Forensic Science vocab 1

Forensics

the branch of science that uses scientific methods to help the police to solve crimes

Locards exchange principle

when a person comes in contact with another person or object, a cross transfer of material occurs

Forensic anthropology

when scientists use their knowledge of human bones and archaeology to help solve mysteries for the police

Forensic pathology

where a special doctor examines bodies from strange, unexpected, or violent deaths to figure out how and why someone died

Odontology

​the scientific study of the diseases and structure of teeth

Toxicology

the scientific study of poisons

Ballistics

the scientific study of things that are shot or fired through the air, such as bullets and missiles

Serology

the scientific study of the clear, liquid part of your blood (called serum) to look for special warrior proteins called antibodies

Forgery

the crime of copying money, documents, etc. in order to cheat people

Trace evidence

Minute pieces left at a crime scene by a perpetrator or victim that can be used to identify perpetrator or link the victim to the crime scene

Testimonial evidence

A statement made under oath; direct evidence

Circumstantial evidence

indirect proof of a fact that requires logical reasoning to connect it to the main issue

Transient Evidence

temporary physical evidence that can easily degrade disappear due to environmental factors