CSI Vocabulary

Forensic Pathology

The study of disease and trauma to determine the cause and manner of death.

Forensic Odontology

Application of dental science for identification of human remains or analysis of bite marks.

Forensic Toxicology

Analyzing biological samples to detect drugs, alcohol, or poisons present in the body.

Ballistics

The study of projectile motion, including analysis of bullets and firearms.

Trace Evidence

Small, often microscopic materials (e.g., fibers, hair, gunshot residue) that link individuals to a crime scene.

Serology

The examination of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and saliva for forensic analysis.

Entomology

The study of insect activity to estimate postmortem intervals.

Latent Prints

Fingerprints invisible to the naked eye that require chemical or physical processing for visibility.

Chain of Custody

Documented process ensuring evidence is collected, preserved, and handled properly to maintain its integrity in court.

Scene Reconstruction

Piecing together evidence to determine the sequence of events.

Cross-Contamination

Unintentional transfer of material from one piece of evidence to another, potentially jeopardizing the investigation.

Trajectory Analysis

Examining the paths of bullets to determine points of origin and impact.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA)

Study of blood patterns to infer surrounding events of a crime.

Postmortem Interval (PMI)

Estimated time that has elapsed since the subject’s death.

Luminol

A chemical used to detect trace amounts of blood through a reaction with iron in hemoglobin.

Rigorous Documentation

Detailed photographic, sketching, and note-taking methods to record crime scene evidence effectively.

Habeas Corpus

The legal principle that protects against unlawful detention.

Mens Rea

The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of a crime.

Locard’s Exchange Principle

The key forensic principle stating that every contact leaves a trace, emphasizing the importance of evidence.

Admissibility of Evidence

Criteria that determine whether evidence can be presented in court, often based on the Frye or Daubert Standards.

Exculpatory Evidence

Evidence that may exonerate a suspect and potentially prove their innocence.

Expert Witness

A forensic specialist with expertise who provides testimony in court.

Crime Scene

The location where a crime occurred, crucial for evidence collection.

Investigation

The systematic process of gathering and analyzing evidence to ascertain the truth of events.

Evidence

Any physical, biological, or digital material that provides information relating to the crime.

Suspect

A person believed to have committed the crime; crucial for law enforcement focus.

Victim

The individual harmed or impacted by a crime, often central to the investigative process.

Witness

An individual who has observed the crime or has relevant information.

Testimony

A formal statement made under oath, typically providing critical insights during trials.

Alibi

Proof that a suspect was elsewhere at the time of the crime, often key in defense.

Crime Scene Perimeter

Area secured around a crime scene to prevent contamination and maintain evidence integrity.

First Responder

The first officer or emergency personnel at the scene, responsible for securing it.

Documentation

Thorough recording of all findings, including notes, sketches, and photographic evidence.

Control Sample

A known sample used for comparison in forensic analysis.

Presumptive Test

An initial screening for possible substances, like blood or drugs.

Confirmatory Test

A definitive test that provides conclusive identification of a substance.

Fingerprint

Unique patterns on fingers for personal identification.

Gunshot Residue (GSR)

Particles from a firearm indicating recent gun usage.

Tool Marks

Impressions left by tools, critical for matching suspects to crime scenes.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Genetic material essential for individual identification.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA)

Forensic analysis of blood patterns to reconstruct crime events.

Forensic Computing

Analysis of digital devices for evidence in criminal investigations.

Handwriting Analysis

Examination of handwriting to verify authenticity or detect forgery.