Forensic Science Glossary

Automated Fingerprint Identification System; a database for storing and matching fingerprint records electronically.

The postmortem decrease in body temperature used to help estimate the time of death.

A systematic medical examination of a body after death to determine cause, manner, and mechanism of death.

The study of projectiles in motion, applied in forensics to the analysis of firearms and ammunition evidence.

The interpretation of bloodstain shapes, sizes, and distributions to reconstruct the events of a violent crime.

The documented sequence of possession and handling of evidence from collection through court presentation.

Combined DNA Index System; the FBI's national DNA database for matching crime scene profiles to known individuals.

An instrument with two optical paths allowing side-by-side comparison of two specimens, commonly used in firearms and toolmark examination.

The body of evidence that proves a crime has been committed, literally meaning 'body of the crime.'

A technique using superglue vapors to develop latent fingerprints on nonporous surfaces.

The legal criterion for admitting expert scientific testimony in federal courts, requiring reliable methodology and relevance.

A forensic technique that compares specific regions of DNA to identify individuals or link suspects to crime scenes.

A known standard sample used for comparison against questioned evidence, such as a known handwriting sample or test-fired bullet.

The study of human skeletal remains to determine identity, cause of death, and other legally relevant information.

The use of insect biology and behavior, especially colonization patterns on remains, to estimate time since death.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; an analytical method that separates and identifies chemical compounds by molecular weight and fragmentation.

A fingerprint deposit not visible to the naked eye that requires chemical, physical, or optical development to be visualized.

The postmortem settling of blood in the lowest parts of the body, producing a purple discoloration.

The principle that physical evidence is transferred whenever two objects or people come into contact.

The specific ridge characteristics (endings, bifurcations, dots) in fingerprints used for identification comparisons.

The estimated time elapsed since death, determined through physical, chemical, and entomological evidence.

A preliminary test that indicates the possible presence of a substance (e.g., blood, drugs) but requires confirmation.

Postmortem muscle stiffening caused by chemical changes in muscle tissue, used as an indicator of time since death.

Short Tandem Repeat analysis; the standard DNA profiling method examining repeated sequences at specific chromosomal locations.

Small materials such as fibers, hair, glass, paint, and soil transferred during contact, analyzed to link persons and places.