Forensic Science Terms

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Physiological time of death

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The time when the body's vital functions actually ceased.

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Personal protective equipment (PPE)

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Specialized equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses

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Estimated time of death

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The time the medical examiner estimates that death occurred.

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Legal time of death

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The time of death recorded on the death certificate, often when the body is found or pronounced dead.

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Algor mortis

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The change in body temperature (cooling of the body) after death.

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Rigor mortis

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The stiffening of the joints and muscles after death.

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Livor mortis

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The settling of blood in the lower portion of the body after death, causing a purplish red discoloration of the skin.

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Control group

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A group in an experiment or study that does not receive treatment and is used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested subjects do.

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Glaister equation

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A formula used to estimate the time of death based on body temperature.

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Forensic entomologist

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A scientist who studies insects to estimate the time of death in a legal investigation.