Applied Methods of Crime Scene Investigation: The Real CSI

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions related to crime scene investigation methods and evidence types.

Evidentia

To be visible in Latin.

Testimonial Evidence

Oral evidence or viva voce evidence provided by witness testimony.

Documentary Evidence

Evidence consisting of documents of any kind.

Real Evidence

Physical or biological evidence that crime scene investigators collect, preserve, and analyze.

Biological Evidence

Real evidence that originates from a living source, such as bodily fluids.

Class Characteristics

Characteristics shared by a group of items of evidence that can only be associated with that group.

Individual Characteristics

Distinct differences that allow association with a single source with a high degree of certainty.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly proves or disproves an important fact based on personal knowledge or observation.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence that relies at least partially on speculation but logically supports a fact.

Associative Evidence

Real evidence that links an individual directly to the crime scene or victim.

Indicative Evidence

Real evidence that proves a certain amount of time has elapsed since the occurrence.

Class Evidence

Evidence that requires specific classification for use in court.

Latent Evidence

Evidence that is often not visible without chemical or photographic enhancement.

Trace Evidence

Very small amounts of evidence that must be extracted from another substance.

Linkage of Persons and Crime Scenes

The process of connecting suspects, victims, and crime scenes through evidence.

Corpus Delicti

The body of the crime or element of the crime that must be proved by the prosecutor.

Locard Exchange Principle

The principle that when two objects come into contact, there is a transfer of material.

Rifling

The series of spiral grooves made in the barrel of a gun ensuring the bullet flies straight.

Toolmark Evidence

Impressions made by tools on softer surfaces that can be matched to a specific tool.

Blood Spatter Evidence

Analysis of blood droplets that provides insights into the events of a crime.

Questioned Document

Any document whose authorship or authenticity is in doubt.

Handwriting Analysis

Examination of handwriting to identify authorship or detect alterations.

Junk Science

Practices that do not meet the fundamental requirements of science but are presented as valid.

Frye Rule

A legal standard that requires scientific methods to be generally accepted in their field.

Daubert Guidelines

Standards for admissibility of expert witness testimony based on scientific reliability.

Mohan Criteria

Legal requirements in Canada for admissibility of expert evidence focused on necessity and reliability.

Evidentia

To be visible in Latin.

Testimonial Evidence

Oral evidence or viva voce evidence provided by witness testimony.

Documentary Evidence

Evidence consisting of documents of any kind.

Real Evidence

Physical or biological evidence that crime scene investigators collect, preserve, and analyze.

Biological Evidence

Real evidence that originates from a living source, such as bodily fluids.

Class Characteristics

Characteristics shared by a group of items of evidence that can only be associated with that group.

Individual Characteristics

Distinct differences that allow association with a single source with a high degree of certainty.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly proves or disproves an important fact based on personal knowledge or observation.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence that relies at least partially on speculation but logically supports a fact.

Associative Evidence

Real evidence that links an individual directly to the crime scene or victim.

Indicative Evidence

Real evidence that proves a certain amount of time has elapsed since the occurrence.

Class Evidence

Evidence that requires specific classification for use in court.

Latent Evidence

Evidence that is often not visible without chemical or photographic enhancement.

Trace Evidence

Very small amounts of evidence that must be extracted from another substance.

Linkage of Persons and Crime Scenes

The process of connecting suspects, victims, and crime scenes through evidence.

Impression Evidence

Evidence left by the contact of an object with another surface, such as footwear or tire tracks.

Corpus Delicti

The body of the crime or element of the crime that must be proved by the prosecutor.

Locard Exchange Principle

The principle that when two objects come into contact, there is a transfer of material.

Rifling

The series of spiral grooves made in the barrel of a gun ensuring the bullet flies straight.

Toolmark Evidence

Impressions made by tools on softer surfaces that can be matched to a specific tool.

Blood Spatter Evidence

Analysis of blood droplets that provides insights into the events of a crime.

Questioned Document

Any document whose authorship or authenticity is in doubt.

Handwriting Analysis

Examination of handwriting to identify authorship or detect alterations.

Junk Science

Practices that do not meet the fundamental requirements of science but are presented as valid.

Frye Rule

A legal standard that requires scientific methods to be generally accepted in their field.

Daubert Guidelines

Standards for admissibility of expert witness testimony based on scientific reliability.

Mohan Criteria

Legal requirements in Canada for admissibility of expert evidence focused on necessity and reliability.

Chain of Custody

The chronological documentation or paper trail showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of physical or electronic evidence.

Forensic Scientist

A professional who applies scientific principles and methods to analyze physical evidence for legal purposes.

Accreditation

The process by which an independent agency evaluates and assures the quality and competence of a forensic laboratory or service.

Expert Witness

An individual with specialized knowledge or skills whose testimony helps a court understand complex technical or scientific issues.