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- A.F.I.S. - A.F.I.S. (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) is a sophisticated database and software solution that expedites fingerprint analysis and identification by comparing submitted fingerprints with a vast database of known fingerprints. Read Full Definition
- ABO blood typing - ABO blood typing is a genetic test that categorizes individuals into blood types (A, B, AB, or O) based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Read Full Definition
- Abrasion - An abrasion is a superficial skin wound, or scrape, caused by friction. In forensic pathology, its pattern and characteristics can reveal crucial information about the cause, timing, and circumstances of an injury... Read Full Definition
- Absorbance - Absorbance – the measurement of how much light is absorbed by a substance. The inverse of transmittance. Read Full Definition
- Accelerants - An "accelerant" is a substance used to initiate, enhance, or control the spread of a fire. Accelerants are often flammable or combustible liquids that, when applied to a fire, can cause it to ignite more Read Full Definition
- Accessioning - In the forensic context, accessioning refers to the specialized process of receiving, handling, and documenting evidence and samples collected at crime scenes or related to criminal investigations. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity Read Full Definition
- Accessioning - Accessioning – the process of receiving, sorting, and labeling samples. The specimen accessioner is also responsible for the accurate distribution of the samples to the correct departments for testing. Read Full Definition
- Accident reconstruction - "Accident reconstruction" refers to the process of using physical evidence, scientific principles, and investigative techniques to create a theoretical model or reenactment of a specific crime or accident scene. This method is employed to understand Read Full Definition
- Accountability Mechanisms - Accountability mechanisms are the formal systems, policies, and procedures ensuring forensic labs and scientists are responsible, competent, and ethical. They are crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of scientific evidence in the justice system... Read Full Definition
- Accreditation - Accreditation – a process by which a laboratory must prove to an accrediting agency that their processes, equipment, and employees are competent, credible, and accurate. The accrediting agency will inspect the laboratory and observe its Read Full Definition
- Accuracy - In scientific and measurement contexts, "accuracy" refers to the degree of proximity or closeness between a measured value and the true or actual value of the measured quantity. Accuracy indicates how well a measurement reflects Read Full Definition
- Acid phosphatase - Acid phosphatase- an enzyme found in many tissues but is 500 to 1000 times more active in human semen than any other body fluid. May be used forensically as an indicator for the presence of semen. Read Full Definition
- Acquittal - Acquittal- A courtroom verdict in which a criminal defendant has not been found guilty Read Full Definition
- Adipocere - "Adipocere," also known as "grave wax," refers to a unique substance that forms during the decomposition of human bodies when they are buried in moist or waterlogged environments. It is a waxy, soap-like material that Read Full Definition
- Adolescence - Period of transition, from the beginning of puberty until sexual maturity. Read Full Definition
- Advocate - A person who aligns themselves with the patient, providing emotional support, referral services for follow-up, contact with social services, legal assistance, arrangements for transportation, presence in court, and for other needs. Read Full Definition
- Algorithmic Bias - Algorithmic bias refers to systematic errors in an AI system that create unfair or discriminatory outcomes. In forensics, this can affect tools like facial recognition, leading to different accuracy rates for different demographic groups and Read Full Definition
- Algorithmic Prediction - In a legal context, algorithmic prediction is the use of AI to forecast future events, such as a defendant's risk of re-offending or where crimes might occur. These data-driven tools are used to support decisions Read Full Definition
- Aliquot - In the forensic context, the concept of "aliquot" remains applicable but with specific relevance to handling and analyzing forensic samples and evidence. Here's how aliquots are used in forensic investigations: • Evidence Preservation: In forensic Read Full Definition
- Alleged - Alleged is a term used in legal contexts to describe an accusation or claim that has been made against an individual but has not yet been proven or confirmed. Read Full Definition
- Allele - Alleles are different forms of a gene resulting from mutations or variations in the DNA sequence or gene expression. They can be dominant (expressed with one copy) or recessive (expressed only with two copies). Read Full Definition
- Alternate light source - Alternate light source - Special lighting device that produces visible and invisible light at various wavelengths to help investigators locate and visually enhance items of evidence (e.g., fluids, fingerprints, clothing fibers). Read Full Definition
