CSI Vocabulary

Comprehensive Forensic Terminology and Concepts

General Forensic Terminology

• Forensic Pathology: The study of disease and trauma to determine the cause and manner of death.

• Forensic Odontology: Application of dental science for identification of human remains or analysis of bite marks.

• Forensic Toxicology: Analyzing biological samples to detect drugs, alcohol, or poisons present in the body.

• Ballistics: The study of projectile motion, including analysis of bullets and firearms.

• Trace Evidence: Small, often microscopic materials (e.g., fibers, hair, gunshot residue) that link individuals to a crime scene.

• Serology: The examination of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, and saliva for forensic analysis.

• Entomology: The study of insect activity to estimate postmortem intervals.

• Latent Prints: Fingerprints invisible to the naked eye that require chemical or physical processing for visibility.

• Chain of Custody: Documented process ensuring evidence is collected, preserved, and handled properly to maintain its integrity in court.

Crime Scene Procedures

• Scene Reconstruction: Piecing together evidence to determine the sequence of events.

• Cross-Contamination: Unintentional transfer of material from one piece of evidence to another, potentially jeopardizing the investigation.

• Trajectory Analysis: Examining the paths of bullets to determine points of origin and impact.

• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA): Study of blood patterns to infer surrounding events of a crime.

• Postmortem Interval (PMI): Estimated time that has elapsed since the subject’s death.

• Luminol: A chemical used to detect trace amounts of blood through a reaction with iron in hemoglobin.

• Rigorous Documentation: Detailed photographic, sketching, and note-taking methods to record crime scene evidence effectively.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Habeas Corpus: The legal principle that protects against unlawful detention.

• Mens Rea: The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of a crime.

• Locard’s Exchange Principle: The key forensic principle stating that every contact leaves a trace, emphasizing the importance of evidence.

• Admissibility of Evidence: Criteria that determine whether evidence can be presented in court, often based on the Frye or Daubert Standards.

• Exculpatory Evidence: Evidence that may exonerate a suspect and potentially prove their innocence.

• Expert Witness: A forensic specialist with expertise who provides testimony in court.

Additional Forensic Concepts

• Crime Scene: The location where a crime occurred, crucial for evidence collection.

• Investigation: The systematic process of gathering and analyzing evidence to ascertain the truth of events.

• Evidence: Any physical, biological, or digital material that provides information relating to the crime.

• Suspect: A person believed to have committed the crime; crucial for law enforcement focus.

• Victim: The individual harmed or impacted by a crime, often central to the investigative process.

• Witness: An individual who has observed the crime or has relevant information.

• Testimony: A formal statement made under oath, typically providing critical insights during trials.

• Alibi: Proof that a suspect was elsewhere at the time of the crime, often key in defense.

Crime Scene Processing

• Crime Scene Perimeter: Area secured around a crime scene to prevent contamination and maintain evidence integrity.

• First Responder: The first officer or emergency personnel at the scene, responsible for securing it.

• Documentation: Thorough recording of all findings, including notes, sketches, and photographic evidence.

• Control Sample: A known sample used for comparison in forensic analysis.

• Presumptive Test: An initial screening for possible substances, like blood or drugs.

• Confirmatory Test: A definitive test that provides conclusive identification of a substance.

Types of Evidence

Physical Evidence

• Fingerprint: Unique patterns on fingers for personal identification.

• Gunshot Residue (GSR): Particles from a firearm indicating recent gun usage.

• Tool Marks: Impressions left by tools, critical for matching suspects to crime scenes.

Biological Evidence

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Genetic material essential for individual identification.

• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA): Forensic analysis of blood patterns to reconstruct crime events.

Digital & Document Evidence

• Forensic Computing: Analysis of digital devices for evidence in criminal investigations.

• Handwriting Analysis: Examination of handwriting to verify authenticity or detect forgery.

This enhanced vocabulary list integrates fundamental and advanced forensic concepts, making it ideal for college-level discussions on Crime Scene Investigation (CSI).