Chapter 1 Forensic Science Fundamentals & Investigations

Analytical Skills

The ability to identify a concept or problem and draw appropriate conclusions

Deductive Reasoning

Deriving a conclusion from the facts using a series of logical steps

Eyewitness

A person who has seen someone/something related to a crime and can communicate his or her observations

Fact

A statement or information that can be verified

Forensic

Relating to the application of scientific knowledge to legal questions

Logical

Reasoned from facts

Observations

What a person perceives using his or her senses

Opinion

Personal belief founded on judgement rather than on direct experience or knowledge

Perception

Information received from the senses