- Amino Acids - Amino acids are essential for protein synthesis. There are about 20, with ten being essential, not produced by the human body. Read Full Definition
- Analyst - A designated person who examines and analyzes seized drugs or related materials, or directs such examinations to be done; independently has access to unsealed evidence in order to remove samples from the evidentiary material for Read Full Definition
- Analyte - The component of a system to be analyzed. Read Full Definition
- Arson - "Arson" is a criminal act involving intentionally and unlawfully setting fire to buildings, structures, or other property types. It is a serious offense and is considered a crime in most legal jurisdictions. Here are key Read Full Definition
- Associated Evidence - Associative evidence is any physical evidence that can establish a link between two entities, such as a person, place, or object. Its purpose is to connect the critical components of an investigation: the suspect, victim, Read Full Definition
- Audit - Systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled. Read Full Definition
- authentication - Verifying the identity of a user, process, or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system. Read Full Definition
- Autopsy - An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination or necropsy (when performed on animals), is a thorough and systematic medical procedure that involves the examination of a deceased person's body, typically to determine or confirm Read Full Definition
- Auxospore - A reproductive cell in diatoms usually results from the union of two smaller cells or their contents and is associated with rejuvenescence in cells that have become progressively smaller because of repeated divisions Read Full Definition
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- Bias - The difference between the expectation of the test results and an accepted reference value. Read Full Definition
- Big Data Analytics - Big Data Analytics is the process of examining extremely large and complex datasets to uncover hidden patterns and insights. In forensics, it's used to analyze massive amounts of information to investigate fraud, cybercrime, and other Read Full Definition
- Biological Evidence - Biological evidence - physical evidence such as bodily fluids that originated from a human, plant or animal. Read Full Definition
- Black Box Study - In forensic science, researchers use black box studies to measure the reliability of methods that rely mainly on human judgment instead of methods that rely on laboratory instruments. In digital forensics, experts turn data from Read Full Definition
- Blank - Specimen or sample not containing the analyte or other interfering substances. Read Full Definition
- Byproduct - A secondary or incidental product of a manufacturing process. Read Full Definition
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- Calibration - The act of checking or adjusting (by comparison with a standard) the accuracy of a measuring instrument. Operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a relation between the quantity values with measurement Read Full Definition
- Calibration curve - A calibration curve is a fundamental tool used in scientific analysis to determine the concentration of a substance in an unknown sample. Here's how it works: • Known Concentration Samples: A series of samples with Read Full Definition
- Capacity - The amount of finished product that could be produced, either in one batch or over a defined period of time, and given a set list of variables. Read Full Definition
- Cast-off Trails - Cast-off trails refer to the distinctive patterns or paths cast-off blood creates as it is projected or transferred from a source during motion. These patterns are crucial to bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) in forensic science Read Full Definition
- Catalyst - A catalyst is a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In forensics, it's the principle behind tests like the luminol reaction, where iron in blood catalyzes Read Full Definition
- Catalyst - A catalyst is a substance that facilitates and accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself during the reaction. Catalysts play a vital role in chemistry and are used to Read Full Definition
- Cause of Death - The cause of death refers to the specific injury, disease, or underlying condition that directly leads to an individual's demise. It is a critical determination made by medical professionals, such as Medical Examiners or Coroners, Read Full Definition
- Centrifugation - Centrifugation is a process that uses centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on their sedimentation rate. The sample is placed in a tube, which is then spun at a high speed. The Read Full Definition
- Certification - Certification is a process through which a scientist can demonstrate their knowledge and competence in a particular field or in performing specific assays. It involves meeting established standards and requirements set by a certifying body. Read Full Definition
- Chain of Custody - Chain of custody - The process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the evidence. Documents record the individual who collects the evidence and each person or agency that subsequently takes custody of Read Full Definition
