CSI Flashcards
forensic science
the study and application of science to matters of the law
physical evidence
an object or substance that is used to prove elements of a crime
testimonial evidence
a verbal account of events or details of a crime given by a witness and/or expert
circumstantial evidence
evidence that is collected either and used indirectly to prove elements of a crime. does not prove guilt.
expert witness
a person who is specifically trained and certified in an area that allows him or her to testify in court.
the frye standard
expert opinion based on a scientific technique is admissible only where the technique is generally accepted as reliable in the scientific community.
the daubert standard
scientific technique is admissible in court if it is testable, peer reviewed, and has a rate of error provided
miranda rights
rights that are guaranteed by the constitution. you have to be read them before arrest
probable cause
the standard by which an officer has the grounds to obtain a warrant to search or arrest
individual characteristics
features or details that link a piece of evidence to one single source
class characteristics
features or details that link a piece of evidence to a group of sources.
crime scene re construction
to recreate the crime scene in order to determine the chain of events that let up to a crime.
motive
the reason a crime was commited
means
the weapon or tool used to commit the crime
opportunity
the window of time during which the crime was commuted
