Chapter 1 - Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law

This type of law consists of the laws passed by the legislature. For the federal government, the acts passed by the United States Congress. These acts are designated as Public Laws or Private Laws.

• Equity Law

• Common (Case) Law

• Criminal Law

• Statutory Law

This person applies scientific techniques in a laboratory to identify, analyze, and interpret physical evidence from a crime scene, and testify objectively about their findings in court.

• Criminaologist

• Criminalist

• Detective

• Police Officer

The body of law that regulates the operation and procedures of government agencies. (IRS, Military, ect.)

• Administrative Law

• Equity Law

• Common (Case) Law

• Civil Law

The requirement in criminal law that police have adequate reason to arrest someone, conduct a search, or seize property relating to an alleged crime. This requirement comes from the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

• Indictment

• Probably Cause

• Material

• Arraignment

Any "lesser" criminal act in some common law legal systems. Generally punished less severely than more serious felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions and regulatory offences. Many are punished with monetary fines.

• Felony

• Infraction

• Misdemeanor

• Violation

The legal rights of an arrested person to have an attorney and to refuse to answer questions.

• Probable Cause

• Miranda Rights

• True Bill

• No Bill

The processing that occurs when one arrives at the jail or holding facility. This process entails taking fingerprints, taking photo (also known as the “mug shot”), and gathering all pertinent personal information like name, date of birth, address and place of employment.

• Arraignment

• Grand Jury Trial

• Preliminary Hearing

• Booking

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.

• Prosecutor

• Defense attorney

• Judge

• Expert Witness

A rule of evidence regarding the admissibility of expert witness testimony. The trial judge serves as the gatekeeper who determines whether an expert’s evidence is deemed reputable and relevant.

• Daubert Ruling

• Frye Standard (Ruling)

• Miranda V. Arizona

• Gideon V. Wainwright

In order for evidence to be allowed into court, it must be ruled as _____ and material.