- Chromosome - A chromosome is a thread-like, rod-shaped structure found within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomes are the primary carriers of genetic information in the form of genes, and they play a fundamental role in Read Full Definition
- Cipher text - Cipher text is a message that has been changed so that it cannot be read by anyone who tries to read it. Read Full Definition
- Cloud Computing - Cloud Computing - software, applications and digital storage that is accessed on the Internet through a web browser or desktop or mobile app. The software and user’s data are stored on servers at a remote Read Full Definition
- Codon - Codons are triplets of DNA or RNA nucleotides that code for specific amino acids, essential for protein synthesis. Read Full Definition
- Compound - In scientific terminology, a "compound" refers to a substance formed by the combination of two or more different elements or molecules. These elements or molecules can be chemically bonded together to create a new substance Read Full Definition
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful simulation tool that uses computers to model the flow of liquids and gases. In forensics, it's used to create virtual reconstructions of events like blood spatter and fire Read Full Definition
- Confirmatory Test - A confirmatory test is a specialized and highly accurate analytical procedure conducted after a preliminary screening or presumptive test to definitively identify a substance or compound. A confirmatory test is a specific type of test Read Full Definition
- Contamination - Contamination - The unwanted transfer of material from another source to a piece of physical evidence. The inadvertent touching of a weapon, thereby adding fingerprints to it is an example of evidence contamination. Read Full Definition
- Control Sample - Control sample - material of a known source that presumably was uncontaminated during the commission of the crime. Read Full Definition
- Crime Scene Staging - Crime scene staging is the intentional manipulation of a crime scene by perpetrators or their accomplices to mislead investigators, alter timelines, plant evidence, or minimize criminal liability. Read Full Definition
- Criminology - Criminology is the study of criminal behavior and its interactions with the legal system, incorporating theories, crime prevention, and societal implications. Read Full Definition
- Cross-Contamination - Cross-contamination - The unwanted transfer of material between two or more sources of physical evidence. For example, improperly collecting biological evidence such as blood could lead to one sample mixing with another sample and contaminating Read Full Definition
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- Data - Information in analog or digital form that can be transmitted or processed. Read Full Definition
- Decryption - Decryption is the process of converting the cipher text back to the original text to read the message. Read Full Definition
- Diatom Analysis - What is Diatom Analysis? A Forensic Test for Drowning Diatom Analysis is a forensic technique that involves the isolation, identification, and comparison of microscopic algae called diatoms to support a diagnosis of drowning. Because diatoms Read Full Definition
- Diatoms - Diatoms are single-celled algae with siliceous cell walls found in various aquatic environments. Forensic scientists use their unique compositions to link victims to specific bodies of water. Read Full Definition
- Diploid - Diploid is the quality of a cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. Sexually reproducing organisms are diploid. In humans, only their egg and sperm cells are haploid. Read Full Definition
- DNA - DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the genetic material found in cells, composed of a double helix structure. It serves as the genetic blueprint for all living organisms. Read Full Definition
- DNA Profiling - DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting, is a significant technique in forensic science that identifies individual's unique DNA patterns for various purposes such as establishing familial relationships or tracing genealogical roots. The technique, which Read Full Definition
- Double Helix - The double helix is the intertwined structure of DNA, enabling genetic information storage, replication, and individual identification, which is crucial in forensic science. Read Full Definition
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- Elimination Sample - Elimination sample - material of a known source taken from a person who had lawful access to the scene/ evidence. Or A DNA sample collected from an individual not thought to be a suspect in Read Full Definition
- Encryption - Encryption is the process in which the message or data is scrambled using the various algorithms available in all cryptographic algorithms. Read Full Definition
- Evidence - Evidence is any form of proof, such as objects, materials, or scientific findings, presented to establish or disprove a fact in a legal proceeding. It is used to reconstruct events and link or exclude individuals Read Full Definition
