Intro to Forensic Science – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, people, concepts, and institutions from the forensic science notes.

Crime Scene

The location where a crime occurs and evidence may be found and collected.

Chain of Custody

The documented, unbroken transfer of evidence from seizure to courtroom presentation; affects weight of evidence and admissibility based on proper acquisition.

Forensic Science

The study and application of science to matters of law.

Forensics / Criminalistics

Alternative names for the field applying scientific methods to legal questions.

Evidence

Anything that tends to prove or disprove a fact in dispute in a legal case.

Fingerprint

Ridge patterns left by friction skin on fingers, used for identity.

Latent Fingerprint

A fingerprint not immediately visible to the naked eye.

Bite Mark Analysis

Examination of bite marks to aid identification or interpretation in a case.

Dental Identification

Identifying a person using dental characteristics and dental records.

Serology

Identification of blood and other body fluids at a crime scene.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; genetic material used to identify individuals.

DNA Profiling

Process of analyzing DNA patterns to identify or exclude individuals.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Study of bloodstains to reconstruct sequence of events at a crime scene.

Forensic Toxicology

Detection of drugs and poisons in the body, typically by medical examiners.

Forensic Anthropology

Identification of persons from remains, estimating sex, age, race, and stature.

Forensic Entomology

Use of insects to estimate time of death and other details of a death scene.

Botany (Plant Identification)

Identification of plant material used as evidence in investigations.

Zoology (Animal Hair/Blood)

Use of animal hair or blood in forensic analysis.

Casts and Molds

Impressions used to identify patterns or objects at a scene.

Organic Analysis

Chemical analysis of organic compounds in evidence.

Inorganic Analysis

Chemical analysis of inorganic substances in evidence.

Fibers

Textile fibers analyzed to link suspects or objects to a crime scene.

Fire/Explosives

Analysis of fire residues and explosive materials.

Chromatography

A separation technique used to identify substances in a mixture.

Spectrometry

Techniques that identify substances by measuring spectra.

Microscopy

Using a microscope to examine small-scale evidence.

Electrophoresis

Technique to separate DNA fragments or proteins in a gel by electric charge.

Photography (Forensic Photography)

Documenting and preserving physical evidence through photographs; may use special imaging.

Evidence-Collection Unit

Personnel who collect and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes.

Physical Science Unit

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

Trace Evidence

Tiny amounts of material (blood, hair, fibers, etc.) identified and analyzed.

Biology Unit

Lab unit analyzing blood, body fluids, hair, fibers, plants, and DNA.

Firearms Unit / Ballistics

Investigation of firearms, bullets, cartridge cases; matching projectiles to weapons.

Document Examination Unit

Handwriting analysis, ink/paper analysis, forgery and authenticity checks.

Toxicology Unit

Analyzes body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons; maintains Breathalyzer programs.

Fingerprint Unit

Processes latent and patent fingerprints found at scenes.

Polygraph Unit

Conducts lie-detection tests using physiological indicators.

Voiceprint Analysis Unit

Uses spectrography to visually display and compare voice recordings.

Daubert Standard

Federal rule for admissibility of expert testimony; tests validity via testability, peer review, error rate, standards, and acceptance.

Frye Standard

Earlier standard used in some states; admissibility based on general scientific acceptance.

Forensic Computer Science

Investigation of criminal use of technology and electronic records.

Forensic Psychiatry / Psychology

Evaluation of offenders and profiling in criminal cases.

Criminal Profiling

Inferring characteristics of an unknown offender from crime scene evidence.

Forensic Engineering

Investigation of transportation accidents, building failures, and structural collapses.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

U.S. federal agency with the largest crime lab; national security and law enforcement.

DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)

Agency enforcing federal drug laws and analyzing seized drugs.

ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms)

Agency enforcing laws related to firearms, explosives, arson, and related products.

USPIS (U.S. Postal Inspection Service)

Investigates crimes related to the postal system; oldest U.S. federal law enforcement agency.

BCI (Bureau of Criminal Investigation)

Ohio state crime lab; supports local law enforcement.

Orfila

Father of Forensic Toxicology; published first scientific paper on poisons.

Locard

Founder of the Institute of Criminalistics; promoted forensic laboratory practice.

Bertillon

Father of Criminal Identification; developed anthropometry.

Faulds

Pioneer who used fingerprints to exclude suspects and advance fingerprinting.

Galton

Proved the uniqueness of fingerprints and published Finger Prints.

Gross

Wrote the first paper detailing scientific principles in criminal investigation.

Landsteiner

Discovered ABO blood groups.

Osborn

Published Questioned Documents; foundational work in document examination.

Lattes

Developed a method to determine blood type from dried blood.

Vollmer

August Vollmer; established the first U.S. crime lab.

Goddard

Developed the comparison microscope for comparing bullets to weapons.

Miranda Rights

Rights read to arrestees (remain silent, consult an attorney, etc.) before questioning.

Probable Cause

Reasonable grounds to believe a person committed a crime; required for warrants and certain searches.

Indictment

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

Grand Jury

A group that determines whether there is enough evidence to indict a suspect.

Arraignment

Initial court appearance where charges are read and pleas entered.

Plea Bargaining

Negotiated agreement where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for dropping more serious charges.

Guilty

Admitting to the unlawful acts and accepting consequences.

Not Guilty

Defendant claims innocence; case proceeds to trial unless plea is entered.

No Contest (Nolo Contendere)

Plea that admits punishment without admitting guilt; cannot be used as evidence in a future case.

Preliminary Hearing

Judicial proceeding to determine if there is probable cause to hold a defendant for trial.

Hung Jury

Jury unable to reach a verdict; may lead to a retrial.

Trial

Legal proceeding where evidence is presented to determine guilt or innocence.

Sentencing

Judge imposes punishment after a conviction.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting individual rights, including search/seizure, due process, and trial guarantees.