Chapter 1 and Chapter 2

Analytical Skill

The ability to examine information methodically and in detail to identify patterns, interpret data, and solve problems.

Deductive Reasoning

Drawing a specific conclusion from a general statement or premise, where the conclusion logically follows from the evidence provided.

Eyewitness

A person who has directly seen an event or crime occur and can provide a firsthand account.

Fact

Information that can be proven true or verified through evidence or observation.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and analyze evidence.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation or theory based on limited evidence; a starting point for further investigation.

Logical

A method of reasoning or argumentation that is clear, sound, and based on facts or evidence.

Observation

The act of noticing and describing events or details carefully using the senses.

Opinion

A belief or judgment that is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge but on personal feelings or interpretation.

Perception

How an individual interprets and understands sensory information, which can differ from person to person.

Chain of Custody

The documented and unbroken transfer of evidence to ensure its integrity, tracking who collected, handled, transferred, or analyzed evidence during an investigation.

Circumstantial Evidence

Evidence that indirectly suggests a fact or event without directly proving it, often requiring inference (e.g., a fingerprint at the scene).

Class Evidence

Material that connects an individual or thing to a group but cannot single out one specific source (e.g., fibers from a common fabric).

Crime-Scene Investigation

The process of systematically documenting, collecting, and analyzing physical evidence at a crime scene to reconstruct events and identify suspects.

Datum Point

A fixed reference point used to measure or map the locations of evidence within a crime scene.

Direct Evidence

Evidence that directly proves a fact without needing inference, such as eyewitness testimony or a confession.

First Responder

The initial law enforcement officer or emergency personnel to arrive at the scene, responsible for securing the area and ensuring public safety.

Individual Evidence

Evidence that can be traced back to a single source or individual with a high degree of certainty (e.g., DNA or unique tool marks).

Paper Bindle

A folded paper used to hold small amounts of trace evidence, such as hair, fibers, or powder, to prevent contamination or loss.

Primary Crime Scene

The original location where the crime occurred and where most evidence is found.

Reliable Evidence

Evidence that is consistently trustworthy and valid, meeting legal standards for admissibility in court.

Secondary Crime Scene

A location related to the crime but not where the crime originally took place (e.g., where the victim’s body was moved).

Subdatum Point

A reference point derived from the datum point, used to map and measure specific areas of a crime scene with precision.

Trace Evidence

Small, often microscopic materials transferred during a crime, such as hair, fibers, soil, or gunshot residue.

Triangulation

A method of measuring evidence locations in a crime scene by taking measurements from two fixed reference points to create a triangle.

Valid Evidence

Evidence that is legally obtained, scientifically sound, and meets the requirements for use in court.