Download Forensic Glossary

Glossary of Forensics Terms
Forensics: study linking suspect, victim, and crime scene together in order to solve
crimes; analyze clues to reconstruct past events
Crime Scene: where crime took place and evidence is collected
Autopsy: medical examination that normally involves dissecting a body to
determine cause of death
CODIS: Combined DNA Index System of the FBI which is used to share DNA
profiles kept in the FBI’s National database with law enforcement officials
Cold Case: old, unsolved criminal case; Many are now being solved with DNA tests
Contamination: act of ruining evidence by accidentally depositing outside trace
evidence, including DNA, on items from a crime scene or suspect
DNA: carries unique, inherited information passed down from parents; double helix
form; found in skin, hair, saliva, blood and other fluids
DNA Analysis: newer technology; difficult to analyze; run on x-ray film, examined
with naked eye
 minute amount needed for test
 easily contaminated
 CAN BE destroyed in a fire
 proves person “could” have been present
 links suspect to crime, excludes suspect, and UNIQUE to individuals
Expert Witness: specialist, such as a forensic scientist, who testifies at a trial
Gas Chromatography: treatment that separates and identifies substances in gases and
chemicals; identifies chemical composition
Ink Chromatography: separates pigments in ink; identifies pen used
Latent Fingerprints: invisible to the naked eye; found at the crime scene using black
powder and tape, ultraviolet light or laser
Locard’s Exchange Principle: any physical contact between a suspect and victim will
result in physical evidence being exchanged between them;
*Dr. Edmund Locard- French police officer and forensic scientist
Professional Witness: professional person, such as a police officer, who testifies at a
trial
Trace Evidence: small items of evidence from a crime scene or suspect; help to
determine things to link suspect, victim and crime scene; hair, fiber, skin,
DNA, soil, gunshot residue, etc.
Eyewitness Accounts: often misleading; based on an individual’s observations of
a crime, which could have some prejudice
Witness of Fact: member of the general public who testifies at a trial
Bones: can lead you to age, sex, height and cause of death
Hair: trace evidence that can link suspect, victim, and crime scene
Fiber: trace evidence that can link suspect, victim and crime scene; little pieces of
cloth, carpet, rope, etc.
Glass: trace evidence that can help determine directionality and order of events;
smooth edges—fire broke glass, jagged edges—glass broken before fire
Fingerprints: no two are alike; ridges on your fingers that come after 3 months
gestation; made of sweat and oils;
arch -- rise above one another at center
loop – ridges double back on themselves
whorl – small “whirlpools” revolving around a point
Fingerprint Analysis: older technology; today, viewed with computers
 generally, need entire print
 not easily contaminated
 NOT destroyed in a fire
 proves person WAS there
 links suspect to crime, excludes suspect, and UNIQUE to individual
Accelerant: flammable liquid used to start fires
Arson: crime of intentionally setting a fire
Arsonist: person who destroys property by setting fire for revenge, insurance