forensics vocab

forensic science

Application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in the criminal justice system

forensic pathology

medical examiner must establish cause of death usually by autopsy

forensic toxicology

The analysis of biological samples for the presence of toxins, including drugs

Forensic odontology

examination of teeth, dental records, x-rays, that can identify victims based on two structure alignment and can perform by mark analysis on remains

forensic anthropology

identification examination of skeletal remains

forensic taphonomy

Study of how environmental conditions affect the rate of decomposition of the body

expert witness

A qualified specialist who uses scientific knowledge to examine evidence and explain their findings to a court

forensics psychology

use of psychology to understand and evaluate behavior and legal and criminal cases

Locards exchange principle

When a criminal comes in contact with an object or person, a cross transfer of evidence occurs

forensic entomologist

Studies insects on a body to help determine time and circumstances of death

document examination

The answers of documents to determine authenticity, authorship or alterations

evidence collection

Specifically trained personnel to collect and preserve physical evidence

ballistics/firearms unit

Ballistics cartridges/shelves, ammunitions, gunshot residue other weapon marks

Biology unit

biochemical or microscopic analysis of blood stains DNA, hair fibers, plant material

latent fingerprint unit

processing analysis, data storage

physical science unit

chemistry physics and geology, applied to drugs, paint, explosives, soil

photography unit

photographic evidence, including digital UV, infrared, and x-ray

forensic engineers

Accident reconstruction causes a fire/explosions

Voice print analysis unit

Analysis of sound patterns, in recordings

eyewitness

someone who directly saw a crime or event and provides their account in a legal investigation

Scientific method

systematic process of observing testing and analyzing evidence to reach reliable conclusions

fact

information that can be proven true through evidence or scientific test testing

observation

carefully noticing and recording details about evidence or crime scene

opinion

A conclusion or a judgment formed by forensic expert based on evidence

deductive reasoning

starting with general facts or laws to reach a specific conclusion

analytical skills

The ability to examine evidence carefully and identify importance details

perception

how someone interprets or notices details in their surroundings

logical

Thinking in a clear consistent and reasoned way

corpus delicti rule

A legal principle that requires proof that a crime actually occurred before someone can be convicted