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- Facial Approximation - Facial approximation refers to the process of estimating the living facial image of a person from the evidence presented by a recovered skull. Read Full Definition
- fingerprints - Fingerprint, impression made by the papillary ridges on the ends of the fingers and thumbs. Fingerprints afford an infallible means of personal identification, because the ridge arrangement on every finger of every human being is Read Full Definition
- First Responder - First responders - The initial responding law enforcement officer(s) and/or other public safety official(s) or service provider(s) arriving at the scene prior to the arrival of the investigator(s) in charge. Read Full Definition
- Fluoresent Powder - Fluorescent powders - Powder containing fluorescent chemicals that is applied to a surface to reveal latent prints; used in conjunction with an alternate light source. Read Full Definition
- Forensic Anthropology - Forensic anthropology is a special sub-field of physical anthropology (the study of human remains) that involves applying skeletal analysis and techniques in archaeology to solving criminal cases. Read Full Definition
- Forensic Archaeology - Forensic archaeology is a field of forensic science which involves application of archaeological methods in investigation of a crime scene in order to identify evidence and reconstruct crime scene, usually a murder. Forensic archaeologist are Read Full Definition
- Forensic Ballistics - Forensic ballistics is a field within forensic science that examines firearms, bullets, and the trajectory of projectiles to help solve crimes. Read Full Definition
- Forensic Diatomology - Forensic diatomology is defined as the application of diatoms for solving drowning-related cases for medico-legal purposes. Read Full Definition
- Forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and searching - Forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and searching (FGGS), also known as forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogy research to generate investigative leads for unsolved violent crimes. Read Full Definition
- Forensic Science - Discover the fascinating field of Forensic Science, the application of scientific principles to legal matters. This post delves into its many disciplines, from DNA analysis to crime scene investigation, its importance in the justice system, Read Full Definition
- Forensic Taphonomy - Forensic taphonomy is the study of what happens to a body between death and recovery. Read Full Definition
- Frequency - Frequency is a fundamental concept in physics and wave theory. It refers to the number of times a specific point on a wave, such as a crest or trough, passes a fixed reference point in Read Full Definition
- Functional group - A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that imparts characteristic chemical properties to that molecule. These atoms share common structural features and can participate in particular chemical reactions. Functional groups Read Full Definition
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- Gametes - Gametes are specialized male (sperm) and female (egg) cells that unite during fertilization to create a zygote, promoting genetic diversity and enabling sexual reproduction. Read Full Definition
- Gene - Genes are DNA segments (or RNA in some viruses) that dictate cellular processes, traits, and hereditary information, promoting genetic diversity and evolution in living organisms. Read Full Definition
- Genome - A genome is the complete set of an organism's genetic material, while genomics is the study of genomes, investigating their evolution, structure, and function. Read Full Definition
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- Haploid - Haploid is the quality of a cell or organism having a single set of chromosomes. Organisms that reproduce asexually are haploid. Read Full Definition
- Homogeneous - "Homogeneous" refers to a state in which a substance or mixture is uniform throughout, meaning that its composition, properties, and characteristics are consistent and identical in all parts of the substance or mixture. In various Read Full Definition
- Hudud - Hudud is the word often used in Islamic literature for the bounds of acceptable behaviour and the punishments for serious crimes. In Islamic law or Sharia, hudud usually refers to the class of punishments that Read Full Definition
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- Immunoassay - An immunoassay is a biochemical test commonly used in medical and scientific laboratories to detect and measure the presence of a specific molecule or compound in a sample. This type of assay relies on the Read Full Definition
- Impression Evidence - Impression evidence - Objects or materials that have retained the characteristics of other objects that have been physically pressed against them Read Full Definition
- Indictment - An indictment is an official accusation stating that a person is being charged with a crime and that a criminal trial will be held. Read Full Definition
- Internal standard - An internal standard, in analytical chemistry and laboratory testing, is a substance deliberately added to multiple samples within an experiment, including blank samples, calibration standards, and unknown samples. Its primary purpose is to enhance the Read Full Definition
