Forensic Terminology Part 2

This is part two of Forensic Terminology. I went to the authoritative source for these terms and definitions – Forensic Files – the best TV show ever created!!  If you are a fan, give a shout out.

You can view Part 1 of Forensic Terminology here.

Stay Brutal!!

KT. B
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Electrophoresis

A technique by which DNA fragments are placed in a gel and charged with electricity. The process separates the fragments by size, as part of the process of creating a genetic profile.

Endothermic Reaction

A chemical transformation in which heat energy is absorbed from the surroundings.

Entomology

The scientific study of insects. The type of insects and their state of development, in combination with weather data and the condition of a decomposing body, can provide forensic investigators with accurate indicators of time of death.

Epidemiology

The study of the occurrence, distribution, and causes of disease in human and animal populations.

Epilepsy

A group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, or all of these.

Evidence

Anything that has been used, left, removed, altered, or contaminated during the commission of a crime.

Fingerprint

The unique patterns created by skin ridges found on the palm sides of fingers and thumbs.

Fluoresce

When a substance emits visible light when exposed to light of a shorter wavelength. Ultraviolet light, for example, will cause many objects to fluoresce.

Forensic Animation

The use of video technology to recreate crime scenes. Forensic animations are sometimes entered into evidence so jurors can view a sequence of events that otherwise could only be described by opposing attorneys. Some courts will not admit forensic animation into trial..

Forensic Linguistics

The forensic analysis of language such as letters, confessions, threats, and recorded speech.

Forensic Linguistics Demographics

The analysis of language to reveal traits of the speaker or writer such as possible geographic origin, education level, or occupation.

Forensic Meteorology

The study of weather patterns and how they relate to the investigation of crimes.

Forensic Psychologist

A trained mental health professional who examines suspects, perpetrators and victims in order to establish their psychological state and their ability to participate in the legal process.

Forensic Pathology

The study of how and why people die; a sub-specialty of pathology.

Forensic Science

The application of science to law and the investigation of criminal activity.

Forensic Sculpting

The attempt by a sculptor to create a likeness of a given individual using his or her skull.

Gene

A unit of inheritance located on a chromosome.

Genetic Fingerprinting

See DNA. The use of DNA technology to identify given individuals.

Geographic Profiling

A method to help investigators locate serial offenders. The sites and times of serial crimes in a given jurisdiction are entered into a computer program. This program then processes the information to give investigators a hypothetical area in which the perpetrator lives and operates.

Gas Chromatograph (GC)

A forensic tool used to identify the chemical makeup of substances used in the commission of crimes. The questioned substance is burned at high temperatures. The temperature at which this material becomes gas is then charted to determine its makeup.

Hemoglobin

A red blood cell protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream. Also provides the red coloring of blood.

High Explosive

Any explosive with a velocity of detonation greater than 1000 meters per second. Dynamite is a high explosive.

Idiolect

The variety of a language unique to an individual.

Inorganic Compound

A chemical compound not based on carbon.

Laser

Stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A device that produces a coherent beam of optical radiation by stimulating electronic, ionic, or molecular transitions in order to create energy.

Latent Fingerprint

A fingerprint made by deposits of oils and/or perspiration, not usually visible to the human eye. Various technologies, including lasers, can be used to identify latent prints.

Lie Detector

Also known as a “Polygraph.” A machine that charts how respiration and other bodily functions change as questions are asked of the person being tested. An attempt to knowingly provide false answers can cause changes in bodily functions. Lie detector tests are not admissible in court.

Limnology

The study of fresh waters (lakes and ponds — both natural and manmade) is including their biological, physical, and chemical aspects.

Lividity

Also known as “liver mortis.” Postmortem discoloration caused by the gravitation of blood to various parts of the body. Can be used to help determine time of death, and placement of a body after death.

Low Explosive

An explosive with a velocity of detonation less than 100 meters per second. Gunpowder is a low explosive.

Luminol

A chemical that is capable of detecting bloodstains diluted up to 10,000 times. Luminol is used to identify blood that has been removed from a given area. It is an invaluable tool for investigators at altered crime scenes.

M.O., or ‘Method of Operation’

From the Latin, Modus Operandi. Refers to method by which crimes are committed. Most often used on an individual basis to establish the pattern with which a perpetrator carries out a crime or series of crimes.

Manner of Death

An explanation of the way in which death is caused. Medicolegal manners of death are: homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and undetermined.

Medical Examiner

A medical doctor who determines causes of death, performs autopsies, and acts as an expert witness in criminal and civil trials where cause and/or manner of death are relevant.

Micro-spectro Photometry

The use of an electronic microscope in which electrons are beamed onto the specimen. The analyst then charts the electron emissions that are created in order to identify the specimen.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

A short sequence found outside of the cell nucleus in cells. Called mitochondria, this material is used in the absence of quality genetic material like blood, semen or saliva. It is passed only from mother to child; siblings share maternal mitochondria. Hairs and fingernails are good sources of mitochondria.

Monochromatic Light

Light having a single wavelength or frequency.

See also: Forensic Terminology Part 1