Vocab
This type of evidence proves a fact, such as a video recording of a suspect committing a crime.
direct
This evidence is a statement from a witness.
testimonial
The initial and critical task of crime scene protocol.
secure the crime scene
He popularized physical detection methods of a crime scene that inspired Sherlock Holmes and modern crime scene investigation shows.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
These are the two examples of biological evidence that are unique to every individual.
DNA & fingerprints
This is when someone speaks in court to share what they know about a case.
testimony
A person whom the judge determines possesses knowledge relevant to the trial.
expert witness
A record of who handled the evidence.
chain of custody
As a judge and founder of criminalistics, he believed science should be used to help solve crimes.
Hans Gross
This rule states scientific evidence must be generally accepted by experts in that field to be used in court.
Frye Standard
This kind of evidence suggests a fact, such as fingerprints of a suspect at a crime scene.
indirect
Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime.
alibi
This is an alternate location where evidence may be found.
secondary crime scene
He conducted the first definitive study of fingerprints and their classification.
Francis Galton
This is the main reason for the rapid expansion of crime labs in the United States.
increased demand for drug analysis
A person thought to be capable of committing a crime.
suspect
The examination of body fluids and organs for drugs and poisons.
toxicology
Judges must decide if scientific evidence is reliable and based on good science—not just accepted by experts
Daubert Standard
He showed how science could be used in a crime lab, which led to the crime scene investigation concept of his namesake about evidence contact.
Edmond Locard
(Locard Exchange Principle)
This forensic science profession studies insect evidence to determine the time of death.
Forensic Entomologist
Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime.
accomplice
This type of biological evidence narrows down the identity of a suspect to one individual.
individual evidence
This case opened the door for courts to consider new and developing scientific methods, especially when no other tests exist.
Coppolino V. (Florida) State
He established the method that uses specialized microscopes to match bullets to the gun from which they were fired.
Calvin Goddard
A medical doctor who specializes in determining the cause of death.
Forensic Pathologist