Forensic Science and Legal Terms

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mens rea

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The mental state or intent of a person to commit a crime.

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DNA

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Deoxyribonucleic acid, the carrier of genetic information used in forensic science for identification.

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Autopsy

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A post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease.

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actus reus

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The physical act of committing a crime.

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Trace Evidence

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Small pieces of evidence, such as hair or fibers, that can link a suspect to a crime scene.

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Alibi

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A claim or evidence that one was elsewhere when a crime was committed.

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Witness

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A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place.

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Burden of proof

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The obligation to prove one's assertion in a court of law.

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Hearsay

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

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Toxicology

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The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms, often used in forensic investigations.