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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