Introduction to Forensic Science

Ballistics

the science of projectiles and firearms.
the study of the effects of being fired on a bullet, cartridge, or gun.

Entomology

is the application and study of insect and other arthropod biology to criminal matters

Odontology

the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice.

Statuatory Law

define written laws, usually enacted by a legislative body.

Misdemeanor

a nonindictable offense, regarded in the US (and formerly in the UK) as less serious than a felony.

Felony

Infraction, Nolo Contendere, Frye Standard, Preliminary Hearing, Junk Science, Criminalistics, Evidence, Palynology, Pathology, Polygraphy, Criminal Law, Common Law, Violation, Civil Law, Booking, Probative, Daubert Ruling, Indict, Arraignment, Expert Witness, Hearsay, Material, Bail, Grand Jury, Elements, Probable Cause

Infraction

The definition of an infraction is a violation of the law that is less serious than a misdemeanor, or is a violation of rules you are supposed to follow. An example of an infraction is when you are speeding and given a traffic ticket.

Preliminary Hearing

Within some criminal justice systems, a preliminary hearing, preliminary examination, evidentiary hearing or probable cause hearing is a proceeding, after a criminal complaint has been filed by the prosecutor, to determine whether there is enough evidence to require a trial.

Criminalistics

another term for forensics

Evidence

the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

Pathology

the science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.

Polygraphy

an instrument for recording variations of several different pulsations (as of physiological variables) simultaneously � compare lie detector.

Criminal Law

Criminal law or penal law is the body of law that relates to crime. It regulates social conduct and proscribes whatever is threatening, harmful, or otherwise endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people. It includes the punishment of people who violate these laws.

Common Law

the part of English law that is derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes. Often contrasted with statutory law.

Violation

the action of violating someone or something.

Civil Law

Civil law, civilian law or Roman law is a legal system originating in Europe, intellectualized within the framework of late Roman law, and whose most prevalent feature is that its core principles are codified into a referable system which serves as the primary source of law

Indict

To accuse of wrongdoing; charge. a book that indicts modern values. (law) To make a formal accusation or indictment against (a party) by the findings of a jury, especially a grand jury.

Arraignment

the action of arraigning someone in court.

Expert Witness

a person who is permitted to testify at a trial because of special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case.

Hearsay

information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor.

Material

important; essential; relevant.

Bail

Bail is cash, a bond, or property that an arrested person gives to a court to ensure that he or she will appear in court when ordered to do so.

Grand Jury

A grand jury is a legal body that is empowered to conduct official proceedings to investigate potential criminal conduct and to determine whether criminal charges should be brought. A grand jury may compel the production of documents and may compel the sworn testimony of witnesses to appear before it.

Probable Cause

reasonable grounds (for making a search, pressing a charge, etc.).