Forensic science glossary
Forensic science glossary
20 terms
There is a glossary of terms frequently used in the field of forensic science. This glossary can help people in this discipline to understand more complicated words that contain several meanings.
- anthropometry
- The measurement and study of the human body’s dimensions, proportions, and physical characteristics, often used in fields such as anthropology, ergonomics, and forensics.
- ballistics
- The study of the dynamics of projectiles, particularly firearms and ammunition, encompassing the behavior of bullets in flight, their impact on targets, and the analysis of firearm-related evidence in forensic investigations.
- bloodstain patterns analysis
- Examination of the size, shape, and distribution of bloodstains at a crime scene, providing insights into the events surrounding a crime, including the nature of the attack and the positions of individuals involved.
- bullet calibres
- Measurements indicating the diameter of a bullet or the internal diameter of a firearm's barrel, often expressed in millimeters or inches, influencing the bullet's size, weight, and intended use.
- chromatography
- The legal process of pursuing formal charges against an individual or entity accused of a crime, typically carried out by a government attorney representing the state.
- civil law
- Body of law governing private rights, resolving disputes between individuals or organizations, and addressing issues such as contracts, property, and family matters.
- criminal
- Relating to crime or to the prosecution of suspects in a crime
- criminal investigation
- Systematic process of gathering evidence, analyzing facts, and identifying suspects to solve crimes and ensure justice.
- criminal procedure
- Set of rules and processes related to the enforcement of criminal law, encompassing investigation, arrest, prosecution, trial, and appeal, ensuring the rights of the accused and maintaining legal integrity.
- DNA
- Molecule carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses, composed of nucleotides arranged in a double helix structure.
- expert witnesses
- Individuals with specialized knowledge, skills, or experience in a particular field, providing opinions or testimony in legal proceedings to assist the court in understanding complex issues.
- fingerprints
- Unique patterns of ridges and grooves on the surfaces of fingertips, used for identification and forensic analysis, characterized by distinct shapes and configurations.
- fire debris
- Remnants or materials left after a fire, often including ash, charred objects, and residues, which may contain evidence of the fire's origin or accelerants.
- firearms
- Portable weapons that use gunpowder or other propellants to discharge projectiles, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, designed for various purposes such as hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.
- genetic code
- The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA) is translated into proteins, consisting of sequences of nucleotides that determine the amino acid sequence of proteins.
- investigation
- A systematic examination or inquiry aimed at uncovering facts, gathering evidence, and understanding events or circumstances surrounding a specific issue or incident.
- microscopy
- The technique of using optical instruments to view small objects, structures, or details not visible to the naked eye, often involving magnification and illumination.
- prosecution
- The legal process of pursuing formal charges against an individual or entity accused of a crime, typically carried out by a government attorney representing the state.
- toxicology
- The science studying the effects of chemicals, substances, and toxins on living organisms, including the detection, analysis, and interpretation of toxic agents in various environments, particularly in relation to health and safety.
- uhlenhuth test
- A forensic procedure used to determine the species origin of a blood sample by examining its reaction to specific antisera, helping to identify whether the blood is human or from another animal.