Cause

Reasonable grounds to believe a person committed a crime; considered case by case, with some exceptions for urgent situations.

Grand Jury

A group selected and sworn to determine whether charges should be brought (indictment) against a suspect.

Indictment

Formal accusation by a grand jury that a person has committed a crime.

Arraignment

First court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered.

Plea Bargaining

An agreement in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for the prosecutor dropping more serious charges.

Preliminary Hearing

A hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to hold a defendant for trial.

Miranda Rights

Rights explained to a suspect before questioning, including the right to remain silent and to have counsel.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution outlining fundamental rights.

Fourth Amendment

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants must be based on probable cause.

Fifth Amendment

Rights including Grand Jury, Double Jeopardy, Self-Incrimination, and Due Process.

Sixth Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial, to confront witnesses, and to counsel.

Seventh Amendment

Right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail or fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

Tenth Amendment

States’ rights; powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.