Introduction to Forensic Science Vocabulary

What is the application of science to law, using scientific methods to solve crimes?

• CSI Effect

• Forensic Science

• Chain of Custody

• Crime Scene

Which term describes the misconception that forensic science is quick, easy, and always accurate, as shown on TV crime shows?

• Locard’s Exchange Principle

• Testimonial Evidence

• CSI Effect

• Direct Evidence

What principle suggests that when two objects come into contact, there is always a transfer of material?

• Chain of Custody

• Locard’s Exchange Principle

• Circumstantial Evidence

• Control Sample

Which type of evidence directly proves a fact, such as eyewitness testimony or video recording?

• Circumstantial Evidence

• Physical Evidence

• Direct Evidence

• Testimonial Evidence

What is the term for tangible items collected from a crime scene, like weapons or clothing?

• Testimonial Evidence

• Physical Evidence

• Control Sample

• Inference

What is the documented record of who collected, handled, transferred, or stored evidence?

• Chain of Custody

• Crime Scene

• Observation

• Victim

What is a conclusion based on observations and reasoning called?

• Observation

• Inference

• Testimonial Evidence

• Suspect

What is a sample from a known source used for comparison, such as hair from a suspect?

• Control Sample

• Physical Evidence

• Direct Evidence

• Circumstantial Evidence

Which type of evidence relies on an indirect link to a fact, such as fingerprints or fibers?

• Direct Evidence

• Circumstantial Evidence

• Testimonial Evidence

• Control Sample

What is the location where a crime has taken place and evidence may be found called?

• Crime Scene

• Chain of Custody

• Inference

• Physical Evidence