Forensic Terminology Part 1

If you have not visited Forensic File’s site, you are missing out on some great info AND clips from their show.

I will be running a series on terms and jargon used in forensic pathology to help understand what the scientists are talking about on crime shows.  Here is part 1.  Let me know if you learn anything.

Stay Brutal!

KT. B
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Accelerant

A substance that is used to create and sometimes direct the spread of a fire. The most commonly used liquid accelerants include gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene, and turpentine. See Gas Chromatography for information on how accelerants are identified.

Accident Reconstruction

The use of physical evidence to build a theoretical model of a given crime or accident scene.

Adipocere

A waxy, soap-like substance formed during the decomposition of bodies buried in moist places. It consists principally of insoluble salts of fatty acids. Also called “grave wax.” Composed of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids.

Allele

Any of several alternative forms of a gene located at the same point on a particular pair of chromosomes. For example, the genes determining blood types A and B are alleles.

Anthropology

The science of the origin, culture, and development of humans. This can come into play when identifying skeletal remains, certain foodstuffs or items of clothing.

Antibody

A protein that destroys or inactivates a specific antigen. Antibodies are found in the blood serum.

Antigen

A substance, usually a protein, that stimulates the body to produce antibodies against it.

Arson

The crime of intentionally setting fire to buildings and other property.

Aspermia

The absence of sperm. Sterility in males.

Autopsy

The internal examination of a body after death; performed to confirm or determine the cause of death.

Autorad

Common term for “Autoradiograph,” the final product in a DNA analysis. Autorads, which look very much like bar-codes, are formed by the reaction of electricity with genetic material (DNA). This reaction is unique to each sample of genetic material, providing an invaluable tool for identification. The reaction takes place on a nylon membrane which is photographed against x-ray film.

Ballistics

The science of the motion of projectiles. When a bullet is fired, it will have distinctive characteristics caused by the gun from which it is fired. Examiners can use this evidence to match bullets or bullet fragments to specific weapons.

Blood Spatter

The impact of spilled blood on surfaces. The pattern of the impact can provide vital information about the source of the blood. Blood spatter can help determine the size and type of wounds, the direction and speed with which the perpetrator or victim was moving, and the type of weapons used to create the blood spill.

Blood Volume Test

A test designed to show the quantity of blood shed in a particular area. Also designed to show how much blood was shed to create a given stain or blood spatter pattern, and the amount of time needed to create that stain.

Bloodstain Interpretation

The interpretation of size, shape, orientation, and distribution of bloodstains on various surfaces, and what information can be derived from the proper interpretation of the stains.

Botany

The scientific study of plants. Plant matter found at crime scenes is organic material and, like bodily fluids, has unique DNA sequences.

Bullet Track

The path of a bullet or projectile as it passes through matter, such as a body or a wall.

Caliber

The diameter of the bore of a rifled firearm, usually expressed in hundredths of an inch.

Cast-off Blood

Blood that travels from a source due to the movement of that source. A bleeding person will cast-off blood, as will a weapon or other item that is in movement.

Cast-off Trails

The patterns that are created by cast-off blood.

Catalyst

A substance that accelerates the rates of chemical reactions but is not itself permanently changed by the reaction.

Cause of Death

Any injury or disease that results in physical trauma to the body, leading to death. Medical Examiners and/or Coroners will make the determination of cause, either at the scene or during a subsequent autopsy.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Atlanta-based US government institution whose mission is to study and prevent disease in human and animal populations.

Chromosome

A rod-like structure in the nucleus of a cell along which genes are located.

Clinical Forensic Nursing

The application of clinical nursing practice to trauma survivors or to crime victims, involving the identification of the unrecognized, unidentified injuries, and the proper processing of forensic evidence

Composite Drawing

A sketch of a suspect produced from eyewitness-descriptions of one or more persons.

Computer Forensics

The application of computer technology for the purpose of examining potential evidence, including, but not limited to: theft of trade secrets; theft of, or destruction of property; and fraud. Specialists can recover data that has been deleted, encrypted, or damaged.

Crime Scene Staging

The attempt by a perpetrator or accomplice to alter a crime scene in order to reduce its evidentiary value.

Criminal Profiling

A tool used to aid investigators by providing information about the type of individual committing a specific crime. Information taken from the crime scene is integrated with known psychological theory and the history and background of the victim to draw up a biographical sketch of the perpetrator.

Criminology

The study of criminal activity and how it is dealt with by the law.

Diatom

A microscopic, single-cell form of marine or fresh-water algae, having siliceous cell walls. A body of water may contain many specifies of diatoms, but not all species of diatoms live in every body of water. Through painstaking examination, forensic scientists are able to identify the body of water wherein a given specifies of diatom lives.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Constructed of a double helix, DNA is the genetic material contained in cells. All organic matter has a specific DNA sequence; these sequences act like a genetic fingerprint and are currently the best method for identifying organic evidence like blood and other bodily fluids.

DNA Databanks

Databases which store DNA profiles collected from various classes of offenders. DNA from a given crime can be entered into the databank; it can then be matched with DNA profiles from other crimes, providing potential matches from previous convictions.

DNA Profiling

The process of testing to identify DNA patterns or types. In forensic science this testing is used to indicate parentage or to exclude or include individuals as possible sources of bodily fluid stains (blood, saliva, semen) and other biological evidence (bones, hair, teeth.)