- Ion - An ion is a type of chemical species that results from the unequal number of electrons and protons in an atom or molecule. This imbalance in charge gives ions an electric charge, either positive or Read Full Definition
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- Latent Print - Latent print - A fingerprint, palm print or footprint that is not readily visible under normal lighting. Read Full Definition
- Locus - A locus is the precise position of a gene on a chromosome. Different alleles of the same gene occupy the same locus. Read Full Definition
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- Marine Forensics - Read Full Definition
- Metabolites - A metabolite is a compound produced due to metabolic processes or metabolic reactions within an organism. Metabolism refers to the collective chemical processes that occur within living cells to maintain life, including energy production, growth, Read Full Definition
- Molecular ion - In the context of mass spectrometry, a molecular ion is a significant peak on the mass spectrum representing the molecular weight of the compound being analyzed. The molecular ion may or may not be present Read Full Definition
- Molecule - A molecule is a fundamental unit of matter composed of two or more atoms that are chemically bonded together. It is the smallest possible amount of a particular substance that retains all of the unique Read Full Definition
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- Necrophilia - Necrophilia is a sexual attraction or an act involving corpses. Read Full Definition
- Necropsy - A necropsy is the examination of an animal after death. The purpose of a necropsy is typically to determine the cause of death or extent of disease. Read Full Definition
- Negative control - In the context of laboratory testing and quality control, a negative control is a crucial component used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of an assay or experiment. It is a reference sample that should Read Full Definition
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- Osteology - the study of the structure and function of the skeleton and bony structures. Read Full Definition
- Other Responders - Other responders - Individuals who are involved in an aspect of the crime scene, such as perimeter security, traffic control, media management, scene processing, and technical support, as well as prosecutors, medical personnel, medical examiners, Read Full Definition
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- Palynology - Palynology is the study of palynomorphs - microscopic structures of both animal and plant origin that are resistant to decay. This includes spermatophyte pollen, as well as spores (fungi, bryophytes, and ferns), dinoflagellates, and various Read Full Definition
- Parenchymal organs - The parenchymal organs include the kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, spleen, and pancreas. Read Full Definition
- Polymerase Chain Reaction - A method of making multiple copies of a DNA sequence involving repeated reactions with a polymerase. Read Full Definition
- Positive control - A positive control, in the context of laboratory testing and quality control, is a critical element used to validate the accuracy and reliability of an assay or experiment. It is a known sample that contains Read Full Definition
- Post Mortem Interval - The post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time that has elapsed since an individual's death. When the time of death is not known, the interval may be estimated, and so an estimated time of death is established. Read Full Definition
- Precise - "Precise" refers to the degree of closeness or consistency between multiple measurements or values taken under the same conditions. It indicates how well these measurements agree with each other, regardless of whether they are accurate Read Full Definition
- Presumptive Test - Presumptive test - a test that is typically conducted at a crime scene that provides investigators with basic information regarding the compound in question. Presumptive tests can typically reveal the class of evidence, but are Read Full Definition
- Probative - Probative - possessing the potential to provide details that are valuable to an investigation. Read Full Definition
- Proficiency test - In the context of laboratory and forensic testing, a proficiency test is used to evaluate a laboratory's competence and accuracy in conducting specific testing procedures. It involves the analysis of samples provided by a proficiency Read Full Definition
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- Qisas - It is a category of criminal justice in Islamic jurisprudence, where Sharia allows equal retaliation as the punishment Read Full Definition
- Quality assurance - Quality assurance (QA) is a comprehensive set of activities and processes to ensure the overall quality and reliability of the work conducted within a laboratory. QA is a proactive approach that focuses on improving scientific Read Full Definition
- Quality control - Quality control (QC) refers to a series of activities and measures conducted on individual laboratory tests or analyses to verify and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. QC is a reactive approach that Read Full Definition
