Forensic Basics
The use of science to solve legal questions
What is forensic science?
This breakthrough tool helps scientists see tiny evidence up close
What is a microscope?
These unique "ID cards" are found on our fingers, palms, and soles. They can prove who was at a crime scene
What are fingerprints?
This is used to mark off the area of a crime scene
What is crime scene tape?
He discovered ABO blood groups
Who is Carl Landsteiner?
The study of blood
What is serology?
Investigators use things like dusting powder and luminol for this
What are fingerprints?
Tiny clues like hair, fibers, paint, glass, or soil are known by this name
What is trace evidence?
CSI teams collect, protect, and transport this
What is evidence?
The FBI's national lab offers help to these people nationwide
What is law enforcement?
The study of drugs and poisons
What is toxicology?
These help forensic scientists stay clean and safe
What are protective clothing?
Clues from living or once-living things, such as bodies, bones, teeth, plants, or insects
What is biological evidence?
This record of who handled the evidence is protected by storing evidence in a locked room
What is the chain of custody?
This expert examined bullets and shell casings from a crime scene where killers posed as police officers
Who is Calvin Goddard?
The development of trains, planes, and cars made this type of testimony less reliable because people could travel more
What is an eyewitness?
This technology is used to record a crime scene
What is photography (or a camera)?
The study of handwriting, signatures, and spotting fake papers is part of this examination
What is document examination?
While running errands, you leave behind hair and fibers but also pick up soil and other materials, making you a...
What is a walking evidence factory?
Goddard used this new tool to prove shell casings came from Scarface's men
What is a comparison microscope?
This principle states that every time you touch a person, place, or object, you leave something behind
What is the Locard Exchange Principle?
This type of special kit is used to collect evidence from shoes, tires, or tool marks
What is a casting kit?
Studying these can help identify an unknown victim or reveal the time of death
What are plants and insects?
Flashlights, lasers, and these special lights are used to reveal hidden evidence
What are UV lights?
Big labs have separate departments, but these labs combine services
What are small labs?