Knowra Criminalistics Criminalistics Criminalistics applies scientific methods to physical evidence in criminal investigations and legal proceedings. It includes identifying, comparing, and interpreting traces such as fingerprints, biological samples, and firearms evidence.
Forensic evidence : Material or information examined to help establish facts in legal proceedings. Criminalistics begins with physical traces treated as evidence in an investigation.
Fingerprint : A pattern of friction ridges on a fingertip that can leave impressions on surfaces. Ridge patterns are compared to assess whether an impression may share a source with a known print.
Bloodstain pattern analysis : The examination of bloodstain shapes and distributions to infer aspects of bloodshed events. Patterns may constrain explanations of where and how blood was deposited.
Criminal investigation : The process of gathering information and evidence to identify, investigate, and document suspected crimes. Investigators coordinate inquiries; criminalists specialize in scientific examination of physical traces.
Chain of custody : A documented record of who handled evidence and when, from collection through presentation. Unbroken handling records help establish that tested material is the material recovered.
Forensic DNA analysis : The examination of DNA in biological material to assess identity or relatedness. DNA profiles can associate biological traces with individuals or exclude them.
Forensic entomology : The use of insects and other arthropods to address questions in legal investigations. Insect development on remains can help estimate a postmortem interval.
Criminology : The study of crime, its causes, patterns, and social responses. Criminology explains crime as a social phenomenon rather than examining case evidence.
Forensic laboratory : A facility where scientific examinations are conducted on evidence for legal investigations. Laboratory procedures turn collected traces into documented analytical results.
Forensic toxicology : The analysis of drugs, poisons, and other chemicals in biological specimens for legal purposes. Chemical traces can help explain impairment, poisoning, or cause of death.
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