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- Reconstructive Evidence - Reconstructive evidence - reconstructive evidence allows investigators to gain an understanding of the actions that took place at the scene; a broken window, a blood spatter pattern, bullet paths and shoe prints. Read Full Definition
- Reference Sample - Reference sample - material from a verifiable/documented source which, when compared with evidence of an unknown source, shows an association or linkage between an offender, crime scene, and/or victim. Read Full Definition
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- Sensitivity - In the context of laboratory equipment or analytical techniques, the term "sensitive" describes the capability of a machine or method to detect even very small amounts or concentrations of a substance. Sensitivity is a quantitative Read Full Definition
- Sex offender - A sex offender (sexual offender, sex abuser, or sexual abuser) is a person who has committed a sex crime. What constitutes a sex crime differs by culture and legal jurisdiction. The majority of convicted sex offenders have convictions for crimes Read Full Definition
- Sexual Dimorphism - Sexual dimorphism, the differences in appearance between males and females of the same species, such as in colour, shape, size, and structure, that are caused by the inheritance of one or the other sexual pattern Read Full Definition
- short tandem repeat - A short tandem repeat is a microsatellite with repeat units that are 2 to 7 base pairs in length, with the number of repeats varying among individuals, making STRs effective for human identification purposes Read Full Definition
- Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms - A single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP (pronounced "snip"), is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. Read Full Definition
- Specificity - In the context of laboratory equipment or analytical techniques, the term "specific" describes the capability of a machine or method to accurately and selectively detect particular molecules or substances while minimizing interference from others. Specificity Read Full Definition
- Statute of Limitations - A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time that parties involved in a dispute have to initiate legal proceedings from the date of an alleged offense, whether civil or Read Full Definition
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- Tazir - In Islamic Law, tazir (ta'zeer or ta'zir, Arabic: تعزير) refers to punishment for offenses at the discretion of the judge (Qadi) or ruler of the state. Read Full Definition
- Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) - Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a surface-sensitive analytical method that uses a pulsed ion beam (Cs or microfocused Ga) to remove molecules from the very outermost surface of the sample. The particles are Read Full Definition
- Trace Evidence - Trace evidence - Physical evidence that results from the transfer of small quantities of materials (e.g., hair, textile fibers, paint chips, glass fragments, gunshot residue particles). Read Full Definition
- Transient Evidence - Transient evidence - Evidence which by its very nature or the conditions at the scene will lose its evidentiary value if not preserved and protected (e.g., blood in the rain). Read Full Definition
- Transmittance - Transmittance is a measurement used to quantify the amount of light that passes through a sample or substance. It provides information about the degree to which light is transmitted through the material. Transmittance is particularly Read Full Definition
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- Unknown/Questioned Sample - Unknown/questioned sample - evidence of unknown origin; these samples could be found at a crime scene, transferred to an offender during commission of a crime, or recovered from more than one crime scene. Read Full Definition
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- Validation - Validation, often referred to as method validation, is a crucial process in the laboratory when introducing a new machine, technology, or analytical technique. It involves a series of systematic steps and assessments to ensure that Read Full Definition
- Volatile - In scientific and chemical contexts, the term "volatile" describes a substance that has the propensity to evaporate or change from a liquid state to a gaseous state readily at normal or room temperatures. Volatility is Read Full Definition
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- Wavelength - Wavelength is a fundamental concept in the study of waves, whether they are associated with sound or light. It refers to the distance between two successive points on a wave, commonly measured from crest to Read Full Definition
- What is Corpus Delicti? - Corpus delicti, Latin for "body of the crime," is the legal principle that requires proof that a crime has actually occurred. Forensic science is often used to establish this by showing that a loss or Read Full Definition
- whole exome sequencing - A laboratory process that is used to determine the nucleotide sequence primarily of the exonic (or protein-coding) regions of an individual’s genome and related sequences, representing approximately 1% of the complete DNA sequence. Also called Read Full Definition
