How savvy a crime scene investigator are you? There has been quite an
interest in crime scene investigation with the surge of popular
investigative television shows. The following information will help you figure out the clues faster and with a better
understanding of the terms as you watch along.
Let's start with some basics:
Crime Scene Investigation: The use
of physical evidence at the scene of the crime and the use of deductive and
inductive reasoning to gain knowledge of the events surrounding the crime. Crime
scene investigation is multidisciplinary and involves a systematic search of the
crime scene; meticulous observation and documentation of the scene; photography
and sketching of the scene; the identification, processing and collection of
physical evidence such as fingerprints, footwear impressions, hair, fibers,
biological fluids, and materials for DNA analysis; and perhaps most important,
the application of careful reasoning to the facts.
Forensic: Dealing with the
application of scientific knowledge to legal problems and legal proceedings as,
for example, in forensic anthropology, forensic dentistry, forensic experts,
forensic medicine (legal medicine), forensic pathology, forensic science, etc. for more details
DNA Forensics: The application
of DNA technology and the knowledge of DNA genetics to the practice of forensic
medicine and to the power of legal medicine. Crime scene investigation has been markedly changed -- some would say
revolutionized -- by the advent of DNA forensics. This has led to the invention
of devices for DNA forensics. One is a plate of glass about the size of a hand etched with very thin channels and reservoirs. for more details
Forensic Anthropology: The application
of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process. Forensic
anthropology includes the identification of skeletal, decomposed, or
unidentified human remains. Forensic anthropology may
also help determine the age, sex, stature, and unique features of the deceased
from their remains. for more details
Forensic Genetics: The branch
of genetics that deals with the application of genetic knowledge to legal
problems and legal proceedings. Forensic genetics is also a branch of forensic
medicine which deals more broadly with the application of medical knowledge to
legal matters. for more details
For more information, go to:
Note: Thank you to Frederick Hecht, M.D., Associate Chief
Medical Editor, for authoring the special list of medterms found in this Health Fact Tool.
Last Editorial Review: 5/9/2003
Depression RSS