Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of forensic science, crime scene mapping, evidence types, and analytical reasoning.

Datum Point

A permanent, fixed point of reference used in mapping a crime scene.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that (if authentic) supports an alleged fact of a case.

First Responder

The first safety official to arrive at a crime scene.

Individual Evidence

A type of evidence that identifies a particular person or thing.

Paper Bindle

A folded paper used to hold trace evidence.

Primary Crime Scene

The location where the crime took place.

Reliable Evidence

Evidence that is consistent when retested.

Secondary Crime Scene

A location other than the primary crime scene, but that is related to the crime, where evidence is found.

Subdatum Point

One of several reference points of known coordinates mapped from a measurable distance & direction from the datum point.

Trace Evidence

Small but measurable amounts of physical or biological material found at a crime scene.

Triangulation

A technique used to record evidence location from two fixed reference points.

Valid Evidence

Evidence (testimony, exhibits, demonstrative evidence, & documentary material) that is properly collected & documented & that truthfully supports a claim based on objective, scientific data from reliable sources.

Analytical Skill

The ability to identify a concept or problem, isolate its component parts, organize information for decision making, establish criteria for evaluation, & draw appropriate conclusions.

Deductive Reasoning

Deriving a conclusion from the facts using a series of logical steps.

Eyewitness

A person who has seen someone or something related to a crime & can communicate their observations.

Fact

A statement or information that can be verified.

Forensic Science

Using science to help resolve legal matters.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation of a question or problem based on prior knowledge or observation.

Logical

Based on clear reasoning of the facts.

Observation

What a person perceives using their senses.

Opinion

Personal belief founded on judgment rather than on direct experience or knowledge.

Perception

The brain's interpretation of a situation based on opinions, judgment, & personal experiences.

Chain of Custody

The documented & unbroken transfer of evidence.

Circumstantial Evidence

(Indirect evidence) evidence used to imply a fact but not support it directly.

Class Evidence

Material that connects an individual or thing to a certain group.

Crime-Scene Investigation

A multidisciplinary approach in which scientific & legal professionals work together to solve a crime.

Crime-Scene Reconstruction

A hypothesis of the sequence of events from before the crime was committed through its commission.